When it comes to strapping there are several important materials it can be made from. While it might be tempting to think that there isn’t much of a difference between these materials, they each have their own distinct advantages and disadvantages.
In order to better help you choose the right type of strapping for your shipping needs, we are going to break down the strengths and weaknesses of the main three materials strapping suppliers use.
Stainless Steel Strapping
Stainless steel is a classic choice when it comes to strapping. It is distinct from traditional steel thanks to the addition of chromium — at least 10.5% by mass — which helps to reinforce the steel, making it uniquely well suited for being left out in the elements.
Strengths: By far the greatest strength of stainless steel strapping is that it is extremely resistant to corrosion. That means that it is an excellent option for any products that might be left exposed to the elements for an extended period of time. Steel is also remarkably strong — a steel refrigerator hinge, for instance, supports a 140-pound door with no sagging. This strength makes it ideal for large and heavy materials.
Weaknesses: The main weakness of stainless steel strapping is that it offers little in the way of elasticity. That means that you will not be able to stretch the material if you happen to run low.
Galvanized Steel Strapping
Galvanized steel is another type of enhanced steel. This time, instead of blending the base steel with another alloy, the steel is coated with a protective layer of zinc to help keep it from rusting.
Strengths: Galvanized steel offers many of the same benefits of stainless steel. And while it is also very resistant to corrosion, it does not offer quite the same amount of protection as stainless steel.
Weaknesses: Again, galvanized steel strapping suffers from the same primary weakness as stainless steel: no give. This lack of elongation might be problematic for certain types of products, but typically can be mitigated by making sure you have extra strapping on hand.
Poly or Plastic Strapping
There are a number of different types of plastic strapping available, although they all have a generally similar profile. This type of strapping is relatively new and serves a unique place in the market.
Strengths: There are two main strengths to plastic strapping: its price and its flexibility. Plastic strapping is generally cheaper than the metal options. Additionally, it is significantly more flexible, which can help to prevent the straps from breaking as the result of an accident or stress.
Weaknesses: The major drawback of this type of strapping is that these types of strapping materials often lack the same strength as metal strapping. This can lead to an increased likelihood of breaking, and risk damaging the product being transported.
There are a number of different materials you may choose for your strapping needs. The most common are stainless steel, galvanized steel, and plastic. Each of these three types has their owns strengths and weaknesses that are important to understand in order to ensure you have the right option for the job.
