How to choose the right type of strapping?

[Strapping

bands: these are the strong ‘tapes’ you often see around crates or pallets. They keep goods securely packed and are therefore an essential link in

the

securing of loads. And for those who are unsure: you have a wide choice of types and models. How do you know which type of strapping is best for your load? You’ll find the answer to that question in this guide to choosing. We’ll also give you advice on accessories, machines and techniques to ensure your strapping goes smoothly.

1. What types of strapping are there?

Depending on

the raw material, there are five types of strapping: paper, polypropylene (PP), textile, polyester and steel.Each type has its own advantages, of course.Polypropylene strapping, for example, is the cheapest (and most popular) variety in the packaging world.It is made of a type of plastic with a raised structure for better grip.The strongest type is steel strapping: ideal for the construction industry, for example.In the table below, you can compare all types of strapping:

Material	Applications	Characteristics
Paper	forloads very lightfor short term use (indoor). – For manual or machine strapping.	… –Resistance < 55 kgeco-responsible: made of 100% renewable material.
Polypropylene	... – For loads light… –For short term use (indoor). – For manual or machine strapping.¹	… –Resistance < 245 kgsurface: embossed appearance.^{2 –}Most elastic.
Textile	3 –For heavy loads heavy or fragile3 – For long use (inside + outside). – For manual strapping.	... – Resistance < 820 kgsurface: soft – Resistant to sharp edges.
Polyester	for loads heavyfor long use (inside + outside). – For manual or machine strapping.¹	… –Resistance < 543 kgsurface: embossed appearance.^{2 –}Resists sharp edges.
Steel	3 –For loads very heavy³ –For manual strapping.	… –Resistance < 775 kgresistant to sharp edges– Least elastic.

[¹ Depending on thequality of the strap. Download our guide (PDF) for a complete overview.² Embossed surface: allows for better adhesion to the surface and guarantees a stronger seal when welding. The embossing also makes the strapping softer and more tear-resistant.³Use blue steel strap indoors. Laminated steel strap is used outdoors (due to its non-corrosive nature).

What you need to know about PP strapping

Why is it better to use PP strap only in the short term? PP strap is much more elastic than other types. After stretching, the strap will want to return to its original length. However, PP strap tends to "slacken" after a certain period of time. It will then lose some of its elasticity (± 35% after 2 weeks). This makes it less effective in the long term.
Why is it better to use only PP strapping indoors? PP strapping is less resistant to UV light. This light is detrimental to quality and colour. White strapping in particular suffers from this.

PDF Guide de choix de feuillards de cerclage et accessoires

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2. What are the applications of strapping?

First of all

, let’s look at the definition of a strapping band.Strapping bands are used to close, secure or bundle goods.The aim is to prevent your cargo from shifting during transport.Strapping facilitates transport and makes it safer to move pallets, for example.Depending on the material, you can use strapping bands for the following applications

Paper strapping : to be used for applications that previously required plastic stretch film, such as strapping of packages, packaging and bundling of products, etc. Paper strapping is an environmentally friendly alternative to PP strapping with limited strength.
Polypropylene strap: stacking of newspapers or magazines, additional theft protection for light parcels, closing of crates, etc.
Textile strapping: strapping of goods with a fragile surface (such as wood) or objects with protruding or sharp edges (such as shelves and tiles), etc.
Polyester strap: palletising medium to heavy loads, bundling tubes, etc.
Steel strapping : strapping of very heavy, sharp and round loads such as building materials.

Applications de feuillards de cerclage

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3. Manual strapping: how to do it?

A strapping band by itself is not enough to get started.How do you tighten your strap and how do you fix the ends?That’s where some extra tools come in.First, we show you the best way to do it manually.This is probably the most economical solution.You’ll need to use one of these tools: buckles or clevises.

Good to know: a buckle must be combined with PP (polypropylene) or textile straps.A clevis can only be combined with PP, polyester or steel straps.For a complete overview and how-to videos, download our guide to choosing straps and accessories (PDF).

Loops + Tensioner	You make 2 knots in your strap and tie them to the loop. Then you tighten it by hand or with a tightener. Simple and effective!⇒for paper, PP or textile straps, see the video here.
Clevises + Tensioner	Step 1: Place a clevis and your strap in the tensioner. Step 2: Tighten the strap with the tensioner.Step 3: The clevis is sealed and the strap is cut.⇒ For PP, polyester or steel strapping. See the video here

Did you know that you can hand strap using paper strapping. Combine it with plastic loops.

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4. Machine strapping: how to do it?

Pour le cerclage de grandes quantités, il est préférable d’utiliser une machine ou un appareil de cerclage. Avec une telle machine, les extrémités de votre feuillard sont soudées ensemble. Cela vous permettra sans aucun doute d’obtenir la fermeture la plus solide possible. Pour connaître les possibilités, téléchargez ici notre guide de choix des feuillards et accessoires (PDF).

Bon à savoir : lorsque vous faites un cerclage machinal, vous devez utiliser un feuillard plastique avec une structure en relief (en PP ou en polyester). Le côté avec le relief le plus marqué doit toujours être placé vers le haut dans la machine. De cette façon, le feuillard fondra plus et aura une meilleure adhérence. Une autre chose à ne pas perdre de vue… c’est la protection des yeux et des mains. Portez toujours des lunettes de sécurité et des gants lorsque vous appliquez et coupez des feuillards de cerclage.

Strapping machine	These machines have the highest capacity (up to 150 straps per hour) and can be used both vertically and horizontally.Good to know: Strapping machines also work “in the air”. The machine does not necessarily have to rest on a flat surface.
Strapping machine	ideal forstrapping packages and bulk boxes. Simply hang the strap around the package. The strap is closed and cut automatically.

did you know that you can also strap mechanically using a paper strap? Combine it with a strapping system from this list.

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5. What other accessories are useful for strapping?

[1] Cardboard corner protectors when strapping pallets, there is a lot of tension caused by the strap. To prevent the strap from cutting your packaging/goods, it is best to use an angle iron. It protects your goods and gives more stability to your palletized load. In addition, they hold your strapping bands more in place.
[2] Protective angle
[2]: you only place an angle protector on the corners where the strap can cut your goods, ideal for small packages.
[3] Safety shears
[4]: these shears hold the strap firmly during the cut, so there is no risk of injury.

Accessoires pour feuillards de cerclage

[4] Unwinding trolley
: such a trolley makes it easier to move and unroll a roll of strap, and there is often a tray for extra tools.
[5] Strap feeder
[5]: Slide the strap holder under your pallet and apply the strap much more easily. There is no need to bend over.

Accessoires pour le cerclage