When shipping or storing supplies, it’s recommended to strap the pallets to ensure the safety of the materials. However, knowing which kind of strapping to use can be tricky. There are several types of pallet strapping materials available, and each one has different advantages and situations in which they work best. The key indicator for choosing your strapping is how much weight it needs to handle.
Matching the strap material to the load material can also help determine which strap to use, such as steel strap on steel products. Each application can vary with specific needs in order to be safe and secure. Vulcan Wire can help determine the best strap solutions for your application challenges. The following is a basic guideline for the various straps available. To learn more about the primary strapping materials, read on!
Steel Strapping
For pallets that are loaded with heavy materials, steel strapping is the way to go. Steel strapping is the strongest material you can find for securing your pallet. What’s more, when you buy from Vulcan Wire, you’ll receive steel strapping that’s painted and waxed to provide corrosion resistance. The strap is also rolled and de-burred to round-off sharp edges and remove tiny metal “thorns.” This process makes the steel strap as safe as it can be. Thus, steel strapping can be used for a variety of applications while maintaining the necessary tension to keep packages secure.
Steel strap is the most rigid and has the least elongation of all the types of strap. The rigidity becomes very helpful when passing the strap through the bottom of the pallet. However, if a load has a tendency to shift a lot during transport, the steel strap won’t stretch and will snap.
Polyester Strapping & Banding
When your pallets need something lighter to strap them down, consider polyester strapping. Polyester is the strongest type of plastic material available and is beginning to replace lighter steel strapping applications from 3/8”, 1/2″, and up to 5/8” strap widths. It is also free from the risks that come with steel, such as damaging the materials on the pallet. At Vulcan Wire, polyester strapping can come in various widths that have different strength properties.
Polyester strap has greater elongation than steel strap, allowing it to have a rubber band effect. If a load shifts, the strap can stretch and retain tension with less chance of snapping.
Polypropylene Strapping & Banding
Polypropylene strapping is a step down from polyester in terms of strength. At the same time, polypropylene is also a cheaper option than steel or polyester. Thus, when your pallets don’t need heavy-duty strapping materials, it makes more sense to use polypropylene. Your light-weight pallets will remain secure, and your business will save money.
In the past, polypropylene strap was easily identified as the plastic strap with the “waffle” texture, a feature known as embossed strap. Today, the embossed feature can also be found on some polyester strap, so it’s not as easy to visually identify the difference. The width and thickness of the strap, which helps determine the strength, or having the part number, can help you know which strap you have.
Cordstrap Polyester Strapping
Cordstrap polyester is the perfect material to use when you need a strong, high-tension strap that is safe and has elongation. Cordstrap polyester is a soft, lightweight product that can be used with a buckle for heavy applications or even be hand-tied for light loads. The product comes in two varieties—woven and composite. With the emergence of stronger formulas for polyester strands, combined by weaving with polymer bonds to create the straps, the tensile strengths are now rated for heavy-duty applications.
The main difference from the other poly straps is that cordstrap can be secured either with a wire buckle or a hand-tied method for light loads. This makes for a slower process in securing loads and is not ideal for fast-paced, high-volume operations.
Shop Cordstrap Polyester Strapping
Strapping Seals and Buckles
For the most secure straps, you’ll need seals or buckles to finish the job:
-If you’re using steel strapping or poly strapping, you’ll need metal seals.
-If you’re using cordstrap, you’ll need wire buckles.
There are several types of buckles and seals to choose from. There is a seal-less option available that is ideal for fast-paced high-volume operations, but a special expensive tool is required. To learn more, check out the options available at Vulcan Wire!
Shop Vulcan Wire for Your Pallet Strapping Needs
There are several types of pallet strapping, and it’s important to know your options so you can make the right selection for the task at hand. When you need material for pallet strapping, be sure to shop Vulcan Wire products—each product comes in various sizes and strengths. Plus, Vulcan Wire can provide guidance on which material is right for your unique needs
