From the time the packaging industry evolved, steel strapping became an essential part of the industry. The packaging industry could not do without steel strapping because it was the most reliable packaging material for mid duty as well as heavy duty applications. Steel strapping also received its fair share of flak for several reasons and went down a couple of notches and has been replaced by poly strapping that has proved its worth as a strong strapping material.

Earlier, steel strapping was the only choice for the packaging industry. Now, there are a variety of poly strapping options to choose from and steel is being considered as an alternative only if the required poly strapping is not available.

However, there a lot of steel strapping loyalists who continue to use steel banding and consider it the best for heavy duty applications. Steel banding comes in rolls of half-inch to 2 inch width and various thicknesses. It is available in regular duty and high tensile types. According to industry experts steel banding is considered relatively stable and stretches very little after application.

Advantages of Steel banding:

• Good for heavy loads
• Best for rough handling
• High tensile
• Carbon reinforced

Disadvantages:

• For inexperienced users, a safety hazard
• Can inflict deep gashes if cut carelessly
• Scratch and tear the load
• Leave scars and marks on the load
• Rust when exposed to weather elements

The advantages and disadvantages of steel strapping are almost equal. However, since most of the steel strapping is carbon reinforced many consider this a great advantage. Another advantage of steel strapping is that it comes highly recommended for loads that can be jolted during transit and as a result great break strength is required.

Another disadvantage of steel strapping is that it is more expensive than poly strapping and other strapping materials. Since cost fluctuates often depending on the price of the base metal, it can be difficult to budget. Industries that are known to rely on steel strapping and cannot switch over to poly strapping, continue to do so as they may not have budget constraints. But those industries that are able to switch over to poly strapping do so and cut their costs by almost half.

However, the reason steel strapping is holding on its own even with its disadvantages is because there is no other strapping that can hold a heavy load for long distances quite as well. Allstrap is a place where one can find all kinds of strapping in various widths and thicknesses. Call Allstrap for your strapping needs.

Fulfilling packaging needs depends on precise functioning of the strapping tool. Signode is a trusted provider of protective packaging solutions which include highly advanced tensioners, sealers and many other automatic or semi-automatic strapping tools. The Grip Pack 114 Sealer is one such offer of Signode that helps simplify the sealing process, without compromising on speed or accuracy.

Known to be the first battery powered steel sealer for 1 1/4″ high tensile strapping, this specific tool is especially designed to address two basic issues generally faced by pneumatic sealers, i.e. heavy weight and lack of portability. A look at this sealer and the first feature that draws attention is its unique “electric drill” design which makes the task even easier and safer for the operator.

Basic characteristics and specifications of Grip Pack 114 Sealer:

The sealer is designed to be used on Magnus or Apex Plus steel strapping of dimension 1-1/4″x 0.025″ to 0.031″. Two different seal types are available i.e., 114 P and 114 OF. Single reverse notch joint is delivered. The machine is superbly light, weighing around 7.0 lbs. It is powered by 18V Lithium-ion battery. The sealer needs to be paired with an appropriate tensioner, i.e. Grip Pack 114 Tensioner.

It can be carried around the workplace without worrying about pneumatic air lines of conventional strapping tools. Thus the user doesn’t have to deal with inconsistencies associated with pneumatic strapping devices. It is no wonder that this Grip Pack sealer has become a dependable option for steel processing and railroad industries. In order to operate the Grip Pack Sealer, follow these simple steps:

• Just place the tool over the sealing position
• There is a LED light which specifically illuminates the seal area so that you always hit the mark
• Pull the trigger to smoothly seal the joint

No need to undergo a through training in order to operate this Grip Pack sealer. With such precision and speed, achieving 200-300 seals per battery charge is not at all a tough task. Just team it up with the matching tensioner to ensure unhindered strapping. For further information on Grippack 114 Sealer, get in touch with Allstrap Steel & Poly Strapping.

