Polypropylene (PP) Strap

A strapping tool is a battery or pneumatic hand held device which requires an operator to apply the strapping around the product and using the machine tighten strapping, apply tension and seal. 

A strapping machine is bespoke technology which is usually used as part of a process or manufacturing line. Strapping is fed around the product automatically by the machine, and applied with correct tension and sealing for an optimized product.

Automated strapping machines have a lot of "plug in" technologies such as bearer inserters, top and or bottom corners, top, and or side compression to square the load.

Used PET strapping can be recycled. Recyclers will usually ask for clean uncontaminated material chopped and placed into a sack. FROMM offers a strap recycling machine which can turn used PET strapping into a recyclable asset, reducing customer waste costs and assisting in meeting social and environmental obligations. These strap choppers can be rented or purchased. Click here for more information. 

Fundamentally you have a manual, semi manual or automated process.

Manual involves using hand tools such as tensioning devices and sealing devices ( sold separately) and a buckle or a clip to create the seal. Really only useful if you strap occasionally.

The rise of battery operated strapping tools has simplified the application of strapping with the material tensioned and sealed within the tool. Modern batteries mean up to 400 plus cycles per charge and these light weight ergonomic devices are very popular.

Automated processes are found in manufacturing and processing facilities such as timber mills, steel and aluminium smelters where cargo is not or do not fit onto a pallet. Growing in popularity is the rise of logistics and distribution where the application of strapping adds to the stability and also security of the cargo.

The strapping material starts in a plastic "state". Once tension is applied to it, it becomes elastic and can hold the load intact while providing some shock absorption. Apply too much tension, and it will lose the ability to absorb shock, putting the load at risk.  As a general rule of thumb, more than 35% of the total breaking strain of the material is needed to create the elastic "state". Past the limit of 80%, the strapping material’s ability to absorb shock will be hindered.

A strapping machine will be able to consistently apply the right level of tension in the strapping material, making it easier and faster to pack items without worrying about their integrity.