What is strapping?

Strapping is the process of applying a steel or plastic strap around a product or pallet to bundle, reinforce, or attach it to something. This is done using a strapping machine (banding machine) or strapping tool. Strapping machines can be divided into semi automatic strapping machines, (fully) automatic strapping machines and pallet strapping machines. Strapping tools can be divided into hand strapping tools and battery & pneumatic strapping tools.

The purpose of strapping products is to transport and / or store them quickly and undamaged in an efficient and safe manner.

How does strapping work?

The strapping band is applied horizontally or vertically around the product, with the ends of the strapping material coming together. A strapping tool or strapping machine connects these ends after the correct tension has been applied. A strapping tool or strapping machine closes the strapping band using a seal or buckle, or by welding the ends together. After this, the excess strapping band is cut automatically.

All materials, sizes and shapes can be strapped.

Applications of strapping

Examples of concrete applications of strapping with a strapping machine or strapping tool are:

• Closing boxes and shipping containers
• Bundling for handling and shipping: e.g., newspapers, pipes, wood or concrete blocks
• Attaching or securing products to pallets and crates
• Reinforce wooden boxes, cardboard boxes and crates
• Attach items to flat wagons or flatbed trailers
• Securing a unit load such as bricks or flat glass
• Keep rolls of steel or paper together
• Lifting assistance with for example roof tiles or newspapers
• Theft protection: it can be seen immediately if the strapping band has been removed

Which type of strapping material is most suitable?

There are many facets that determine which kind of strapping material is most suitable. The choice of PP strap, PET or steel strap is essential. What width and thickness should the material have? Do you want manual or machine strapping? The right choice depends on several factors, such as:

• Is the load stable or unstable?
• How heavy is the load?
• Does the load deform?
• How long are the products stored?
• How long does the transport of the products take?
• How often are the products loaded and unloaded?
• Are the products fragile or is there a risk of damage?
• Where is it stored? Environmental factors play a role in this
• Is the material applied mechanically or manually?
• What is the requested capacity in numbers per day?
• Where is the strapping done? Is this a permanent place or is flexibility important?

These points are of course also important when choosing the right strapping machine or strapping tool. Making the right choice, considering the best solution for you, is complex and requires experience. We would be happy to advise you on this, without any obligation. Contact us!

Consumables

Polypropylene (PP strap), polyester (PET strap) and steel strap are the most commonly used straps. Each variety has unique properties, is suitable for different areas of application and has advantages and disadvantages. PP and PET strap can be used when strapping manually or with a strapping machine.

Steel strap is designed for extreme tasks that require heavy or very strong strapping. Steel strap is ideal if high strength and minimal elongation is desired, or if the product gets hot or can be sharp.

Polypropylene strap is the most commonly used strapping material and is used in a wide variety of industries. A light or medium load can easily be strapped with PP strap. PP strap is excellent under normal circumstances.

Polyester strap is the strongest type of plastic strap. This strapping band is often used under heavy loads that require high tension. Because PET strapping is so strong, it is used in many industries as an alternative to steel strapping.

Advice

Would you like tailor-made advice or would you like more information about which type of belt or device is most suitable for you?

From the simplest handheld device to large project installations, our experts are ready to give you good advice. Feel free to contact us!