Plastic strapping: PET, PP, tools and machines

Plastic strapping includes PET and PP strap, metal seals, strap dispenser carts, manual, pneumatic and battery tools, strapping kits and strapping machines. PET strap comes in widths from 12 to 32 mm, while PP strap is available in 12 or 15.5 mm. Tools and machines here are for joining, tensioning and cutting plastic strapping for cartons, packs and pallets.

The main groups are strapping tools like the PPST-13/16 manual tool, AIR19 pneumatic tool and battery tools by width. Strapping kits combine a tool, strap and cart. Machines for cartons and packs include HIPO, HIPO BOX, HIPO PRO, HIPO ULTRA, AUTOMA and ASTRA. Pallet models are COMBO, ARCUS and HAMMER.

Choose plastic strapping by strap width, load strength and the type of tool or machine. Below the products, a table compares all tools and machines by drive, strap type and strap width.

PET strap and PP strap widths and strengths

PET strap is available in 12, 15.5, 19, 25 or 32 mm widths on 406 mm cores. Lengths and strengths: 12 x 0.6 mm, 2500 m; 15.5 x 0.7 mm, 1750 m, strength 440 kg; 15.5 x 0.9 mm, 1250 m, strength 540 kg; 19 x 1.0 mm, 1000 m, strength 820 kg; 25 mm, 600 m, strength 1260 kg; 32 x 1.2 mm, 500 m, strength 1600 kg. PET strap also comes by the pallet: 60 coils, 12 to 32 mm wide.

PP strap comes in 12 or 15.5 mm widths. At the same width and thickness, PET strap holds about twice as much as PP strap and stretches less. PP strap suits loads that do not need a high tensile strength.

PET strap in this shop comes on a 406 mm core, which fits the dispenser cart for 405/406 mm cores. The coil length and strength change with the size: 15.5 x 0.7 mm gives 1750 m a coil and holds up to 440 kg, 32 x 1.2 mm gives 500 m and holds up to 1600 kg. The wider and thicker the strap, the shorter the coil and the higher the strength, so heavy pallets take a wider and thicker PET strap.

PET strap also comes by the pallet: 60 coils, 12 to 32 mm wide. A pallet suits sites that use a lot of strap every week, so the width they need is always in stock.

PP strap is 12 or 15.5 mm wide. At the same width and thickness it holds about half of what PET holds and stretches more, so it suits lighter packs and cartons. For small boxes PP strap keeps the cost down; on a heavy load it can stretch too much or break.

Besides the width, check the thickness: the PET strap here is 0.6 to 1.2 mm thick, and the AIR19 takes strap 0.5 to 1.2 mm thick. The 12 x 0.6 mm PET strap has the longest coil, 2500 m, so it needs the fewest coil changes on a busy line. For the carton machines, which run narrow PP strap of 5 to 15 mm, order the strap in the width the machine is set up for. A coil in the wrong width cannot be used on the machine.

Manual, pneumatic and battery strapping tool options

The manual PPST-13/16 tool tensions PP strap 12–13 or 15–16 mm, crimps a metal seal and cuts the strap. The AIR19 pneumatic tool is for PET and PP strap 13–19 mm wide and 0.5–1.2 mm thick, uses friction weld and does not need seals. Battery strapping tools work by strap width: 9–16 mm NEO, NEO2, GT SMART Plus, SIAT VIPER; 9–19 mm Signode BXT3; 10–16 mm ARGON, GT ONE; 12–16 mm JET, TES PRO, MB620; 13–19 mm ARGON PLUS; 16–19 mm NEO Plus, GT-XTREME, MB820.

Battery and pneumatic strapping tools weld PET or PP strap by friction and need no seals. The manual PPST-13/16 makes the joint with a metal seal.

The PPST-13/16 is a manual 3-in-1 tool that tensions the PP strap, crimps a metal seal and cuts the strap in one sequence. It works with PP strap in widths of 12–13 or 15–16 mm. The tool weighs 2.75 kg, so it can be carried to different packing stations. It does not need electricity or compressed air, making it suitable for locations without power. In a small warehouse, you can use the PPST-13/16 to strap a few cartons at a time, applying a metal seal to each joint for security.

