The Difference Between Steel and Plastic Strappings

Every Australian warehouse and shipping company needs strapping materials to help reinforce and secure packages during transport and storage. Strapping ensures that loads and items are fastened properly to avoid accidents, item damage, shifting and separation.

When choosing packaging supplies such as strapping, just knowing the costs and qualities of the material isn’t enough. Discerning warehouse managers and packaging engineers understand that determining the requirements of the items/products, knowing the differences between the packaging supply varieties and identifying the advantages and disadvantages of the different types can affect costs, safety , efficiency and efficacy in packaging.

Learn about the different types of strapping materials and find out how to make better use of them in your industry.

Steel and Stainless Steel Strapping

The oldest form of reliable strapping, steel straps work perfectly in securing heavy items and shipments. Since it was designed for heavy duty use, it doesn’t stretch or elongate and has a high breaking point. It’s ideal for securing furniture, heavy outdoor items, lumber, wooden crates and steel. When applying steel strapping, use accessories such as tensioners, sealers and cutters for improved safety and efficacy. Combination tools are also available in packaging suppliers.

While it comes with various surface finishes, steel strapping can still corrode when exposed to the elements for extended periods. To avoid corrosion, use the more expensive but equally durable stainless steel variety. A disadvantage of steel and stainless steel strapping is that they can damage and scuff surfaces. Prevent that by using edge protectors to shield surfaces from the tense steel strapping.

Polypropylene, Polyester and Woven Polyester Strapping

Polypropylene, polyester and woven polyester strapping are simply known in the industry as plastic strappings. Polypropylene strapping allows for an elongated stretch to firmly fasten packages but has a slightly lower breaking point. In contrast, polyester strapping is generally stronger but does not stretch as much. Finally, woven polyester strapping is the superior choice in terms of durability, with its high breaking point and higher elongation. However, it also tends to be pricey (even considering that it may be reusable in certain situations).

Compared to its steel strapping counterparts, plastic strapping (except for woven polyester) is typically used for light to medium loads and items. While they’re corrosion-resistant, they may also be sensitive to the sun. Only woven polyester strapping is resistant to UV rays’ effect on the breaking point of plastic strapping. However, note that plastic strapping is more cost-efficient, lighter and safer compared to steel strapping.

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