Can I Use Plastic Strapping Seals on Metal Strapping?

Selecting the appropriate strapping materials and tools is crucial for ensuring the safety and integrity of your shipments. A common question that arises is whether plastic strapping seals can be used on metal strapping. The straightforward answer is no. Utilizing mismatched strapping components can compromise the security of your load and may lead to equipment damage or failure.

Understanding Strapping Materials and Their Compatibility

Strapping materials primarily include steel and plastic (polypropylene or polyester), each designed for specific applications:

• Steel Strapping: Known for its high tensile strength, steel strapping is ideal for securing heavy, rigid loads such as construction materials and industrial equipment. It requires seals and sealers specifically designed to handle its rigidity and strength.

• Plastic Strapping: Typically made from polypropylene (PP) or polyester (PET), plastic strapping is suitable for lighter to medium loads. It offers flexibility and is secured using seals and tools designed to create friction-based joints.

The Role of Seals and Sealers

Seals and sealers are integral to the strapping process:

• Metal Seals and Sealers: These work by cutting and bending the seal and strapping material, locking them into place. This method is effective due to the rigid nature of steel strapping. The images below show a metal SO seal applied to steel strapping and the SO style sealer, notice the jaws? they're rather flat. 

• Plastic Strapping Seals and Sealers: Designed to compress the strapping material, these tools create friction that holds the strap securely. They are not equipped to handle the rigidity of steel strapping. now look at the plastic strapping seal and sealer and the impression it makes. you can see in the sealer jaw it has spikes that are cutting into the strapping. 

Consequences of Mismatched Strapping Components

Using plastic strapping seals on metal strapping can lead to several issues:

• Ineffective Securing: Plastic seals lack the strength required to hold metal strapping, leading to potential slippage or failure under tension.

• Equipment Damage: Attempting to crimp metal strapping with a plastic strapping sealer can damage the sealer, as it is not designed to handle the hardness of steel.

Selecting the Appropriate Seals for Your Strapping

It's essential to match your seals and sealers to the type of strapping material you're using:

• For Steel Strapping: Use steel seals, such as snap-on or push-type seals, along with sealers designed for metal strapping. 

  

• For Plastic Strapping: Use seals designed for plastic strapping, such as open flange seals for polypropylene strapping and serrated gripper seals for PET strapping.

   

  

Conclusion

Always ensure that your strapping materials, seals, and sealers are compatible. Using the correct combination not only secures your load effectively but also prolongs the life of your equipment and enhances overall safety in your packaging operations. If you're uncertain about the appropriate strapping setup for your needs, consult with a packaging specialist to determine the best solution for your specific application.