Pneumatic strapping tools, which were quite a rage even few years back, are no longer considered operator favorites. Those who have used pneumatic strapping tools often complain about their excessive weight and lack of portability. The pneumatic option doesn’t prove to be a convenient one, especially if your application demands carrying the tool from one place to other.

With battery powered tensioners like the Grip Pack Tensioner from Signode, both issues have been addressed successfully. Simple to operate and easy to carry, operators seldom have complaints about this device. Armed with varied features and options, this pusher style tensioner has become a mandatory option for varied types of industrial applications.

Technical parameters of Grippack 114 Tensioner:

• The tensioner can be used on Magnus or Apex Plus steel strapping.
• Strap width varies between 3/4″ – 1-1/4″ whereas thickness between 0.025″ to 0.031″
• Weight of the machine is only 8.5 lbs.
• The device is powered by 18V Lithium ion battery
• The fact that it offers adjustable tension force in the range of 3600N to 6670N guarantees enough operational flexibility.

Designed to support a wide range of packaging applications like aluminum coils, steel rods, tubes, pipes, ingots, etc, this tensioner is highly favored for its low weight and extreme portability. Because of its single button operation, the operator hardly faces any problem handling the machine. The tension can be adjusted easily. There is a light indicator which specifies the battery charge level. Not only efficiency in operation but by shifting to this Grip Pack Tensioner, the buyer benefits economically too. Being robustly constructed this tensioner requires minimal repair/ maintenance. Hence the user doesn’t need to incur regular maintenance expenses. Here are few reasons why this Grip Pack tool is a better option than pneumatic strapping tools:

• The highly advanced Lithium ion BOSCH battery of 18V supports approx. 120 strapping cycles per battery charge.
• Air generation costs or inconsistencies, very common with pneumatically driven tools, are totally absent in this battery powered tensioner.
• Extremely lightweight and doesn’t cause operator fatigue.

The Grip Pack 114 Tensioner needs to be paired with Grip Pack 114 Sealer, to complete the strapping action.

Pneumatic tensioners offered by FROMM have been able to create a market niche on their own, because of durability, reliability and precise functions. A range of tensioner models are offered by the company designed for heavy-duty, irregular shaped or curved packages.

The main characteristic of FROMM A452, pneumatic pusher type tensioner is its ability to handle very high strap tension force. Then it comes with an angled bill nose which is best suited with push or closed seal. The tool further ensures very fast operation because of its air quality.

Significant features of A452 pneumatic tensioner:

Regular Duty (Uniflex) up to 850 N/mm² and High Tensile (Ultraflex) up to 1100 N/mm² strapping qualities are offered. Strap width varies between 19.0 – 32.0 mm and thickness between 0.63 – 1.27 mm. Metal pusher type seal with separate sealer is provided. Few features of the tool are especially attractive, like:

• Free-wheeling system which ensures that no strap tension is lost even when the tensioning cycle is completed
• It weighs around 9.6 lbs and hence allows adequate operator mobility
• Being a Push type tensioner, it pushes the seal along the strap end thereby applying tension force.

Is it a wise idea to invest in FROMM A452:

• The beauty of FROMM pneumatic tensioner is that it takes most of the effort out of strapping large or compressible packages
• It is possible to maintain uniform tension on each strap with clean and lubricated air pressure.
• This push-type tensioner is considered a dependable option for packages with limited or irregularly shaped operating surface.
• Filter-regulator-lubricator is recommended with the pneumatic tool to ensure improved and consistent performance.

With the FROMM A452 being a tensioning tool only, it needs to be paired with a separate sealer for complete application. For sealing also, you don’t need to go away from the FROMM family. There are reliable options like A461 which perfectly complements the pneumatic sealer. Again, if your requirement is small or light duty application then a manual sealer FROMM A412 also serves the purpose.

