Which Plastic Strapping Tool Is Right For Your Application

It is critically important to select a proper plastic strapping tool for achieving the right tension, productivity and safety for containing your cargo. The kind of tool you choose depends on various factors such as the load capacity and size, the strapping material and the degree of automation. Here’s a guide to help you determine the right plastic strapping tool for your needs.

Manual Strapping Tools

Manual plastic strapping tools are ideal for smaller operations or light to medium-duty applications where the volume of strapping is low and speed is not a priority. These tools are portable, easy to use, and suitable for both polypropylene (PP) and polyester (PET) strapping.

Tensioners: Manual tensioners are used to tighten the strap around the load. Once the strap is in place, a sealer is required to close it off with a seal or buckle.

Sealers: Manual sealers crimp a metal seal onto the strapping, securing the tensioned strap in place.

It is best suited for small businesses, light packaging applications, or situations where mobility is needed. These tools are best for bundling newspapers, cartons, and lightweight pallets. Although they are inexpensive and easy to use, they put much physical strain on the operator; hence the pace of work in larger organisations may be affected.

Battery-Powered Strapping Tools

Battery-powered strapping tools are fast and easier to use compared to manual tool when applying the straps. These tools automatically tension, seal and cut the strapping making the process easier and more uniform. For this reason, they can be used in both, PP and PET strapping, which effectively makes them as broadly applicable as the two most common types of straps. Using a battery-powered tool, the tensioning sealing, and cutting process are completely centralised which minimises the probabilities of an error. This makes them ideal for use in the applications that are known to have high traffic.

They are ideal for mid to high usage applications including, and not limited to, warehousing, supply chain, and production sectors. They are especially important when there are time constraints to how long an inquiry is allowed to take. The cordless type cost more than the corded models but are more beneficial for businesses that want to strap high volumes of products frequently and effectively.

Pneumatic Strapping Tools

Pneumatic strapping tools are used to tension, seal and cut the strap by means of compressed air which makes them suitable for use where heavy-duty application is required. These tools are highly effective and are created to function in environment where accuracy and compliance are crucial. The pneumatic mechanism helps apply maximum tension that is necessary for securing heavy or irregular shaped loads. Another advantage of this devices is that it is relatively much faster as compared to manual and battery-operated tools.

Pneumatic tools require access to a compressed air supply, which limits their portability. However, for stationary applications, they are incredibly efficient and durable, providing high-tension strapping with minimal operator effort.

Automatic And Semi-Automatic Strapping Machines

For high-volume environments where speed and consistency are critical, automatic and semi-automatic strapping machines are the best options. These machines streamline the strapping process by automatically feeding, tensioning, sealing, and cutting the strapping without operator intervention. Automatic machines can be integrated into packaging lines, allowing for continuous, hands-free strapping. Semi-automatic machines still require manual feeding of the strapping, but the tensioning, sealing, and cutting are automated. They are best for large-scale production environments such as fulfilment centres, warehouses, and manufacturing plants where thousands of packages need to be strapped daily. While these machines require a higher initial investment, but they pay off by significantly increasing efficiency and reducing labour costs over time. Maintenance and space considerations should also be factored in, as these machines are larger and more complex than handheld tools.

Selecting the right plastic strapping tool depends on your application’s specific needs. Consider the volume of strapping, the weight of the loads, and the level of automation required to choose the most efficient and cost-effective tool.

Other Link: How is a Manual Strapping Tool Helpful For Packaging