For those who have been working in the packaging industry since years know what strapping is but for those who haven’t, it is the process of using a metal or plastic strap to unitize, palletize or bundle products together. Used in a variety of industries from shipping large industrial equipment and lumber to reinforcing cases in r-commerce fulfillment centers, etc. And maybe that’s the reason why you will come across so many grades and types of materials on the market today.
Further speaking about its application, strapping can be applied either manually with a hand tool or automatically with a machine. In both cases, a strap or band is feed around the product and pulled taught. A fastening method then secures the ends of the strap around the product and the excess material is removed. From steel to polyester, polypropylene, you will come across a variety of materials available in different strengths with specific grades and classifications. Of course, it is very important to understand these types and how they can affect your material choice when choosing your packaging.
Encounter its types
Strapping has a wide range of applications and uses. It is very important to understand the different types of strapping materials. Apart from multiple strength levels, these materials also vary in terms of elongation and recovery rates.
Now elongation and recovery are some of the most important aspects for loads that are susceptible to sudden shifting. The moment applies tension to the strap as the load shifts. As the shifting occurs, a strap can stretch to reduce the impact of sudden inertia changes. The straps recovery ability of the strap will indicate the straps ability to return to its original state.
Steel Strapping
Being one of the eldest and commonly used banding material, steel strapping is designed for extreme looking tasks that require a heavy-duty or very heavy-duty strap. Steel strapping is optimal for packaging industrial equipment, heavy construction materials, and shipping steel coils.
Features included are:-
- Handle large loads
- Hot temperature
- Sharp edges
- High break strength
- Low Elongation Capabilities
- UV Resistant
- Extreme Durability
This type can be applied manually by choosing reliable steel strapping tools and fastened together by crimping a steel buckle around the bands ends. The excess steel strapping is then cut and disposed of.
Plastic Strapping
Made from polyester, polypropylene, plastic strapping is available in a variety of strengths, styles, and finishes. Unlike steel strapping, elongation and recovery are a key factor in deciding which type of plastic strap to use.
Features included are:-
- Paper
- Lumber
- Fresh Produce
- Reinforcing Stretch Wrapped Pallets
Plastic strapping materials can be applied manually with the use of hand tensioning tool, or automatically by a strapping machine.
Polyester Strapping
Here comes another most commonly used polymer strapping material across the globe. Its strength and durability have made it the most commonly used material to replace steel strapping.
Features included are:-
- Strongest of Plastic Strapping
- High Break Strength
- High Levels of Tension
- Greater Elongation
- High Recovery
Ideal for:-
- Medium to Heavy Duty Loads like construction materials
- Loads that may settle, expand or contract during shipping
- Loads that are susceptible to impacts or shifting environments like ships
- Reinforcing heavy packages and loads
The level of elongation and recovery is high in polyester making strapping ideal for packaging loads that are susceptible to shifting. Yes, it even helps to minimize the effect of sudden shifts in momentum.
Polypropylene Strapping
Unlike other materials, this is an economical strapping material designed for light to medium duty utilizing, palletizing and bundling. Consistent pressure to polypropylene strapping can result in unrecoverable dead stretch and inability to return to its original length.
Features included are:-
- Economical
- Highest Level of Elongation
- Little Recovery
- Low Strength
Ideal for:-
- Light to Medium Duty Unitizing
- Short Transportation Trips
- Loads Protected from Environmental Conditions
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