Strapping your parcels: best practices to protect your parcels

When simple tape is not enough, there is nothing like proper strapping to protect your goods during storage or transport!

However, strapping a parcel is not a particularly intuitive handling activity and requires careful attention to detail to ensure that the parcel is ready for shipping

In this guide, you will find out all the best practices for strapping your parcels, whether you choose to do it manually or with a strapping machine.

Toutes les bonnes pratiques de cerclage de colis à intégrer à vos process logistiques

How do I manually strap a package?

Manual strapping equipment such as tensioners and tighteners may be suitable for you, if you do not have more than a few dozen parcels per day to strap

To strap a parcel with a tensioner, start by wrapping the strapping band around the box. The aim is to bring the two ends of the band together. The end of the band coil should then be below the free end

Then place the blade of the tensioner on the free end of the strap and operate the lever

Then place the other end of the strap in the blade and operate the lever with back and forth movements. These movements allow the tensioner to tension the strap

Once the strap is tight, you can crimp the steel clevis around both ends of the strap with a pair of pliers. Now you just need to operate the lever again to cut the strap.

And with a tensioner?

If you use a tensioner, the device allows you to crimp the strap without the need for special pliers, thus increasing your productivity and saving your operators from one of the most difficult manual tasks in package strapping.

How do you strap a package with a semi-automatic strapping machine?

If you are strapping between 50 and 100 parcels per day, and these boxes or cardboard cases are of varying sizes, the semi-automatic strapping machine is the recommended option, as it allows you to speed up the rate of your packaging line and reduce the risk of Musculoskeletal Disorders linked to the strapping of parcels

To use a semi-automatic strapping machine, nothing could be easier

Position the package on the machine in a stable manner
Pass the strap around the box
Set the desired strap tension on the machine
Press the button: the tensioning and sealing of the strap is done automatically and safely!

How to strap a package with an automatic strapping machine?

If you intend to strap more than 100 packages per day, and if the packages are of a fairly uniform size, the automatic strapping machine is the right machine for you. It allows you to fully automate the strapping process, thus significantly speeding up the rate of your packaging line, and avoiding the need for your operators to strap manually

Here’s how to strap a package with an automatic strapping machine

Position the package on the machine
Set the strap tension on the machine
The machine then takes care of everything: the strap is automatically inserted and ejected, and the strap is automatically crimped

Whether automatic or semi-automatic strapping machines, these machines are ergonomically designed so that your operators have to make as few movements as possible when packaging your products

Need to strap packages throughout the warehouse?

appareil-cerclage-colis-mobile

Most strapping machines have wheels so they can be moved around the warehouse. However, if you need to strap 70 to 150 packages per hour throughout the warehouse, you should choose mobile strapping equipment. These can be used to strap packages as well as pallets, and heavy as well as light loads.

What equipment should you choose for heavy-duty strapping?

Find out which materials are key, whether you choose a manual or machine-assisted strapping method

Strapping bands

There are different types of strapping, depending on the type of boxes you are strapping, your protection needs, and the brand image you want to convey in your packaging.

	Polypropylene strapping(or pp strap) is the traditional strap. It has a very low price per metre and a high breaking strength. It is also resistant to temperature variations and is therefore recommended for strapping packages of frozen goods. To enhance your brand image, you can choose from a wide range of colours
	Recycled polyester strapis the eco-friendly version of pp strap. It can be stored for long periods and outdoors, and can be closed either by capping or by welding, making it suitable for manual or machine strapping of packages. It is ideal for avoiding the use of plastic strap, and therefore for your eco-friendly brand image
	Woven textile strapit is suitable for strapping packages containing fragile products or heavy loads and adapts perfectly to the shape of your packaging
	High strength strapis, as the name suggests, very thick and strong, making it ideal for strapping heavy packages, either manually or by machine
	Narrow straphas a smaller width than other straps and can help you manually gather boxes you are not yet using, to save space in the warehouse.

Strapping accessories

Whether you strap your packages by hand or with a machine, consider equipping your warehouse with the following two tools

	Strapping protection anglesthey are essential if you want to protect the edges of the boxes you have strapped, especially for packages containing very fragile products
	A stripper truckthis helps your operators to handle the strap coils more easily, thanks to its integrated unwinder.

If you choose to strap your packages manually, you will need the following accessories

	Crimping clevises. Choose a model of strong steel clevis, semi-open or closed, depending on the logistic processes used in your packaging line. Some clevises are equipped with spikes on their inner side, for a high resistance of the strap around the package
	Self-locking buckles: These can be steel or plastic buckles. Whichever model you choose, this type of buckle will hold the box strapping firmly to the package.
	Crimping pliersthis is a key tool for ensuring optimal tightening of the strap around the strap.

You are now ready to strap your packages securely!

If you want to go further and take care of your packaging, take a look at the RAJA guide to successful packaging from A to Z. The result: optimal protection for your goods and a memorable customer experience!