STRAPPING GUIDE

Table of Contents:

Strapping Systems 101

When someone refers to strapping, they are referring to the straps that are placed all around sealed pallets, or individual packages to keep the packaging secure during the shipping process. Though strapping can be made from a variety of materials, they mostly all serve the same purpose, to keep the package in some way more secured while it is being moved around. Strapping is usually applied by someone through the use of strapping tools that both apply the material to the package and tighten it to give it the tension needed to keep the package secure. The material is then cut to separate it from the main roll. Even though this process is relatively simple, there are ways to automate it to make the entire process much more efficient and much more cost-effective. Before we get to how to automate it though, let’s talk a little more about the types of strapping materials out there, and what qualities you should look for when it comes to selecting strapping material.

Types of Strapping Materials

There are three main materials that strapping is usually made out of, polypropylene, polyester, and steel. Though the number of materials used is limited, these three can essentially do any strapping related job.

Polypropylene

Though it’s used for a number of purposes, polypropylene is a plastic-like material that is quite strong and durable. Despite the fact that it’s a rather hard material, it can still flex enough to be wrapped around a pallet, and it is powerful enough to hold even a large pallet together. This material is also more recyclable than others. Polypropylene really shines as a cheaper alternative to other strapping material that can still do the same job just as well, most of the time. It can mostly take on lighter or moderate level jobs due to its elasticity, but it won’t be able to handle extreme heavy duty jobs like steel can. It does have its limitations, but most of the time it can handle the job it’s being used on.

Polyester

Polyester is another strapping material that is commonly seen in the industry. Polyester can be viewed as a cheaper alternative to steel. It can handle heavier duty loads than polypropylene can, but it has a tough time handling extreme heavy duty strapping jobs. It is also a more recyclable option than steel, and it comes with less risk of injury and is easier to deal with. It’s also usually more cost-efficient than steel, so if your operation can deal with having a weaker, yet more cost-efficient strapping material, then polyester may be best for you.

Steel

Steel is the most heavy duty and least flexible strapping material out there. It can handle the most heavy duty jobs and is the most expensive when compared to both polyester and polypropylene. Before these other two materials were in use, steel was the dominant material for most strapping jobs. However, if your operation doesn’t require extreme strapping capabilities then you essentially don’t have too much of a need for steel. There’s a reason why the other materials are so common, they can handle most jobs. However, for those extreme jobs, you’re going to want steel for your strapping. Do bear in mind that steel can also be a more dangerous material to deal with than the others. Basically, try to use steel as a last resort and make sure it’s really necessary for your job before committing to it.

What Are Some Qualities of Well-Made Strapping Material?

When it comes to quality strapping material, you’re mostly looking for durability. It needs to be able to stay together under intense pressure, and tension when wrapped around a load to ensure that the products inside stay secure. Durability should be the number one thing on your mind, but there are a few other factors that go into deciding the best qualities of strapping materials. Depending on the material you choose and the stuff you’re shipping, you also want it to be flexible enough to bend when it needs to avoid snapping. Some materials are better at that than others. Overall, you need to know the pros and cons of the given material you’re using, but durability should be the first thing you look for.

What is the Automated Equipment That Can Be Used for Strapping?

When it comes to automated equipment that can be used for strapping it can be broken down into two sections.

Semi-Automatic Power Strapping Machines

Semi-automatic power strapping machines take the hardest part out of the strapping process. Though a worker still needs to load a given pallet and set the strapping material up both on the pallet and on the machine, the machine itself will tighten the strap and cut them off to complete the process. This part is often the most dangerous, and difficult, and a semi-automatic power strapping machine will take the risk and hassle off of your workers.

Automatic Power Strapping Machines

Automatic power strapping machines require even less oversight. They usually come with sensors that allow them to detect when a pallet, or package has been placed near them, and are able to perform the entire strapping process with essentially no help. Usually these machines are integrated into assembly lines to allow for fast and efficient strapping with a much smaller risk of injury for your workers. Though this machine is more expensive, if you have a large-scale operation automatic machines can save you a lot of time in your packing process and money due to it not really having the ability to waste material.

Can It Be Customized to Fit My Brand?

Some of our strapping material can be customized to a degree to fit your brand. Though due to the nature of strapping material, there really isn’t much to customize. This material is mostly functional, and doesn’t serve too much of an aesthetic function. However, the color of some of the materials can be changed, and polypropylene can be custom printed to give it a little more flare.

Industries Served and Environmental Impact

Strapping material is used in many industries. We at Morrisette have worked with the health and beauty industry, the retail industry, the food and beverage industry, the firearm industry, food and beverage industry, the medical supply industry, and others. As far as the environmental impact of strapping material goes, some strapping materials are more recyclable than others. As mentioned earlier, both polypropylene, and polyester are recyclable to a degree, but steel strapping isn’t really all that recyclable. If you’re worried about the environmental impact of your packaging line, then you should probably stick to the first two materials, rather than steel, if you can manage without using it.

Order Stock or Custom Designed Strapping Material and Equipment Today!

We at Morrisette can help you find the strapping materials and equipment that you need to increase the efficiency of your packaging operation. With a wide variety of stock strapping, and a team waiting to help you design your own custom strapping, we can supply any company with the strapping they want. If your company needs stock or custom strapping, contact us. We know you won’t be disappointed with our service. Contact us today.

Company Name*
Contact Name*
Email*
Location*
Message*

Category: Packaging Design September 26, 2022