Steel Strapping
If you're looking for a packaging solution that is both tough and reliable, look no further than our steel strapping. Our strapping is manufactured to the highest standards for safety and reliability, and can be customised to fit your specific needs. Our strapping is resistant to rust and corrosion, and comes in different width and thickness options.
Tough on Cargo, Easy on You
Introducing the ultimate solution for your workplace needs - our range of steel strapping. These durable and reliable products are perfect for use in warehousing and logistics, both in the UK and Europe.
Our strapping reels provide the strength and security you need to keep your goods safe and secure during transport. Our seals, sealer tools, tensioners, and shears make the packaging process quick and easy. Our dispenser trolleys will help you keep your workspace organised, making your job easier and more efficient.
Don't waste your time and money on inferior products. Choose our steel strapping range and experience the difference it can make to your operation today!
What Is Steel Strapping?
Steel strapping is a type of packaging material that is used to bundle, secure, and stabilise items during transport or storage. It's made of steel, which is a strong and durable metal that can withstand heavy loads and harsh conditions. Steel strapping is typically used in industrial and commercial settings, such as in warehouses, on shipping docks, and in freight transportation. It's suitable for heavy duty packages, long length packages and large heavy load packages which conventional materials such as plastic strapping or paper cord can't handle.
What Are Some Common Uses for Steel Strapping?
Steel strapping is commonly used in a wide range of industrial and commercial applications, including:
- Shipping and logistics: Steel strapping is often used to secure large and heavy items during shipping and transportation, such as pallets of goods, machinery, and construction materials.
- Warehousing and storage: Steel strapping can be used to bundle and organise items within a warehouse or storage facility, keeping them secure and stable.
- Construction: Steel strapping can be used to secure and stabilise building materials, such as steel beams or concrete blocks, during construction.
- Manufacturing: Steel strapping can be used to secure and stabilise large and heavy items within a manufacturing facility, such as large rolls of paper or metal.
- Agriculture: Steel strapping is sometimes used in the agriculture industry to bundle and secure hay bales or logs.
- Recycling: Steel strapping is utilised to bundle and secure recyclable materials, such as metal scraps or cardboard, during collection and transportation.
Steel strapping is a versatile material that can be used in a wide range of industries, and can be customised to fit specific needs with different width, thickness and strength.
What Are the Different Types of Steel Strapping?
There are several different types of steel strapping, each with its own set of characteristics and benefits. Some common types include:
- Regular Duty Steel Strapping: This type of steel strapping is designed for medium-duty applications, such as packaging and bundling smaller, lighter items. It's typically made of lower-gauge steel, which makes it more flexible and easier to work with.
- High Tensile Steel Strapping: This type of steel strapping is designed for heavy-duty applications, such as securing large and heavy items during transportation. It's typically made of higher-gauge steel, which makes it stronger and more resistant to breaking and stretching.
- Galvanised Steel Strapping: This type of steel strapping is coated with a layer of zinc, which helps protect it from corrosion and rust. It's often used in outdoor or damp environments where protection from weathering is needed.
- Ribbon Wound Steel Strapping: Instead of the traditional coil, steel strapping can also be produced in ribbon wound style, which is a flat spool. It is more convenient for the packaging and storage.
- Pre-painted Steel Strapping: Pre-painted steel strapping are painted with a layer of colour, which gives the strapping a better appearance and to protect it from corrosion.
- Zinc-Aluminium coated steel strapping: These are steel strapping that have been coated with a combination of zinc and aluminium, to add an extra layer of protection against rusting and corrosion.
There are other variations as well, but these are the most common types of steel strapping. The choice of which type of steel strapping to use will depend on the application, the environment, and personal preference.
What Are the Key Features to Consider When Choosing Steel Strapping?
When choosing steel strapping, there are several key features to consider:
- Strength and durability: Steel strapping is known for its strength and durability, but different types of steel strapping have different tensile strengths. Make sure to select the steel strapping that's strong enough for the job.
- Width and thickness: The width and thickness of steel strapping will determine how much weight it can handle and how easy it is to work with. Thicker and wider steel strapping is stronger and more durable, but it may be more difficult to handle and use.
- Coating: Consider if a coating is needed such as galvanised, pre-painted, or zinc-aluminium coated to protect the strapping from corrosion and rust, especially if it will be used in an outdoor or damp environment.
- Certification: Check the steel strapping certifications for the safety and quality assurance, such as ASTM, DIN and JIS standards, that ensure the steel strapping is manufactured to the highest standards for safety and reliability.
- Compatibility: Consider the type of buckles or seal that will be used with the strapping and ensure that the steel strapping is compatible with them.
- Ease of use: If your team will be using the steel strapping frequently, it's important to choose a type that's easy to handle and use. Ribbon wound steel strapping, for example, could be more convenient to use than a traditional coil.
- Cost: The price of steel strapping can vary depending on the type, width and thickness.
Consider the cost of steel strapping compared to the cost of other packaging materials and how much weight it can handle, then pick the most cost-effective option.
By considering these features, you can choose the steel strapping that's best suited for your specific needs and applications.
What Is the Best Way to Apply Steel Strapping?
The best way to apply steel strapping will depend on the specific application and the type of steel strapping being used. However, some general guidelines for applying steel strapping include:
- Make sure the item being strapped is clean and dry, with no sharp edges or corners that can damage the steel strapping.
- Measure the length of strapping needed, and cut it to the appropriate size.
