We manufacture a wide variety of strapping products at USA Strapping, including highly versatile polypropylene and polyester strapping materials. We’ve found some of our customers have questions about the proper uses for strapping materials and more general questions about why certain types of materials work well in various applications. Read on to learn more about cost-effective strapping materials to determine for yourself what will work for you and your cargo.
Common Questions About Polypropylene & Polyester Strapping
How Do I Recognize Polyester Strapping from Other Plastic Straps?
There are several distinguishing factors to identify polyester from polypropylene trapping. These include the following:
1. Color – Polypropylene straps come in many colors, including white, black, blue, green, red, yellow, and orange. Polyester does not come in such a wide variety of colors. However, it can be dyed to almost any color imaginable.
2. Tear Strength – Polyester often easily tears lengthwise, while polypropylene won’t.
3. Density – Polypropylene is much denser than polyester. You can feel this difference by placing a small sample piece into a glass of water. Polypropylene will sink to the bottom while polyester floats.
4. Price – Polypropylene is generally cheaper than polyester.
5. Water Resistance – Polypropylene is resistant to stains and moisture. Polyester is not.
Do I Have to Use Steel Strapping Materials?
Steel straps are generally used for heavy packages. They come in many different sizes, shapes, and materials. Polyester straps are usually much lighter and cheaper than steel ones. If you want to replace steel strapping with something else, it’s essential to consider certain aspects of the issue.
A sales representative from USA Strapping will help you with your unique needs. You might find that a polyester strap is the best option for your situation. However, there are some things you should know about polyester straps.
Polyester is typically stronger than steel but doesn’t hold up well in extreme temperatures. Also, polyester is very stretchy, meaning it can expand and contract easily. This makes it difficult to keep tight around objects. When polyester stretches out, it loses strength, making it susceptible to breaking.
The material is also sensitive to moisture. Moisture can cause polyester to rot and rust, especially if you’re storing it outdoors. To avoid problems like this, keep your polyester straps inside a dry place.
If you use polyester straps frequently, make sure you clean them regularly. Dirt and dust build up over time, causing the straps to become discolored. Cleaning polyester straps isn’t too hard, though. Just wipe them down with soap and water.
Are the Same Tools Used with Polyester and Steel Packaging Materials?
Polyester is often used for applications where it is challenging to close fasteners because of its high-temperature resistance. However, polyester does not have the same characteristics as steel, such as corrosion resistance, tensile strength, hardness, etc. As a result, you cannot use the same tools with polyester as you do with steel. Different tools are required depending on the material you are working with.
You might think that you could use the same tools you already have for steel, but you will find that many of them are not suitable for polyester. For example, some standard hand tools like wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, hammers, etc., will not work well with polyester. You will also need different types of dies and punches. Some of the most popular die sets are designed specifically for polyester, while others are meant for steel.
In addition, you will need special equipment for cutting polyester. This includes shears, knives, saws, drills, etc. You will probably need several different kinds of cutters. Because of the differences between steel and polyester, you will want to evaluate your needs before investing in new tools carefully.
How Do I Select the Right Strapping Material for my Application?
The type of strapping material you use depends on many factors, including the load itself, how it is loaded, the environment, and personal preference. Steel straps are generally reserved for very heavy loads. Polypropylene is used for light loads, many bundling (think newspapers), and cardboard packing. Polyester is used for heavier loads, such as palletizing, and as a replacement for steel. If you have any questions about the type of strapping material necessary for your specific load, don’t hesitate to reach out to the strapping experts at USA Strapping today. We can be reached by phone at 888-768-0001.