What Are Strapping Bands in Industrial Packaging

What Are Strapping Bands in Industrial Packaging

Published On: October 10, 2024 Revised On: October 10, 2024

Strapping bands secure products for transport and storage across various industrial sectors. They are designed to hold together packages, stabilise pallet loads, and prevent damage during handling or transit. As businesses prioritise safe and efficient packaging, the demand for reliable strapping solutions has grown.

Proper load containment is essential in industries where large or heavy goods are regularly moved to avoid product loss and ensure safety. Strapping bands provide a simple yet effective solution, making them essential in industrial packaging processes. This article will explore what strapping bands are and explain why they are essential in industrial packaging.

Defining Strapping Bands

Strapping bands, also known as straps or strapping, are flat, flexible materials used to secure and bundle items together, particularly in industrial packaging.

They are designed to bind packages together, reinforce pallet loads, and ensure that items remain intact throughout the supply chain. The main purpose of strapping bands is to provide tension and strength, preventing items from shifting or being damaged.

Key features of strapping bands

Strapping bands have diverse benefits, ranging from enhancing the stability of loads to offering cost-effective solutions for businesses. Understanding these key benefits can help customers choose the right type of strapping for their specific packaging needs, optimising both safety and efficiency.

Benefit Description
Load Stability Strapping bands prevent movement and shifting of goods during transport and storage, reducing the risk of damage. By securing packages tightly, they ensure that items remain intact and stable.
Cost Efficiency Using strapping bands can help reduce product loss during transportation by keeping goods secure. This can lead to cost savings in terms of reduced damage claims and fewer replacements, making it an economical choice for businesses.
Versatility Strapping bands are highly versatile and can be used to secure a wide range of items, regardless of their shape or size. This makes them suitable for bundling boxes, pallets, and irregularly shaped loads, offering adaptability for different packaging needs.

Types of Strapping Bands

Steel Strapping Bands: Known for their high tensile strength and for securing heavy loads, steel strapping is commonly used in industries such as construction, shipping, and metalworking, where maximum strength is required to secure large and heavy items. It is ideal for bundling sharp-edged materials and ensuring load stability during long-distance transport.

Polypropylene (PP) Strapping Bands: These strapping bands are lightweight and economical for light to medium-duty applications. They are commonly used for bundling products such as boxes, newspapers, and smaller packages. PP strapping is flexible and easy to work with, making it suitable for a wide range of applications in industries like retail, warehousing, and logistics.

Polyester (PET) Strapping Bands: With a high level of tensile strength and excellent durability, PET strapping is an alternative to steel strapping. PET strapping is resistant to UV light and maintains its strength over time, making it ideal for outdoor use. It is commonly used in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and logistics to secure heavy loads, pallets, and compressed materials.

Woven Strapping Bands: Made from high-tensile synthetic fibres, woven strapping bands provide strength and flexibility. They are suitable for applications requiring strong yet lightweight strapping. Woven strapping is ideal for securing irregular or fragile loads, as it does not damage the surfaces of the secured items. It is commonly used in industries such as logistics, agriculture, and construction.

Composite Strapping Bands: Also known as corded strapping, are high-strength, durable straps made from polyester fibres embedded in a polymer coating. These bands are designed to combine the flexibility of textile strapping with the strength of steel strapping, making them ideal for securing heavy loads in industrial applications

Strapping Tools and Techniques

Strapping bands can be applied using a variety of strapping tensioners and techniques, depending on the job requirements and the type of strapping being used. The right choice of tools and techniques can improve efficiency and ensure secure bundling.

Manual vs. Automatic Strapping

Manual strapping requires a worker to use handheld tools to tension and seal the straps. It is typically used for low-volume applications or when portability is essential. The main advantage of manual strapping is its cost-effectiveness for small-scale operations, but it can be time-consuming and labour-intensive.

Automatic strapping machines can quickly and efficiently tension, seal, and cut strapping bands with minimal human intervention. These machines are ideal for high-volume applications where speed and consistency are important. While automatic machines require a higher initial investment, they can greatly improve productivity and reduce labour costs.

Types of Strapping tensioners

  • Manual Tensioners: These are used to apply the necessary tension to the strapping band, ensuring a secure fit around the package. Manual tensioners are commonly used for simple jobs, while pneumatic or battery-powered tensioners can be used for more demanding applications.
  • Sealers: They are used to crimp and seal the strapping band in place after it has been tensioned. Seals may be applied manually, or automatic sealers can be used more efficiently.
  • Automatic Strapping Tensioners: For large-scale packaging lines, automatic strapping tensioners offer the fastest and most efficient solution. These machines can handle a high volume of packages and provide consistent tension and sealing, ensuring that the strapping is securely applied.

Safety Considerations When Using Strapping Bands

Safety is critical when working with strapping bands, as improper handling can lead to injuries. To ensure a safe working environment, following best practices when using strapping bands is essential. By following safety considerations, workers can minimise the risks associated with using strapping bands and ensure a safe packaging environment.

  1. Use Protective Gloves: Always wear protective gloves to safeguard hands from sharp edges that may form on the bands. Gloves help prevent cuts and abrasions, particularly when tensioning or cutting the material.
  2. Wear Eye Protection: Safety glasses or goggles are essential during tensioning and cutting operations. Strapping bands can snap under pressure, posing a serious risk to the eyes. Eye protection helps prevent injuries from sudden breaks or recoil of the material.
  3. Be Cautious When Cutting Bands: When cutting strapping bands, it’s important to handle them with care, as they can release tension abruptly. This can cause the band to spring back with force, which may result in injury if not appropriately controlled.
  4. Inspect Tools Regularly: Ensure that all strapping tools, such as tensioners and sealers, are regularly maintained and in good working condition. Faulty equipment increases the likelihood of malfunctions, which could lead to avoidable accidents.
  5. Wear Proper Foot Protection: Steel-toed boots can protect feet from falling objects during the strapping process, especially when handling heavy materials or large loads.

Conclusion

Selecting the appropriate strapping band to ensure the safety and stability of packaged goods during transport and storage. By understanding the different types of strapping bands, their benefits, and the tools and techniques available, make informed decisions for a responsible and efficient packaging strategy.

At Stream Peak, a wide range of strapping band materials, specifications, and sizes are available to suit different industrial needs. Each strapping band is designed to meet quality standards for secure load handling. In addition, comprehensive training is provided to ensure the correct usage of strapping equipment. Contact the engineering packaging team for further information or specific enquiries.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can strapping bands be used for outdoor applications?

Yes, many strapping bands, particularly polyester and composite strapping, are resistant to weather and UV exposure, making them suitable for outdoor use. However, steel strapping can rust and should be avoided in humid or outdoor conditions unless corrosion-resistant coatings are used

How do I choose the right strapping band?

The choice depends on factors such as load weight, handling requirements, environmental conditions, and cost. Steel is best for very heavy loads, while polyester and polypropylene offer cost-effective alternatives for lighter applications. Composite strapping is a versatile solution for irregular or heavy goods.

Are strapping bands reusable?

Some types of strapping, like polyester and polypropylene, can be reused depending on their condition after removal. However, steel strapping is usually single-use due to the risk of deformation during application.