Applying strapping as a packaging measure to pallets, boxes, cartons and loose products seems like an easy thing to do but getting it right in terms of the actual requirement and the costs involved can be anything but!

There are many levels of strapping and normally the type best suited is defined by several factors. Namely: the quantity of product to be strapped, frequency of the operation, available staff to perform the task, value of the goods being strapped, suitability of the product to be strapped and the requirement of what the strapping will achieve for you. For instance, if a carton is flimsy by design then applying strapping around it will not be suitable when a roll of sticky adhesive tape will adequately do the job!

• The entry level in terms of cost is polypropylene hand strapping and the easiest type to apply is often described as a band and buckle system, where small plastic clips are applied by hand to secure the strapping in place. This is an extremely quick and easy way to apply a simple packaging strap and can be used on boxes and cartons that are not overly reliant on an advance level of security.
• Moving on from this is where metal clips are preferred. They can increase the security level required and be applied by using some simple hand tools that can tension the strapping and then crimp the seals in place. There are two-part tools ie: one that tensions and then one that crimps the seal in place, these are particularly popular when applying the strapping from the side of a pallet or a package because they are small and lightweight tools that can work at different angles.
• If the application is to take place from the horizontal top of the item, then the ever popular combination hand tool can be used. Although it is a heavier tool to use, it is however easier because the tensioning and crimping takes place using just the one tool, rather than having to use two separate tools.

Combination hand strapping tool

Hand tensioner and crimper tools

There is also a great tool that uses friction welding to heat the strapping and secure the strap in place. This tool does not use any clips at all and is particularly useful if speed of operation and repetitive use is required.

When the level of operation is greatly increased then a wise investment into semi or fully electric strapping machines might be preferable. Seeking good sales advice would be very sensible at this point because the cost implications will start to add up considerably.

Semi auto strapping machine

Fully automatic strapping machine

There are a multitude of accessories available with all the above tools and machines. These can extend from small low cost strapping stands and trolleys up to complex automated delivery methods where pallets and boxes can be scheduled into a packaged assembly line type operation.

Often goods that are being packaged for export or higher value items that may need an extra degree of security can be prepared by using more specialised types of strapping. Polyester and steel strapping provide a higher breaking strain value than conventional polypropylene strapping, so once again we would recommend that you seek good professional advice on your particular application before purchasing alternatives.

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