Strapping with plastic or steel strap

What is strapping?

Strapping is a process whereby a metal or plastic strap is placed around a product or pallet to bundle it, reinforce it, or attach it to something.

The ultimate objective of strapping something is to transport and/or store products/loads quickly and without damage in a safe & efficient way.

Why use strapping?

Examples of strapping applications:

Closing boxes and shipment containers
Bundling for handling and shipment: newspapers, tubes, timber, concrete blocks
Attaching/securing items to pallets and crates
Reinforcement of wooden chests, crates and cardboard boxes
Attaching items to flat vehicles, trailers with flat loading platform
Securing unit loads such as bricks, flat glass
Holding together rolls of steel or paper
Lifting aid, e.g. for roof tiles or newspapers
Theft protection, when the strap is removed this is immediately visible

How does it work?

The strap is placed around the product (horizontally or vertically), and the ends come together again. By means of a device or machine, the ends are pulled towards and over each other to build up tension. After tensioning the strap, the ends must be attached to one another to maintain the tension. This can be done by means of a seal or buckle, or by ‘welding’ the ends together. Then the excess material is cut off by means of scissors or a knife.

Strapping is suitable for all types of materials, sizes and shapes. Here you can watch several videos that show how the strapping process works.

Which strap is the most suitable?

PP, PET or steel strap? Which width and thickness? Manual or mechanical strapping? The correct choice depends on various factors, such as:

How heavy is the load and is the load stable or unstable
Does the load deform
How often is it loaded and unloaded
Is the load fragile or is it easily damaged
Where will it be stored: inside or outside, what are the ambient influences
How long will the load be stored
How is the strap applied: manually or mechanically
What is the required capacity in numbers per day
Where does strapping take place, fixed spot or changeable

Selecting the best solution for you is complex and requires experience. We are looking forward to helping you, without any obligation. Please contact us via +44 1480 216777 or via info@cyklop.co.uk.

Tools & Machines

To apply strapping material a hand-held device or machine is required. Click below for more information about the different solutions.

In addition to strapping tools, machines and consumables, we also have a number of accessories available that make strapping easier. Click here to view all accessories for strapping.

Consumables

The most commonly used types of straps are Polypropylene (PP), Polyester (PET) and steel straps. They all have their unique properties, application areas and advantages/disadvantages.

Steel is the oldest and strongest strap available. Steel strap was designed for extreme tasks for which a heavy or very firm strap is needed, whereby a high strength and minimum stretch is required, or when the product can be sharp or hot.

Polypropylene or PP straps are the most commonly used straps and are used in a wide range of industries. PP was specially designed for light/medium heavy loads and has an excellent performance under normal conditions.

Polyester is the strongest plastic strap. It is often used for heavy loads that require a high tension during handling, transport and storage. PET is used as an alternative to steel strap in many industries.

Advice

Are you looking for tailored advice or do you want more information about what is the best for you?

From the simplest hand equipment to large project systems, our experts are ready to provide you with good advice. Please contact us for more information!