Strapping

What are the different types of strapping?


Composite Strapping

Composite strapping is made of polyester yarn with a polypropylene coating, making it extremely strong. It is designed to secure heavy loads during transit and in storage. It can be used for demanding loads such as metal drums and steel tubes. This strap is resistant against rough surfaces, chemical abrasions, moisture, rot, and rust. It is very weather resistant, making it suitable for UV exposure and extended periods outdoors. Being one of the most flexible strapping materials, composite strap can be easily adjusted for different shapes/sizes of load, making it suitable for securing more delicate products such as uPVC windows. Compared to steel strapping, composite strapping is a cost-effective option for securing heavy duty products. Additionally, composite strapping is 100% recyclable and contains some recycled material. Unlike traditional polyester (PET) strapping, composite strap has a lower stretchability, making it better suited for heavy loads that are liable to move or jolt in transit.
Overall, composite strapping is a strong and durable option for securing heavy loads during transit or in storage. It is more flexible than steel strap and more reliable than polyester (PET) strap.


Steel Strapping

Steel strapping is a durable, heavy-duty material that is used to secure heavy loads during transit and in storage. The breaking strain is higher than most other types of strapping, such as polyester (PET) and it is very resistant to snapping or stretching. It is designed to be durable and resistant to cuts, abrasions, and moisture, which helps to keep the load protected during transit and long periods of storage in most environments. It is also resistant to UV light, making it suitable for outdoor use. Due to a protective coating, steel strap is rust-resistant, which helps to ensure longevity during long periods of application. Steel strap is generally more expensive than other strapping materials, such as plastic or composite, however, is necessary in very heavy duty applications. Steel is 100% recyclable and can be re-processed over and over.

Polypropylene Strapping

Polypropylene (PP) strapping is made from extruded polypropylene which is a popular material used for strapping. Polypropylene is relatively strong and durable, making it suitable for medium duty applications such as securing cartons to a pallet. The higher grades available are resistant to cuts, which can secure relatively heavy loads. Due to the poor elastic memory of polypropylene strap, once stretched it does not return to its original form. If you have a product that expands during storage or transport such as timber, this is the right kind of strapping for you.
Generally, PP strap is the cheapest type of strap, due to the manufacturing process and raw material. It is easy to use due to the very wide range of tools available to apply it. Often it is secured manually with a buckle or seal, however it can be sealed with a friction weld join. It is also 100% recyclable and can contain up to 80% recycled material, making it an eco-friendly strapping option.
Overall, polypropylene strap is a cheap, versatile, and easy-to-use option for a wide range of light-medium duty applications. If the load or product is not very demanding, this is a great solution that can secure and protect effectively.


Machine Strapping

Machine strapping is much faster and more efficient than manual strapping, allowing you to secure loads more quickly and effectively. It helps to ensure consistent and accurate results, which can improve the professionalism of your packing and offer better security during transit or storage.
Machine strapping reduces the amount of manual labour required, making it easier and more cost-effective to secure heavy loads during transit. Using a machine to strap your pallets or parcels also reduces the risk of injury from manual handling such as trapped fingers, repetitive strain and back strain. There are a wide range of machine strapping tools for many strap types, including polyester (PET), polypropylene (PP), composite, and steel. This means strapping machinery is suitable for many varied load types including bricks, steel tubes/drums, timber, boxes etc
Machine strapping can be more cost-effective in the long run, as it significantly reduces manual labour. Overall, using strapping machinery is efficient and cost-effective for securing a wide range of loads during transit or storage. It is versatile, safe, and ensures consistent results, making it an great solution which often offers cost savings.

What is the best strapping for loads that are move a lot in transit?

For a load or product that moves a lot in transit, the best suited material must be strong and flexible to provide security. Some commonly used strapping options for loads that are liable to move include:

Polyester (PET) Strapping: This is a high-strength material that can be used in most medium and some heavy-duty applications. It is resistant to moisture, UV light, and abrasion, making it ideal for outdoor shipping. Polyester (PET) strap has the best elastic memory, which prevents the strap from losing tension in applications where the load settles and moves during transit.

Woven Polyester Strapping: Woven polyester yarn is one of the strongest strapping materials available. Is ideal for securing items with irregular shapes due to its flexibility, and can withstand very high tension. Woven strap can be re-tensioned and adjusted as many times as needed. A heavy-moving load will often cause the strap to loosen over time, therefore re-tensioning can be very important

Composite strapping: This strap is suitable for very heavy-duty applications. Composite strap has advantages over steel especially when used in very demanding applications where the load is moving. Unlike steel, composite strap has elastic memory and can be re-tensioned which makes it better suitable for dynamic (moving) applications.

When selecting the best strapping option, it is important to consider the specific features of the items being shipped such as weight, object shape and transportation method. For example, polyester (PET) strap may be the best option for medium-duty loads with short transit periods, whereas composite or woven strap may be better suited for heavy ocean-freight loads.