STRAPPING  GLOSSARY

        Please contact us, if there is a Strapping terminology not listed that you would like us to add or if further information is needed.

Break Strength - The amount of force required to break the strapping is expressed in pounds.

Camber - The side to side curvature of strapping.  Machine grade strapping must be camber free to allow the strapping to move through the equipment.  

Cord Strapping - Manufactured from polyester fiber. Polyester fiber is one of the strongest synthetic fibers made. Commonly used in out door applications due to polyester cord's excellent moisture resistance. Cord strapping is used only in manual applications and can be sealed using buckles and metal seals or hand tied.

Creep - The loss of the strapping tension that occurs over a period of time.

Elongation - The % of stretch in the strapping as force or tension is applied.

Elongation Recovery - The strap's ability to return to its original state after tensioning.

Embossing - The textured pattern applied to the strapping surface.  Quality embossing will increase joint efficiency, enhance split resistance and improve stiffness characteristics. However, an overly embossed strap can increase the thickness and lower break strength.

Joint Efficiency - The usable strength of strapping is only as powerful as the joint holding the two strap ends together. Joint efficiency is expressed as a % of the total breaking strength of the strapping.

Knurling - The embossing found on the surface of polypropylene strapping.  The feed wheels in strapping equipment grip the embossed strapping to carry the strapping through the equipment. Low knurling can cause miss feeds and strapping jams.

Feed Wheel Tensioner -   Tensions  painted or waxed steel strapping on a flat surface. This strapping tensioner has serrated feedwheel that grips the strapping.

Front-action Sealer - Handles are held perpendicular to the strapping and usually in front of the operator.  Handles are pushed together to crimp the strapping seal.  For light duty strapping applications.

Polyester Strapping - The most rigid of all poly strapping materials. Polyester Strapping has superior tension retention and very low elongation.  These characteristics make polyester strapping  the choice strapping for empty bottles and cans, lumber and heavy rigid loads.

Polypropylene Strapping - The most common and least expensive strapping material available.  High elongation and recovery but low retained tension make polypropylene strapping an excellent choice for light duty unitizing, bundling and carton closing.

Push Type Tensioner - Tensions painted or waxed steel strapping on irregular or round bundles.  The steel strapping is engaged by a serrated feed wheel.

Rack-and-Pinion Tensioner - Tensions dry or lubricated steel strapping on round or irregular shaped packages.  Uses a serrated gripping dog to hold the pulled steel strap end. Has limited strapping take up.

Shock Resistance - The ability of strapping to stretch and return to its original state upon impact without breaking.

Side-action Sealer - Lower handle can be laid on a flat surface enabling the operator to use both hands on the upper handle to apply more force on the strapping seal . For heavy duty strapping applications.

Split Resistance - The ability of strapping to resist lateral tearing.

Steel Strapping - Is the strongest strapping material made.  Recommending strapping where high strength is necessary and low elongation is important.  Ideal for very sharp and extremely hot products.

Windlass Tensioner - Primarily used with dry heavy strapping for extra heavy- duty applications.  The windlass tensioner winds one end of the steel strapping around a slotted windlass shaft.  Strapping must be pre-cut to desired lengths.

SPECIFYING STRAPPING BY BREAK STRENGTH

There are general formulas that can give a starting point for how much break strength is required to strap an item, depending on the application. Ratios pertain to total strapping break strength.  Therefore, the tensile strength needed must be divided by the number of straps to be applied.  Many other factors can determine strapping requirements. You must factor in the handling and load characteristics as well as the weight.  Please call a Riverside Paper Company  Packaging Specialist to help you determine the best choice in strapping and strapping equipment for your products.