In the early 1960's, at a time when the only pallet securing product available was steel strapping, DuPont Company engineers developed a process for "orienting" nylon strapping.
This process imparts a break strength 3 to 4 times that of an un-oriented nylon strap of the same cross section, strong enough and with sufficient impact resistance to tightly secure pallet loads of goods during shipment from plant to customers.
The Signode Corp., then other packaging companies, developed tools and machines for securing the nylon strap around the pallet load, eliminating the metal clips used to secure steel strapping. Packaging distributors and strapping producers have been marketing a system — involving our nylon strap and their application tools — ever since (for more than 40 years!). Why has virtually every major strapping company marketed nylon strapping? It is because it works, is easy to apply, and is cost effective.
Today, there are four strapping products available in the market place to secure pallet loads. In addition to nylon and steel, polypropylene and polyester plastic strapping systems have been developed by others.
A comparison of the features of the three plastic straps available is shown on the following page. A summary of each strap's performance capability is as follows:
Polypropylene — Least initial tightness after joint is made and highest relaxation over time. Lowest tensile strength and abrasion resistance of the 3 strap types. However, good enough for many applications and lowest cost.
Polyester — Much stronger than polypropylene (comparable to nylon). Does not elongate, but initial tightness on the load is retained over time. If load shrinks or shifts in transit, straps can become loose, like steel strap. If pallet is dropped, more likely for strap to break vs. polypropylene or nylon (both of which will elongate and snap back). Intermediate in price between other two straps.
Nylon — Regarded by many as the premium nonmetallic strap. When applied to pallet load, is elongated approx. 7% and retains this extra tension over time. If load shrinks or shifts during transit, strap recovers and shrinks back to maintain tight grip on load. If load is dropped, momentary additional elongation will occur and prevent strap breakage. Best impact strength and abrasion resistance of any other strap product. Priced such that many users regard the incremental additional price as an insurance premium against loose and/or broken straps, especially with shipments of higher value goods. One of the most cost effective of all strapping materials. Nylon strap can be heat sealed, friction welded, or joined with scored metal or grit seals.
Dymetrol nylon strapping is sold by Signode Corp., Gerrard & Co. and other authorized distributors (under their own brand names) along with tools for applying the strap. Ask them for NYLON, the premium strap!
Or call us with questions about nylon strap and the phone number of the distributor nearest you. Features of Plastic Strapping
Legend:
Best Performance
Intermediate Performance
Poorest Performance
Feature
Nylon
Polypropylene
Polyester
Most Elongation at Practical Tensioning Levels (>200 lbs.)
1
2
3
Initial Tightness (after joint made)
1
3
2
Tightness Over Time
1
2
1
Tightness At Temperature Extremes and With Temperature Changes
1
2
1
Ability to Accommodate Load Shift or Contraction
1
2
3
Highest Tensile Strength
1
3
1
Weathering Resistance
1
1
1
Stain Resistance
1
1
1
Impact Resistance
1
1
2
Impact Around Corners
1
1
1
Ability to Transmit Tension Around Corners
1
2
2
Surface Hardness
1
2
1
Resistance to Longitudinal Splitting
1
2
2
Ease of Disposal
1
1
1
Lightest Weight Per Foot
2
1
3
Lowest Cost
2
1
2
Ability to Resist Creep on an Expanding Package
2
3
1
Abrasion Resistance
1
3
2
Blue nylon strapping awaiting shipment to Europe. Nylon strapping is supplied in a blue color to conform with local recycling laws. A total of 3 straps are sufficient to secure boxes to the pallet. Notice the edge protectors that prevent damage to package during tensioning of strapping.
Nylon strapping can be friction welded using standard tooling. Friction welds provide a strong, secure bond without the use of metal clamps or buckles.
