The benefits of polyester strapping

We are continuously seeing fluctuations in the market when it comes to supply and demand of different products. Recently, we have seen shifts in the amount of steel strapping being available, but have you ever considered using a polyester alternative? Polyester strapping is both stronger and safer and is available for a range of different functions.

Composite polyester

Composite polyester strapping is also referred to as ‘synthetic steel’. It is constructed from filaments embedded in polyester, composite strap has good abrasion resistance and strength. It is increasingly used in place of steel as it is lighter in weight, corrosion-proof and safer to use. It is also weather resistant in hot/cold weather unlike its steel counterpart. The excellent material memory enables the strapping to securely hold flexing products such as timber without loss of tension or damage to the strapped product. Composite polyester is joined with a steel buckle and only requires a hand operated tensioning tool and light cutters, so is faster and more convenient than steel.

Benefits:

• Non-abrasive
• Strong and durable
• Re-tensionable
• Shock absorbent
• High retained tension

Hotmelt polyester

Hotmelt polyester strapping consists of parallel strands of hotmelt adhesive-bonded polyester yarn. Hotmelt is a thermoplastic combination of polymers, resins and waxes that cures faster and releases less volatile organic compounds (VOCs) than liquid, solvent-based adhesive. This makes it a more environmentally responsible alternative. Hotmelt corded polyester strapping is a safe alternative to steel banding and provides a very high break load capacity. Corded polyester strapping absorbs impacts to prevent load shifting during transit. Unlike steel strapping cord polyester does not rust and is much safer to use. Hotmelt polyester is a popular and economical choice for manual strapping and bale pressing of non-abrasive products such as paper and card. Softness and flexibility reduce the risk of damage to products and cartons. It is, however, not recommended to be used if the product has sharp edges, instead refer to woven or composite strapping.

Benefits:

• Gentle on delicate edges and surfaces
• Hotmelt lamination enables controlled uncoiling
• Weatherproof and UV resistant
• Environmentally responsible glue resin
• Shock absorbent

Woven polyester

Woven polyester strapping provides a high level of product strength and durability. Cross-woven strands of polyester yarn are coated with cold glue to improve this strap’s rigidity and system strength. Woven strapping offers higher resistance to chafing and shearing – where a small cut at the edge of the strap spreads across its width under tension – so are suited to use with rough-edged consignments. It is typically used to secure medium to heavy items, providing good reliability to the product. Woven Polyester strapping is excellent at retaining any applied tension over a long period of time and is less susceptible to tension relaxation which can be caused by different variables such as ambient temperature. It also does not lose as much tension as steel strapping systems on loads that become compressed or contract. Woven polyester is a cost-effective and safer alternative to steel strapping, offering bi-directional strength and split-resistance for harsher environments and suitable for securing heavy loads.

Benefits:

• Light weight
• Shock absorbent
• Re-tensionable
• Equal strength to steel strapping
• Weather resistant

A wide range of polyester strapping is available from Southgate® and their network of approved distributors throughout the UK and across Europe. For more details call 01553 69 29 69 or email enquiries@southgateglobal.com.

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