Types of Strapping: Pros, Cons and the Solution
Strapping plays a vital role in the packaging industry.
But can strapping actually undermine the quality of an industrial project?
The answer is yes!
In this article we introduce the types of strapping and discuss how they perform and the challenges they create for manufacturers.
What types of strapping are there?
In general, polymer and steel straps are the most widely used in industry.
Steel straps are used to pack very heavy goods such as steel products and metal coils, but because of their high cost they have no place in light-duty packaging.
Opening this type of strap also requires special cutters.
The second type is polymer strapping.
Polymer or plastic straps are used very widely in the packaging industry.
Today, two types of polymer strap — PET and PP — are in the highest demand, and we compare them below.
PP strapping
PP (polypropylene) straps offer excellent strength and high elasticity.
Statistically, they are the most commonly used straps for packaging, but
if your product changes size during transport (that is, it contracts or expands), forget about PP.
We said PP strap is very elastic — but does that elasticity recover?
In other words, when goods have been tightly strapped, enter the transport chain and then shrink due to environmental changes, does the PP strap shrink by the same amount to keep the load secure?
The answer is no!
So what’s the solution?
PET strapping
The second type of plastic strap is PET (polyethylene terephthalate).
Like PP straps, PET straps have excellent strength and high elasticity — but the difference is that PET straps recover.
This means that if your goods shrink, the PET strap tightens with them and keeps the load secure.
PET straps are also used for very heavy goods and are a good alternative to steel straps.
At the start we mentioned the problems strapping can cause for packaging
Here we take a closer look.
During strapping, the high pressure where the strap touches the product can dent, tear or discolour the package.
This can make the shipment look poor quality and, in severe cases, seriously damage the product inside the box.
But is there a solution to this problem?
Yes!
Ara Polymer Nikan was the first in Iran to produce and bring to market two practical products for this.
The first is polymer edge protectors, which protect the edges of the product and play an important role when strapping pallets.
The second is the company’s small, practical strap guards, which protect goods where there isn’t enough space for a polymer edge protector.
These products protect your goods at very low cost and make sure your shipment arrives looking its best.
