Composite Strap

What Is Composite Strapping Used For?

Composite strapping (cord strap) is produced by bonding high-strength polyester cords together with a specialized adhesive technology. It's the preferred choice for businesses palletizing and securing heavy, rigid loads who want a lighter, more economical alternative to steel strapping.

Elasticity and Tension Behavior

Composite strapping has a more elastic structure than steel strapping, which helps it retain some tension as the load settles slightly in transit. Its cord-bundle construction combines high break strength with low weight, making it a practical alternative to steel strapping for heavy palletized loads.

Advantages

• High break strength: Provides a level of security close to steel strapping for heavy loads.
• Lightweight: Being lighter than steel strapping gives an advantage in handling and shipping costs.
• Machine compatibility: Compatible with manual, semi-automatic and fully automatic strapping machines.
• Recyclable construction: Suitable for businesses aiming for environmentally friendly packaging.

Joining Method

Composite strapping is closed either with a metal or plastic buckle designed specifically for composite strapping, or by thermally joining the overlapping ends. It is not compatible with steel strapping buckles or tensioners, so businesses using both composite and steel strapping need to keep two separate sets of equipment on hand.

Applications

Stone and marble block/slab pallets, brick and construction material stacks, bundles of heavy metal sheet, and large-volume palletized loads are typical applications for composite strapping — in short, load groups that need the strength of steel strapping without its weight or handling risk.

Points to Consider

• Joining generally requires a buckle made specifically for composite strapping, or thermal joining — different from steel strapping buckles.
• Because it is under high tension, edge protectors are still recommended on loads with unprotected sharp corners.

Common Issues

• Using incompatible equipment: Trying to join composite strapping with a steel strapping buckle or tensioner won't achieve a secure lock.
• Missing edge protection: Despite its soft appearance, composite strapping under high tension can still cut into packaging at unprotected sharp corners.

Storage Recommendation

As with PET strapping, composite strapping rolls should be protected from direct sunlight and excessive moisture. The adhesive layer holding the cord bundle together can lose performance over time when exposed to prolonged high humidity or temperature fluctuations.

Comparison with Steel Strapping

Composite strapping's core value proposition is offering a lighter, non-corroding, and handling-safer alternative for the heavy-load segment that steel strapping targets. For the heaviest industrial applications where absolute strength is prioritized above all else, steel strapping may still be the preferred choice; the decision between the two options depends on the type of load and the business's priorities.