As demand keeps growing for FROMM tools, the customer might get confused trying to pick up the right solution from its wide bouquet of products. A discussion with any reliable dealer of FROMM helps in picking up the right product.

Pneumatic tensioners offered by FROMM have been able to create a market niche on their own, because of durability, reliability and precise functions. A range of tensioner models are offered by the company designed for heavy-duty, irregular shaped or curved packages.

The main characteristic of FROMM A452, pneumatic pusher type tensioner is its ability to handle very high strap tension force. Then it comes with an angled bill nose which is best suited with push or closed seal. The tool further ensures very fast operation because of its air quality.

Significant features of A452 pneumatic tensioner:

Regular Duty (Uniflex) up to 850 N/mm² and High Tensile (Ultraflex) up to 1100 N/mm² strapping qualities are offered. Strap width varies between 19.0 – 32.0 mm and thickness between 0.63 – 1.27 mm. Metal pusher type seal with separate sealer is provided. Few features of the tool are especially attractive, like:

• Free-wheeling system which ensures that no strap tension is lost even when the tensioning cycle is completed
• It weighs around 9.6 lbs and hence allows adequate operator mobility
• Being a Push type tensioner, it pushes the seal along the strap end thereby applying tension force.

Is it a wise idea to invest in FROMM A452:

• The beauty of FROMM pneumatic tensioner is that it takes most of the effort out of strapping large or compressible packages
• It is possible to maintain uniform tension on each strap with clean and lubricated air pressure.
• This push-type tensioner is considered a dependable option for packages with limited or irregularly shaped operating surface.
• Filter-regulator-lubricator is recommended with the pneumatic tool to ensure improved and consistent performance.

With the FROMM A452 being a tensioning tool only, it needs to be paired with a separate sealer for complete application. For sealing also, you don’t need to go away from the FROMM family. There are reliable options like A461 which perfectly complements the pneumatic sealer. Again, if your requirement is small or light duty application then a manual sealer FROMM A412 also serves the purpose.

As demand keeps growing for FROMM tools, the customer might get confused trying to pick up the right solution from its wide bouquet of products. A discussion with any reliable dealer of FROMM helps in picking up the right product.

Are you on the look-out for premium quality strapping that can withstand extreme weather conditions? Then stainless steel strapping provides the right solution. The best thing about this strapping is that it ensures precise elongation and very good break strength. Then of course its ability to resist corrosion and harmful effect of UV rays deserves special mention.

Long pieces of stainless steel designed specifically for binding purpose or for affixing loose items are called stainless straps. It is actually an alloy which contains around 11% chromium along with steel. This unique composition makes stainless steel more resistant to rust. It is superior to other materials in that the stainless strap is more durable and can resist regular wear and tear. In fact, it can be said if other straps fail to impress you then the stainless strap will surely do. The basic purpose of Stainless strapping is to apply tension to steel banding. While the engineering sector benefits from its corrosion resistant characteristic, small scale applications gain from its high tensioning force and minimal maintenance need.

Stainless strapping finds it applications in varied sectors like

• Civil engineering
• Telecom
• Petroleum
• Different non-commercial applications

How to use the stainless strap

Stainless strapping tools are there for banding purposes. Available in varied width sizes and tensioning force, the selection of the right tool should be done based on specific strapping needs. Here is a brief summary about how to apply the strapping:

• Insert end of the band into the buckle and then bend the end under the buckle
• Wrap the object by bringing band through the buckle again
• Insert the band into the tool nose
• Pressing the band gripper lever, tighten the strap by turning tool handle
• When the strap is tightened enough, the tool secures the band into the buckle and then cuts it to the appropriate length.
• End of the strap is then bent between ears of the buckle thus securing it into place

Though the basic operation technique remains more or less the same, some operation techniques might vary from one manufacturer to the other. It helps if you get in touch with any reliable dealer of stainless strapping to know its various features and benefits.

