If your business needs to secure products in the form of a shipping load, you might incorporate strapping packaging solutions to ensure the packages remain tightly bound. But without an additional type of packaging to hold together tensioned strapping ends, your load might still lack stability. The strapping ends might come apart, and the load will remain unstable. This is where strapping seals can be critical.
So, what exactly are strapping seals, and which different types might you consider to keep your load secure? In our article, our packaging professionals will share the many types of seals for strapping you can incorporate into your shipping and loading process. We’ll also share some tips related to how you can select the ideal strapping solutions so you’ll never need to worry about an unstable shipping load.
Strapping Seals: What They Are and How They Work
When looking at what strapping seals are, they’re best described as a type of shipping supply that resembles a buckle. They ensure that the seals of the strapping that binds loads on a pallet are secure, and help businesses secure the open strapping ends.
Strapping seals can be tightened or crimped, making it easier to hold different types of strapping. You’ll be able to seal the strapping by first cutting and positioning the strapping and then inserting the seal by feeding the strapping through it.
For other seals, you can crimp the metal material using a strapping tool. This crimping can act as a lock on the strapping around heavy-duty boxes or products, meaning all the ends of the strapping will not loosen. It ensures the load remains safe on the pallet and will be much more stable.
Strapping Seals Materials: The Main Types
As stated above, so many types of strapping seals are available on the market, and they each strengthen loads in different ways. So, when you’re choosing these types of warehouse supplies, it’s worth considering the main types and their features, which we have described below.
Metal Seals for Strapping
Metal seals for strapping are an integral element when packaging loads on a pallet and securing them with specific types of strapping. They can secure a large range of metal or poly strapping solutions, and offer maximum efficiency when the polypropylene strapping is textured.
Now, you will find that a couple of types of metal seals for strapping are available, and one example of commonly used options are steel metal strapping seals. They’re ideal for heavy-duty applications because their materials are robust and durable, and they minimize the chances of the strapping coming loose.
Plastic Seals for Strapping
Also available are plastic seals for strapping, which secure the strapping placed around loads. You can place these seals over the overlapping strapping ends and pass the ends through them. Once attached, the seal has the holding power to keep the load secure.
Plastic strapping buckles or seals can work well with polypropylene strapping. This is because they’re one of the ideal warehouse supplies for securing lighter loads without the need for additional sealing tools.
Designs of Seals for Strapping
In addition to the different materials, you will notice that there are also various seal buckle designs ideal for different types of strapping. We have described a few different examples of seals for strapping and their main features below to help you select the ideal option.
Open Seals for Strapping
This type of seal can work well for fastening strap ends. They’re known as open seals since they have a gap between each edge. Applying them just requires you to first utilize a tension tool to ensure the strapping is in place. Then, you need to apply the seal and crimp it using a strapping tool, which locks the seal in place. This type of strapping is best used for polypropylene strap applications.
Push Type Closed Seals for Strapping
The closed seals for strapping are designed for securing steel strapping around a package or load. Unlike open seals, they offer superior performance for your heavier loads and will keep the package more secure on the pallet. You’ll just need to thread the closed seal onto the strapping and then use the tension tool to tighten the strapping. Then, you can close the seal with a strapping tool.
Serrated Strapping Seals
Serrated strapping seals feature small ridges on their inside edge. With these ridges, the seals can grip the steel strapping tightly when you apply them. This serrated edge minimizes the chances of slipping. Applying a serrated strapping seal just requires you to place the seal over the overlapping strapping ends and seal them with a strapping seal tool.
Why Choosing the Right Seal for the Strapping Material is Key
It’s important to choose the right seal for the strapping material you have selected when securing a load. Each type of seal aligns with specific types of strapping, and choosing the right seal helps you create the best seal for the load and strapping type.
For instance, if you’re securing a heavy load and preparing it for palletizing, you might have chosen steel strapping to bind each item together. In this case, the seal needs to be strong enough to keep the strapping in place, so it is worth selecting a metal push-type closed seal.
Since this type of seal is made of high-quality metal, it provides a tight, tamper-evident seal that keeps steel strapping secure and reduces the chances of the packaging springing open.
Tips for Selecting the Correct Seal for Your Strapping
Now, there are a few tips you might want to consider when choosing the correct seal for your strapping. Our packaging experts have provided some key advice below so your loads remain secure on their pallets; let’s consider the key tips for choosing the right strapping seals.
- Consider the weight of the load: If your load is very heavy, it’s going to require a very strong seal or buckle. We’ve mentioned that heavy loads align best with push type closed seals, but you might want to make use of a serrated seal if the load is bulky. This seal is the ideal option for minimizing the chance of the strapping slipping open since they handle the tension of the straps well.
- Choose the seal according to the strapping size: You’ll need to keep in mind that the strapping needs to align with the seal’s size. Remember that not every strap will fit every type of strapping, as each has a unique size. For this reason, and to ensure a secure fit, check the size of the strapping and the seal.
- Think about the application type: This can include thinking about whether the packaging has an irregular shape or whether your packaging process involves a general bundling approach. For instance, if you’re completing a general bundling process, an open strapping seal can work well. They’re easier to apply and can align well with lighter loads.
Benefits of Strapping Seals
Picking a strapping seal can offer plenty of advantages to your packaging strategy. These solutions are worth using when palletizing items because they are durable, capable of withstanding extreme tension, and can last a long time.
Beyond this, seals for strapping are versatile. They’re ideal for plenty of industries, from small automotive businesses storing stacked parts to e-commerce stores selling furniture elements. So if you run an e-commerce store that sells a range of product types, you can rely on the many types of strapping seals to palletize them as required.
Yet their most beneficial feature is that they keep loads secure in various cases. Whether you’re shipping products and need to keep them secure during long journeys or just want to ensure the goods stay intact when a courier handles them, a strapping seal can enhance the stability of the products.
Secure Your Load: Find Strapping Seals at The Packaging Company
Keeping a load secure when storing or shipping products can minimize the chances of an item falling from the stack. It can mean the difference between a damaged product and shipping a product in perfect condition. This is why we advise securing your load with strapping and strapping seals.
If you’re looking for strapping seals, we stock a full selection. Our high-quality strapping seals can secure your products and ensure they remain stable when you’re palletizing or stacking them for storage purposes. Whether you’re a large or small e-commerce company, you’ll discover the right strapping and strapping seals at The Packaging Company. Browse our stock and find the right strapping seals and keep your load secure.
