There are many ways to secure materials for handling and loading. For example, many companies use stretch film or shrink wrapping technology. However, plastic film has its limits, and when you need heavy-duty load securing, you need something much stronger, and this is why many companies choose automatic banding machine technology. Here is more about the process and some of the many choices you have for materials.
How Does Banding or Strapping Work?
Strapping works on a simple principle. If you wrap something strong around materials, you’ll secure them. This makes materials easier to handle and keeps loads from spilling. It also adds stability to materials, to facilitate loading and unloading. The automated equipment uses large rolls of strapping. Machines wrap the strapping around the product, bond or clamp it together and then cut it. This only takes a matter of seconds, and then the automatic banding machine is ready for the next load.
Band Materials
You can choose from several material types for your strapping. Selections include steel, plastic, nylon, and paper. Here is more about these choices.
Plastic
Plastic is one of the most popular choices today. It’s lightweight and easy to apply to packages. It’s also one of the most cost-effective choices you can make. Bonding plastic is simple because an automatic banding machine can use heat to quickly create strong plastic bands.
Steel
Steel bands are not as common as years ago because plastic is cheaper. However, if you have heavy-duty applications, steel bands are still the best choice. When you apply steel straps, they have very little stretch (unlike plastic), so it’s good for large loads of wire (that have a lot of tension) and heavy loads of bricks or stones.
Other Materials
Plastic banding replaced most nylon bands because they cost less. Paper sees use in lightweight and paper-based materials like stacks of paper money.