Just when people decided to switch over to poly strapping or cord strapping, preferring them over steel strapping, this new strapping was introduced to the market – stainless strapping. This achieved instant popularity for the simple reason that it turned the disadvantages of steel strapping into advantages.

Stainless strapping has proven to be a great choice among the industry users who were not satisfied with steel strapping as it was leaving marks on the objects and also causing a lot injury to workers. When steel strapping was left in the open it began to rust. Many frustrated customers moved to poly and strapping and cord strapping for this reason.

Benefits

• Can weather the elements, no risk of rust
• Durable
• Provides UV resistance
• Great break strength
• Very easy to handle
• Can be used with higher tension

Stainless strapping is quickly gaining popularity due to the enormous advantages it provides when compared with the steel strapping. Both the strappings are equally strong but since steel has corrosive properties, stainless straps are more welcome among users. Even when exposed outside stainless strapping withstands the weather better and does not rust. This is very important as people do not want packages with rust stains.

Stainless strapping comes in three types. They are 201, 317 and 304. Among these three, 201 is the most popular due to its elasticity. Due to the tension it can achieve, it makes it easier for the worker to handle it easily.

The type 317 is chosen by many for its resistance to corrosion. However, customers are aware that though this stainless strap resists rust, it is also more expensive than steel straps. The type 304 is however, with the same property is of a lesser price than 317. The icing on the cake however, is that stainless steel strapping has higher break strength than steel and this is most preferred by customers all over.

Another feature of stainless strap is that it does not have sharp edges and has a great finish. Industry experts feel that the arrival of stainless straps has not completely destroyed the popularity enjoyed by steel straps. There are still steel strap loyalists who prefer steel straps though it corrodes. But then, there are those who do not switch to stainless steel due to higher cost.

Ultimately, it depends on the budget and need. Some companies willingly switch over to stainless straps for the quality and strength it provides. Allstrap has stainless straps in all varieties and will cater to the requirements of the customer and what they choose. Call them for all your strapping requirements.

Stainless steel strapping is used in several industries across the globe. Steel strapping is also used in oil industries where they use it to secure tubes and pipes to the drilling platforms. Most stainless steel strapping can withstand the elements without corroding the object it is used to strap.

Most steel strapping are also heat treated and cold rolled, so that they can be a good shock resistant for heavy duty applications. Stainless steel strapping is especially useful for higher tension and with the right tool it can be strapped securely. There are several tools in the market for any kind of strapping, be it steel, poly or cord strapping. Choosing the right tool and using the right strapping can prove to be cost-effective and efficient.

When using in oil rigs, one has to be careful in choosing the right kind of steel strapping because the wrong choice could result in the steel getting corrosive as it is being used near the water. Some steel strapping can rust and may leave a scar on the object that it is strapped on.

There are a wide variety of sizes in steel strapping. They come in several widths, thickness, strengths and corrosion resistance. The length will depend upon the type of product you choose for your strapping needs. Standard length of steel bands are about 100 feet. Most steel strapping is manufactured in the USA and conform to the ASTM Standard.

The steel strapping types that are more popular are the Apex Plus and Magnus. These are cold rolled and heat treated. While the Apex Plus is generally used for light and medium duty applications, the Magnus is used for heavy duty applications. The Magnus is very popular with industry experts as it is of high tensile strength and has very good shock resistance.

Since the Magnus has optimum break strength it is just right to use with hand tools. It can also be used with pneumatic and automatic equipment for heavy duty applications. There are several tools on the market to use steel strapping with. There is a wide variety to choose from for every kind of application.  The standard size of steel strapping is ¼”x.031” and has an elongation of 6.5%.

Most of the industry users feel that the only concern in using steel strapping is that it can rust if exposed to elements. That is almost changed with the invention of stainless steel strapping. Once you decide on the kind of application you need the strapping for, there are several options for stainless strapping too. This strapping is becoming more popular in the industry now.

