​Plastic and Steel Strapping in Packaging

Posted by Mike Cunnningham on May 30th 2023

​Plastic and Steel Strapping in Packaging

Your products deal with many hazards before arriving to your customer; from knocks to tumbles, keeping your product (and its packaging) safe is a simple method to minimize returns. Two popular methods for securing items together are strapping and banding! Their job is to keep products from shifting or becoming damaged during shipping. Whether you are packing products for shipping or storage, choosing the right materials and techniques can make all the difference. Here we will cover a few points you need to know about strapping and banding, including the different types of materials, the tools and equipment you’ll need, and tips for selecting the right methods for your specific packaging requirements.

Strapping, also known as banding or pallet banding, is a vital part of product packing and distribution. It is used primarily to secure pallets and to bundle items in transit. The choice does vary but comes down to two main categories – metal and plastic.

What is strapping made from? Most metal strapping is made from steel, and most plastic types are made from either polypropylene (PP) or polyester (PET). Traditionally, steel and PET are used to ship heavy-duty items, such as bricks or timber. Plastic (PP) is deemed more suited to the palletization of lighter-duty products. It is also applied directly to cardboard boxes to improve handling.

Types of application. There are two ways strapping and pallet banding can be applied:

Manual application is when strapping is applied by hand directly or using a manual dispenser and secured manually using a hand-help tensioning or sealing tool.

Automated application is when the application of strapping uses some sort of machinery. This could include semi and fully automated machines, friction welders and battery-powered tools, and semi and full-automated strapping tables.

Four ways to speed up strapping application:

For low-volume applications, use manual tensioning, cutting, and sealing tools.

To speed up the manual process, switch to a battery-operated friction welder, which tensions, cuts, and seals at the touch of a button

Semi-automatic strapping machines are recommended for higher volume, single-product runs. They apply quickly but require the operator to feed the strapping around the pack.

Fully automated machines are well suited for high-volume use where packages vary in shape and weight. No intervention is required and applied in seconds.

We offer a wide range of strapping and pallet banding products, including those made with polypropylene, polyester, and steel. Incorporating different types of application methods, such as hand or machine; we can provide dispensing equipment too, making application a breeze.

Contact us for more specific information. Call 813 242 6995 or sales@quickpakinc.com