- Thread one end of the steel strapping through the tensioner or sealer tool, and secure it in place with a seal or buckle.
- Position the steel strapping around the item, ensuring that it's tight and evenly distributed.
- Use the tensioner or sealer tool to apply the appropriate level of tension to the steel strapping, and then secure the other end with a seal or buckle.
- Check the tension of the steel strapping to ensure that it's secure and stable. If necessary, use the tensioner or sealer tool to adjust the tension.
It is important to consult and follow the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines, as the specific tools and techniques may vary depending on the type of steel strapping and the specific application. And, make sure the workers who will handle the steel strapping are properly trained and familiar with the tools and techniques.
Can You Use Steel Strapping Outdoors?
Yes, steel strapping can be used outdoors, but it's important to choose a type that's been coated or treated to resist corrosion and rust, such as galvanised or zinc-aluminium coated steel strapping.
Regular duty steel strapping, made with plain steel, will get rust when it is exposed to the outdoor environment for a long time. The galvanised or zinc-aluminium coated steel strapping have a protective layer that will help the steel strapping last longer when it is exposed to outdoor elements, such as humidity, rain, and UV radiation.
It's also important to make sure that the steel strapping is tightly secured and has the appropriate level of tension, as exposure to wind and weather can cause it to loosen or break if not properly maintained.
Even if the steel strapping is coated and has enough tension, regular inspections are still needed to ensure that the steel strapping is in good condition. If the protective coating has worn off, or the steel strapping is showing signs of rust, it should be replaced to ensure the safety and security of the goods being transported or stored.
Is Steel Strapping Environmentally Friendly?
Steel strapping is generally considered to be a relatively environmentally friendly packaging material. Steel is a highly recyclable material, and steel strapping can typically be recycled along with other scrap metal. This not only helps to conserve natural resources, but it also reduces the energy required to produce new steel. In addition, steel strapping is a durable material, which means it can be used multiple times before being recycled.
One of the benefits of using steel strapping is that it can be recycled an infinite number of times without losing its properties, which is called closed-loop recycling. This helps to reduce waste and keep the material in circulation, which can be an environmentally friendly alternative to single-use packaging materials.
However, as with any product, the environmental impact of steel strapping will depend on the way it's produced and used. The energy consumption and emissions associated with the production of steel, as well as the way the steel strapping is transported and stored, can all have an impact on its environmental footprint.
If you're looking to use steel strapping in an environmentally friendly way, you should consider the distance of the transportation, the life expectancy of the goods being packaged, and the recycling facilities available in the area.
What Safety Considerations Should Be Taken Into Account When Using Steel Strapping?
There are several safety considerations that should be taken into account when using steel strapping:
- Training: Make sure that workers who will be handling steel strapping are properly trained on how to use the tools and equipment safely.
- Tools and equipment: Use the correct tools and equipment for the job, and make sure they are in good working order. Steel strapping tools such as tensioners, sealers, and cutters can be dangerous if not used properly.
- Personal protective equipment (PPE): Always wear the appropriate personal protective equipment, such as safety glasses and gloves, when working with steel strapping.
- Tension: The steel strapping should be applied with the appropriate level of tension to ensure that it is secure and stable, but not so tight that it can cause injury or damage to the items being packaged.
- Sharp edges: Steel strapping can be sharp, so care should be taken to avoid cutting or scratching yourself or others when handling it.
- Heavy loads: Be aware that steel strapping is used to package heavy loads. Ensure that appropriate equipment and methods are used to safely handle and lift the packaged items.
- Weather condition: If steel strapping is used outdoors, take into account the weather conditions such as wind and rain. Make sure the strapping is tight enough to prevent it from loosening, and that it is not damaged by the weather.
By following these safety guidelines, you can help to ensure that steel strapping is used safely and effectively in your facility. Remember that steel strapping should always be used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines, and always prioritise the safety of yourself and the people around you.
Are There Any UK or European Industry Standards That Apply to Steel Strapping?
Yes, there are several industry standards and regulations that apply to steel strapping in the UK and Europe. Some of these include:
- British Standards Institution (BSI): The BSI publishes several standards for steel strapping, including BS EN ISO 14722:2006, which specifies requirements for steel strapping for general packaging and BS EN 1009-1:2005 which specifies requirements for steel strapping for heavy-duty packaging.
- European Committee for Standardisation (CEN): The CEN publishes several standards for steel strapping, including EN 1592-1:2008 which specifies requirements for steel strapping for general packaging and EN 1592-2:2008 which specifies requirements for steel strapping for heavy-duty packaging.
- European Union (EU) legislation: The EU has several pieces of legislation that apply to steel strapping. The EU Machinery Directive (2006/42/EC) applies to all machinery and equipment, including steel strapping tools, and requires that they conform to essential health and safety requirements. The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (94/62/EC) also applies to steel strapping and requires that packaging materials are reusable or recyclable.
- Health and Safety at Work Act: UK's Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA) requires employers to ensure the health, safety and welfare at work of all their employees and to take reasonably practical steps to ensure that other people are not put at risk by their work activities. This applies to the usage of steel strapping as well, employers should ensure that their employees are trained and are aware of the risks associated with steel strapping, and that they are given the necessary equipment and instructions to use it safely.
It is important to be aware of the relevant standards and regulations that apply to your specific application and make sure that you comply with them. It is also important to be aware that these standards may evolve over time and staying informed of any updates or changes is crucial.