Ensuring the safety of your packages throughout the shipping process is a top concern as a plant manager or business owner. Nobody wants to hear a complaint from a customer that their items arrived broken due to poor packaging. One part of securing a package is the strapping you use. There are two main types to consider: steel and plastic. Here’s what you need to know about plastic banding strap.
Benefits of Plastic Banding Straps
A plastic banding strap is the ideal choice for when you need something strong, yet flexible. Steel strapping performs best on dense or extremely heavy loads. Plastic strapping is often the more cost-effective alternative. Of course, it’s not just about the material you use, but also about the tools. Plastic banding requires different tools than steel strapping, so you’ll want to shop carefully and consider your most common types of packages as well as the random exceptions. High performance plastic strapping has replaced steel strapping in many demanding applications.
Using Plastic Strapping Tools
Obviously, plastic strapping needs plastic strapping tools to go with it. These tools can be used to seal strapping with clips, buckles, or welds. The clips can be applied using manual tensioners and sealers. Buckles can be used without tools, but are typically only used with light-duty polypropylene. Plastic strapping can be welded using a battery powered or pneumatic strapping tool. A battery powered tool allows you to be more mobile, whereas the pneumatic requires you to remain within the reach of an air supply.
A Safer Choice
Manual strapping tools tend to be smaller and more affordable. If you’ve already been using steel strapping, or if you frequently switch from one to the other, their operation is quite similar so there is less of a learning curve for your staff. Keep in mind that manual tools for a plastic banding strap must use clips since plastic can’t be notched like steel can.
Battery powered tools are more commonly used with plastic strapping. Automated steel strapping tools are typically pneumatic, so you may give up some mobility to move around with steel. With battery powered tools the tension and sealing functions are combined, so the number of tools you need is fewer. To operate, simply position the tool, insert the strap, tension, and seal.
A plastic banding strap is the safer option for your facility because it is lighter weight, easier to use, and is less likely to cause injury to your staff.
Consult the Experts
Most of the time, the correct plastic strap can efficiently get the job done. However, if you have unusual loads or want to know more about the differences between plastic and steel strapping, please don’t hesitate to contact us today. We can help you find the perfect strapping and matching tool for any application.
