Our experts' advice
In the past, steel strapping was the only option available on the market, so that was what everyone used. Today, there’s a much different story being told. Some plants still use steel strapping, but many others have made the switch to polyester.
If you are currently using steel strapping, you might be wondering if there’s a better alternative.
Before you make the switch, you should carefully consider the pros and cons of changing from steel to polyester.
When can polyester replace steel strapping?
There are some cases when steel strapping is the right choice. Steel has the highest strength of any strapping material, including highstrength polyester. If you’re strapping very heavy loads, then steel might be the best material to work with. Steel also works well if the load is very non-compressible. The reason for this is simple. Steel, while strong, doesn’t have the elasticity of other materials. If a bundle shrinks, steel doesn’t take up the slack. Instead, it may loosen, causing items in the bundle to escape from the strapping. Polyester, on the other hand, is a much more versatile material. It will stretch around loads and take up slack, meaning everything stays tightly packed and firmly in place.
Some loads have sharp edges and hard corners that can cut the polyester. Using steel strap makes sense in these cases.
Polyester also reduces the likelihood of both damage to your product and injury to workers. Injuries are so common with steel strapping that workers need additional protective gear.
Steel can also rust, especially in the wrong storage or weather conditions. This could damage your product. Since steel has low elasticity, it’s also more likely to break under pressure, which can cause damage to the product.
Steel is pricey, and when the price of the metal increases, so too does the cost of packing up your pallets and products. Polyester is much more affordable than steel. Some companies report seeing anywhere from 25 to 40 percent cost reductions.
And so we can summarize the advantages of PET strapping over steel strapping:
- elasticity
- improved worker safety
- less likely to damage products
- no rust
- lower price
If you're still on the fence about switching to PET, talk to our experts.
And last but not least, we have the right tool for you. Among the most preferred and bestselling strapping tools is the FROMM Dynamic 2100 model, due to its excellent quality-price ratio. It works faster than hand tools. It is light and easy to use, with a two-year warranty.
Until February 15, you can also take advantage of our promotional offer:
We're offering a free strapping dispenser or two rolls of strapping tape of your choice when you buy a FROMM Dynamic 2100 strapping tool. Additionally, you receive a 10% discount if you purchase a second strapping tool of the same type.
