What are the different types of strapping bands?

Strapping bands, also known as strapping or banding, are used to secure, bundle, or reinforce products and packages during storage, transportation, and handling. There are several different types of strapping bands, each suited to particular applications depending on factors such as strength, material properties, cost, and environment. The main types of strapping bands are:

1. Polypropylene (PP) Strapping

Material: Made from polypropylene plastic.

Properties: Lightweight, flexible, and cost-effective.

Applications: Widely used in light to medium-duty applications, such as packaging boxes, pallets, and cartons. Ideal for general packaging and bundling.

Advantages:Cost-effective compared to other types.Resistant to UV degradation, moisture, and chemicals.Can be used with both manual and automatic strapping machines.

Disadvantages:Lower tensile strength compared to polyester or steel strapping.Can be more prone to stretching under heavy loads.

2. Polyester (PET) Strapping

Material: Made from polyester.

Properties: Stronger and more rigid than polypropylene, offering a higher level of durability.

Applications: Used for medium to heavy-duty applications such as securing heavy boxes, metal coils, and palletized goods.

Advantages:Higher tensile strength and less stretch than polypropylene.

Resistant to weather, UV rays, and chemicals.

More reliable for heavy-duty or high-stress applications.

Disadvantages:Slightly more expensive than polypropylene.

Requires more careful handling and sometimes specific equipment for application.

3. Steel Strapping

Material: Made from cold-rolled steel.

Properties: Extremely strong, rigid, and resistant to abrasion, making it suitable for very heavy-duty applications.

Applications: Used for securing heavy items such as metal, bricks, lumber, and large industrial machinery.

Advantages:Very high tensile strength and resistance to heavy loads.

Provides a secure and durable hold, especially for sharp-edged or rough items.

Disadvantages:Expensive compared to plastic strapping options.

Can be more difficult to handle and requires special tools (steel strapping tools).Prone to rust if not properly treated or coated.

5. Composite Strapping

Material: Typically a combination of polyester and other materials (such as steel reinforcement).

Properties: Offers the strength of steel strapping with the flexibility and ease of use of plastic materials.

Applications: Used in heavy-duty and demanding applications, such as securing large industrial goods, heavy machinery, or equipment.

Advantages:Combines the benefits of steel and plastic, making it resistant to stretching and offering high tensile strength.

More cost-effective than full steel strapping.

Disadvantages:Requires specialized tools and machinery.

Can be more expensive than regular plastic options like polypropylene.

6. Corded Strapping

Material: Typically made from polyester or nylon cords braided together.

Properties: Flexible and durable, with a high resistance to stretching and abrasion.

Applications: Used for medium-duty bundling and securing applications, especially for objects that require a more flexible strapping material (such as bales of paper or textiles).

Advantages:More flexible than steel or other rigid strapping materials. Resistant to UV light and chemicals.

Disadvantages:Not suitable for very heavy loads. Requires proper sealing tools and techniques for best results.