Steel is a strong material that has few equals, save for polyester. Steel strapping has been an industry standard for decades and is used for heavy loads on trains, trucks, and aircraft interiors worldwide. Polyester strapping, while not new, has slowly improved over the years and is now one of the premier materials for strapping products and provides a level of flexibility that steel cannot match. What are the benefits of using polyester strapping? How can it change the game and be more versatile than steel?
Better Shock Absorption And Flexibility
Steel is not an elastic material, and its rigidity is one of the major factors that hold it back as an effective strapping material. Traditional metal bands can cut into freight that shifts during transit and become brittle or break in frigid temperatures, making it a subpar material for most shipping methods. Polyester, however, is flexible and has a slight amount of give that allows products to push against the strapping. While steel may stretch and be unusable after a significant force is applied, poly materials can return to their original shape and keep working time after time. Other examples of the superiority of polyester strapping include:
- Polyester provides a long-term solution with little to no degradation in quality for long or slow shipping methods.
- Just as strong as steel in most cases.
- High tensile strength without fraying and easily replaced when damaged.
- Quick and straightforward to learn how to use.
- Useful for loads that shrink or expand in various temperatures, thanks to flexibility.
- Maintains a high tension and tensile strength to withstand almost any impact or harsh conditions, such as a sudden accident.
Less Expensive Than Steel With Similar Uses
Polyester strapping materials can be fabricated faster and with more ease than steel. The more efficient raw materials manufacturing and cost make most polyester strapping products around 50% cheaper than similar steel banding. Furthermore, the tools used to secure polyester are far more versatile and can be considerably less expensive over the long term.
Other Benefits of Polyester Strapping For Shipping
- Resistance- Polyester resists heat, cold, water, and ultraviolet damage and resists degradation when left to suffer outdoor conditions. There is little to no material weakening, and it can be subjected to rigorous conditions before deteriorating.
- Lower Carbon Footprint- Unlike most strapping materials, damaged or old polyester straps can be recycled and are created using less harmful processes than the competition.
- No Rust- Thanks to the lack of metal in polyester, it will resist rust and damage from oxidization.
- Applied Via Specialized Tools- While some strapping products may need hands and extensive labor, polyester is applied with automated tools, which lower time and increase the volume at which freight can be packaged.
- Lightweight- Polyester is a fabric made from plastics. It is lighter than steel and just as durable. This lightweight versatility makes polyester more economically friendly as it lowers total weight and thus has a lower impact on fuel costs.
Some examples of materials that polyester can easily handle are the following:
- Heavy-duty construction materials
- Bricks
- Metals
- Pallets of food or beverages
- Other heavy-weight objects.
Polyester is one of, if not the best, materials used for strapping in the shipping industry. Its reusability, flexibility, low price, and high strength are all factors that push it to be the de-facto replacement for steel in terms of heavy shipping.
USA Strapping – Your Leading Supplier of Polyester Strapping Materials
If you’re looking for any polyester strapping materials, look no further than our team here at USA Strapping. We can be reached anytime at 888-768-0001.