Composite Strapping: Your Questions Answered
1. How strong is composite strapping?
Composite strapping consists of a polymer coating wrapped around polyester (polypropylene) fibres. Although it’s up to five times lighter than steel strapping, it can be stronger than steel. It’s available in various widths and strengths.
Contact us at any time for advice on using composite strapping in your applications; we can advise on system strength.
2. Which brand of composite strapping is best?
At Gateway, we proudly offer De Lama® Composite Strapping, which has been used in Europe for over 25 years to secure goods sent all around the world.
It’s suitable for heavy equipment applications and is used in many industries, such as the construction industry.
We offer De Lama Composite Strapping Starter Kits in various widths and strengths.
3. Why is system breaking strength important?
When choosing the widths and strengths of your strapping, be aware that the linear (tensile) breaking strength of the strap is less important than the system breaking strength.
The ultimate strength of your chosen composite strapping depends on its system breaking strength. That is, the strength of the composite strapping combined with the strength of its joints: the buckles you choose for tensioning and closure.
Gateway offers heavy duty galvanized buckles and can advise you on the appropriate system breaking strength for your applications.
4. Are buckles the best form of closure?
Composite strapping is secured and tensioned with heavy duty, galvanized steel buckles. When required, if a load shifts or settles, the buckles can be re-tensioned as needed, to ensure maximum tension for loads.
The buckles are easy to use: when the strap is tensioned with a tensioning tool, the buckles will close.
5. What about elasticity—will composite strapping stretch and snap?
Composite strapping is made of polyester (polypropylene) yarns, enclosed in a polymer coating, offering a high recovery rate when stretched. The polymer offers friction for the buckle closures, while the strength of the strapping ultimately depends on the form of the polypropylene yarns.
Unlike steel strapping, which will snap when elongated beyond its capacity, composite strapping stretches elastically. This makes it much harder to snap than steel strapping.
When stretched over a load, composite strapping’s elasticity holds the load securely, because when it’s stretched, it’s trying to go back to its original shape.
With care, you can reuse your composite strapping because it recovers so well after stretching.
6. Will composite strapping melt or stretch out of shape in hot weather?
Composite strapping is both heat and weather resistant. Although it may soften in high temperatures, this has no effect on the product’s use.
7. Is composite strapping eco-friendly?
At Gateway, we aim to increase our offerings of eco-friendly products.
If undamaged, composite strapping may be re-used. Once the strap becomes damaged, it can be recycled.