Steel strapping was the most popular option available to the industry till a few years ago. Customers wanted steel strapping because it was the strongest strapping and believed that it was the best to pack. But it does have a major flaw, and that is rust.

Unfortunately, not much can be done about this. The steel strapping will be exposed to the elements and this is mostly unavoidable. Then with a lot of design and development the stainless strapping was introduced in the market. This has proved to be an advantage to the industry as it is as strong as the steel strapping and it is more durable too.

Time and again stainless steel strapping has proved its worth. Stainless steel strapping also provides UV resistance and has a great break strength. This strapping can be used for a variety of purposes too apart from industrial use. The most commonly used stainless steel varieties are, 201, 317 and 304. The most widely used stainless steel strapping is the 201. It is the most durable and strongest of all stainless steel strapping. This steel has more tension and elasticity and it is very easy to handle.

The 317 stainless steel strapping is well known for its resistance to rusting. When compared to regular steel this is considered more resistant to corrosion as the components of this steel is a mixture of alloys. However, market indicates that this steel is less popular as it is more expensive when compared with other kinds of steel strapping. The 304 stainless steel strapping is less expensive when compared to other steel strapping and is more resistant to corrosion than the other two stainless steel strappings. This kind of stainless steel strapping has proven time and again to be the best bet for places where chemical exposure is possible.

The benefits of using Stainless steel when compared to Steel Strapping: 

• Stainless steel strapping has higher break strength when compared to steel
• Stainless steel can withstand harsher climatic conditions when compared to steel
• Steel can cause damage to cargo while being packed, but stainless steel causes lesser damage.
• Steel has sharper edges and can cause cuts, whereas stainless steel is not as sharp and has a good finish.
• Steel is ideal for heavy duty cargo, stainless steel is ideal for harsh conditions and when corrosive substances are being transported.

Depending on the nature of packaging both stainless and steel strapping have their own advantages and can be put to use accordingly.

When it comes to durability in the strapping industry, steel has always been the go to option because of its obvious strength and protection. However, steel, despite its numerous advantages, has one major flaw – rust. When exposed to extreme climatic conditions, steel does not hold up and rusting causes damage to the cargo and also makes it hard to handle the cargo for fear of injuries.

The solution to this is the use of stainless strapping. When it comes to withstanding extreme weather conditions, stainless strapping is the way to go. Just as strong and durable as steel, stainless steel has the added benefit of longevity, making it a safer option for strapping solutions. Stainless strapping like steel also provides UV resistance and good break strength. Unlike poly strapping, steel strapping is ideal for heavy duty cargo and best used for long distance transport and for large and breakable cargo. Stainless steel is the ideal choice when exposure to harsh conditions and corrosive substances is expected.

Stainless strapping is available from Allstrap in a variety of sizes and finishes that can be used depending on the specific requirement for the cargo packaging. Available from 0.5” to 1.25” the stainless strapping from Allstrap can meet all strapping needs, be it personal or for industrial applications.

There are three commonly used types of stainless strapping:

201 Stainless Strapping

The 201 stainless steel strapping is the standard in the strapping industry. Among all the various types of steel available, the 201 is considered among the strongest and durable. Most steel is an alloy of iron and chromium, the 201 also contains nickel and manganese. The 201 is also considered bendy and has greater tension and elasticity, making it easier to handle.

317 Stainless Strapping

The 317 steel stands out for its resistance to rust and corrosion when exposed to marine environments or even chemicals. The mixture and components of this alloy allow for greater resistance to corrosion as compared to regular steel or even other types of stainless strapping. The disadvantage of the 317 is that it is relatively more costly and among the weaker options of stainless steel.

304 Stainless Strapping

The 304 though not as strong as the 201 variety, is much more resistant to corrosion than and not as expensive as the 317 variety of stainless steel. Available from 0.5” to 0.75” it is the ideal solution in cases where exposure to chemicals is a possibility.