Strapping, also known as banding, is frequently used in industrial settings to combine and stabilize bundles of raw materials or supplies. This helps keep the materials looking good, functioning properly, and making it to their final destination safely. But why is it important? Here’s a quick look into the world of strapping and why it’s so important.
Uses of Strapping
Strapping is primarily used in the packaging industry, but it can be used for industrial purposes as well. For example, sections of pipe and stainless steel beams often make use of galvanized steel strapping both in storage and in shipping. Some other common uses of strapping include:
- Attaching items to pallets and skids
- Reinforcing wooden boxes and crates
- Securing unit loads of bricks or metal parts
- Stabilizing items on flatbeds
- Keeping coils of paper or steel together
- Closing shipping containers
These are just a few of the many uses of steel strapping. But galvanized steel strapping isn’t the only type of strapping out there! Materials like polyester, nylon, composite, and even paper can be used as strapping. It often depends on the type of material that needs to be bundled together. If the material is lighter and smaller, paper or polyester may be used for strapping. If it’s a large, heavy material, steel may be better.
Common Strapping Terms
Like any industrial practice, strapping has a whole set of vocabulary attached to it. These terms help strapping professionals determine what the best kind of strapping is, as well as how well it’s holding up. Here are a few of the most common terms and their definitions:
- Tension:
Any form of pushing or pulling to tighten a strap. Straps generally need to be tightened around a parcel or palette. - Elongation:
The amount of stretching in the strap while tension occurs. - Core Size:
The diameter and depth of one coil of strap. This has to correspond to the machine being used with strapping. - Thickness:
The physical thickness of the strap, which is measured in fractions of an inch. Steel strapping is typically made in sizes between 3/8″ x .015 and 3/4″ x 0.30.
This is just a short look into steel strapping. There’s truly a whole world out there that revolves around the effectiveness of this practice.
I want to get some steel together for a project I’m working on. It makes sense that strapping it together would be important. I’ll be sure to work with a professional to help me out with that.