Straps for Strapping Machines

Whether you use an automatic strapping machine or semi-automatic strapping machine, you have a choice of two kinds of straps: steel or plastic. Here are examples of the two so you can better decide which fits your needs, courtesy of signnode.com:

Plastic straps:

• Polypropylene -- best suited to light and medium duty applications. Polypropylene resists splitting and has a smooth, uniform surface with an elastic memory to absorb shock and keep straps tight
• Polyester -- best suited to medium and heavy duty applications. Polyester provides superior retained tension under hot, humid conditions. Provides greater load stability and is more tear and snag resistant than other plastic strapping materials
• High-strength polyester -- best suited to heavy duty applications

• Magnus -- a cold-rolled, medium carbon steel with high strength and excellent shock resistance
• Apex plus -- a cold-rolled, low carbon steel with superior edge conditioning and coating

• Less expensive than steel
• Low volume cost (shipping)
• Less coil change during production
• High strap tension
• Good impact resistance
• Good retained tension even loads move or shrink
• No corner damage of the load (low friction)
• No rust marks on product
• Equal corner tension distribution
• Non-metallic material and therefore non corrosive
• Resists to high degree environmental influences
• Easy handling for disposal or recycling process
• Much safer than steel (less safety hazards)
• Does not snap back when cut