RAQ

Are there different types of plastic polypropylene strapping?
Yes!…homo-polymer and co-polymer. Most companies use homo-polymer as it is suitable for 90% of all plastic strapping applications and nearly all the worlds strapping machine manufacturers design for this type of strap.

Will co-polymer plastic strapping work in strapping machines designed for use with homo-polymer strapping?

No! …and manufacturing sources for the co-polymer straps are limited when compared with the more popular homo-polymer.

Are there different grades of polypropylene plastic strapping?
Yes!.. plastic banding is normally specified as suitable for hand tools, semi automatic and automatic strapping machines.

Does the colour of the banding signify a particular grade?
No!…all grades of plastic strapping can be made in a wide variety of colours, although hand tool grades wound onto plastic reels are often black, as they contain regrind material.

What is the difference between the various grades of plastic strapping?
Machine grade plastic straps are normally manufactured from virgin polymers to close tolerance to minimise edge bow and bundle curve, necessary to ensure reliable strap feed in automatic strapping machines. These considerations do not apply to handtool strapping grades and manufacturing tolerances can be much greater and the straps often incorporate a percentage of re-grind material.

What is the difference between polyester and polypropylene strapping?
Polyester strapping is much better at retaining any applied tension over long periods and is less susceptible to tension relaxation caused by increases in ambient temperatures. Polyester strapping also offers higher recovery characteristics and stays tighter than polypropylene strapping on packs that shrink or become compressed. UV resistance is also improved hence its popularity on product stored outside such as building materials. Nevertheless, polypropylene strapping is suitable and more cost effective for the majority of applications.

How do I identify polyester strap from other plastic straps?
Polyester strapping is normally but not always – embossed, has a very shiny surface and is sometimes translucent. Unlike polypropylene it does not split longitudinally and weighs approx twice as much as a polypropylene coil of the same meterage.

Does colour affect the rate of UV degradation of polypropylene strap.

Yes!  For products stored outside and secured with polypropylene strap advice should be taken from specialist strapping suppliers as certain colours can loose all load bearing capability in as little as three months.

Does exposure to normal levels of UV affect polyester strapping?

To all intents and purposes..no. Polyester is the preferred and safest strapping material for all products stored outside.

What are the benefits of printed plastic strapping? 

Companies use printed strap as a low cost means of promoting their product…..it costs less than printed cartons…..is used in the same way as tamper evident labels……enables carriers easily identify all elements of a consignment.

Why do some straps have to be ‘antistatic’

For use in explosive and other hazardous areas

What is the cause of polypropylene banding splitting?

This generally happens when plastic strap is overtightened or is pulled over a sharp/ rough edge. Using a tool that automatically controls the amount of tension applied i.e. a friction weld tool frequently resolves the problem or the use of plastic or card corner protection, or the upgrading of the strap specification.