That is the application…
Once upon a time, steel strapping was the only choice for heavy duty applications. Now polyester (plastic) strapping has risen to the challenge to meet your load bearing needs. Many companies have made the switch from steel to plastic, and many still wonder if it’s worth suffering the pains of change, re-training, and corporate debate over a tool that is possibly just a trend. To answer the question of which strapping is right for you involves going back to basics. What are your company shipping needs?
The important shipping concerns are usually to be sure your product is going to the right place, it’s intact, and it gets there on-time. With that in mind, strapping bears some hefty weight of consideration.
Steel Strapping
Steel strapping comes in regular duty and high tensile grades. It has a higher break-strength for your heaviest loads, and it withstands rough handling. A unique advantage of steel strapping is that it remains stable and is resistant to any shifting. It will not stretch and keep your load in place for long periods of time.
Some things to consider are the safety and price of steel strapping. Each coil is 100 pounds, which makes it difficult to transport, store, and use by employees. It also yields higher liability for injury. The strapping edges can become sharp, which could injure someone or damage your product.
The expense of steel strapping is higher than polyester strapping. It also fluctuates in relation to the price of steel in any given period. Steel can also rust and stain products.
Polyester Strapping
Polyester strapping is the recent alternative to steel strapping. Most commonly, the 5/8″ x .035 polyester is replacing the 5/8″ x .020RD steel strapping. The polyester strapping coil comes with the same core diameter as the steel strapping coil so the same dispenser can be used. It is very light weight and still has a high break-strength. It is easy to handle by personnel and safe on products. The coils come with almost double the amount of strapping and weighs only 50 pounds. The strap edges are smooth and round to prevent injury or damage.
A significant trait of polyester is its “elongation and recovery” feature. It stretches like a giant rubber band that conforms to loads better. If your load is an irregular shape or it settles, polyester strapping will retain tension and not go slack. It is also weather resistant and will not rust or stain products.
Another key feature is its “sustainability”. It is made from recycled materials making it an environmentally friendly product to use, which saves your company in more ways than one. Disposing or recycling the used strapping is made easy because of its lightweight and safety.
Although, many companies are using polyester strapping for lumber, brick, and pipes, there are still some things to consider. It does not have as high a break-strength as steel strapping nor does it remain as stable during multiple transfers in transport. Furthermore, you will save in costs on the polyester strapping, however new tools (from manual to pneumatic, whichever best suits your needs) will also have to be purchased.
Simply stated…
Making a choice that benefits your company as a whole can be as complex as deciphering a Shakespearean play. Here at VULCAN WIRE, we make the complex easy to understand by knowing the specifications and details of our products, as well as the core needs of any company. Our goal is to deliver excellence in wire and packaging to meet our customers’ needs. If you determine that the product that you are strapping is not extremely heavy weight, is prone to surface damage, or is an irregular shape, then the switch to plastic would be a beneficial consideration for your company. If you are still not sure, then please feel free to contact VULCAN WIRE and we will be glad to help define the best solution for your needs.
Tags: Photo
