What are the different types of straps?

Strapping of packages is essential when it comes to holding products/goods together. It is also done to ease the process of loading and transportation. A well-tensioned strap is also useful during transit, especially while transporting goods such as lumber. Besides this, strapping ensures that the package is closed properly and that no contents fall out accidentally. It serves to provide extra strength to the packaging container, and therefore it is important to use material which is safe for the packages and easy to work with. There are four different kinds of straps used in the packaging industry:

Polypropylene (PP) StrapThese is the most common type of straps used in the packaging industry. It has the required strength to secure packages while also being economical. Manufacturers design PP straps in various lengths and widths to suit the specific weight of the load. The straps are colour-coded for easy characterisation of their breaking strength. These can be used in combination with hand tools or automatic strapping machines. It is safe to use a PP strap due to its rounded edges, however, after tensioning, it may cut through delicate packaging. To tackle this issue, edge protectors are recommended. These straps have enough stretch to provide some wiggle room for the load, but its retention is poor. Due tothis, they lose the functionality after some time.

Polyester (PET) StrapThis is another lightweight and durable strap that is widely used in the industry due to its economical price. Polyester webbing has excellent tensile strength. It can stretch enough and also has excellent retention capacity, which is desirable. This feature keeps the load secure through and through. There are loads that may shrink during transit, and PET strapping is the preferred option in such cases. It is rust-resistant and does not wither away in the presence of ultraviolet rays. His type of strap does not have sharp edges, which makes carrying out operations easy. PET straps are a low-cost durable alternative to steel strapping.

Steel StrapsSteel has long been used by the packaging industry, for its high-tensile strength and flexibility. Steel straps are also economical to use. Steel straps do not stretch much, which is desirable, as loss of retention can put a package at a risk of falling apart. Manufacturers have designed steel straps of varying lengths and widths, which makes the selection process easier. The width normally translates into how much weight a strap can withstand without breaking. A wider steel strap is excellent for securing heavy loads. These are weatherproof and resistant to UV rays. However, they have sharp edges and must be carefully used, to avoid any damage to the package and prevent a personal injury.

Composite StrapsThese have emerged as a successful alternative to steel strapping. Composite straps are designed using polyester-based fiber, which is coated with polypropylene. This combination provides excellent tensile strength to composite straps. If bought from a certified manufacturer, these straps can be proficiently used to replace steel straps. Composite straps are lightweight and they stick to a package for a secure hold. These are also abrasion-resistant and can be used under high temperature conditions. Industry solvents are ineffective against composite straps, since they have a protective layer. Depending upon the width of the strap, it may be suitable to handle a transit force ranging anywhere between 200 to 1600 kilograms.

Global Packaging is a supplier of high-grade Industrial Packaging Machines and Consumables. Specializing in supplying integrated packaging solutions and cutting-edge technologies.