The AIR19 is a pneumatic tool for PET and PP strap from 13 to 19 mm wide and 0.5 to 1.2 mm thick. It welds the strap by friction, so no metal seals are needed, and it applies a tension of up to 3500 N. It needs compressed air of 0.5 to 0.8 MPa at the place of work, so check the air supply before you choose it.

Battery tools tension, weld and cut the strap themselves, so the operator only places the strap and presses the button, and no seals are used. Choose the tool whose width range includes your strap: a strap outside the range does not fit the tool.

The TES PRO and NEO Plus models each come with two batteries. This means you can keep one battery charging while the other is in use, reducing downtime. For example, if a shift runs for several hours, you can swap batteries without stopping work. The NEO2 tool has a tension capacity up to 3200 N, runs on an 18 V 5000 mAh battery and uses a brushless motor. This combination gives you strong tension and long run time, which is useful when strapping many pallets in a row.

Table: Tools and machines by drive and strap width

The table below lists all strapping tools and machines by drive or type, strap type and strap width.

To use the table, first identify the strap material and width you use most often, such as PET 19 mm or PP 12 mm. Then, find the tools or machines whose width range includes your strap. For example, if you use PET 19 mm, look for tools that accept 19 mm in their range, like the AIR19 pneumatic tool or specific battery models. If you strap many packs per day, check the machines listed for your strap width, as these can automate the process and increase throughput. This helps you match your workflow to the equipment.

What is in a strapping kit

A strapping kit includes a tool with battery and charger, PET or PP strap and a strapping cart. Models are NEO, NEO2, JET, ARGON, GT-ONE, MB620, TES PRO and TES Plus. The AIR19 kit comes with a pneumatic tool and PET strap 15.5 mm. The PPST13 and PPST16 kits include a manual tool, PP strap, seals and a strapping cart.

A strapping kit is supplied ready for use. It includes the tool, battery and charger, a coil of strap and a strapping cart. For example, the NEO, NEO2, JET, ARGON, GT-ONE and MB620 tools are each available in two kits: one with PET strap and one with PP strap, so you can choose the material that fits your loads. The strapping cart lets you move the coil and tool easily between workstations, preventing tangles and keeping the strap close by.

The TES PRO and TES Plus sets each come with two batteries, so one can charge while the other powers the tool; the TES Plus set comes with PET strap 15.5 or 19 mm. The AIR19 kit adds PET strap 15.5 mm and a cart to the pneumatic tool. The PPST13 and PPST16 kits each include a manual tool, PP strap 12 or 15.5 mm, seals and a cart, which suits smaller batches or places without power.

Strapping machine models for cartons and packs

Semi-automatic strapping machines HIPO and HIPO BOX use PP strap 5–15 mm. HIPO BOX has a table height of 760 mm and tension 3–45 kg. Automatic strapping machines with an arch: HIPO PRO XS (650 × 500 mm), HIPO PRO (1000 × 800 mm), HIPO ULTRA (1050 × 800 mm), HIPO ULTRA-B with conveyor belt (850 × 800 mm), AUTOMA (1000 × 800 mm), ASTRA (600 × 400, 800 × 600 or 1000 × 800 mm).

The semi-automatic HIPO and HIPO BOX machines are used for PP strap from 5 to 15 mm wide. The operator places the strap around the pack, and the machine tensions and welds it. The HIPO BOX has a closed housing and can strap a pack in up to 3 seconds. The HIPO requires that each pack be at least 120 mm long, wide and high to fit on the table. Both models have a tension range of 3 to 45 kg, letting you adjust the hold for different pack weights. In a packing room, these machines help strap batches of cartons quickly.

Speeds and limits of the automatic machines: the HIPO PRO makes 40–50 straps a minute, the HIPO ULTRA up to 75 straps a minute on packs up to 80 kg, the HIPO ULTRA-B with its conveyor belt up to 50 straps a minute, and the AUTOMA 28–30 straps a minute with a tension of up to 90 kg. The ASTRA needs under 2 seconds per strap. The HIPO PRO XS takes PP strap 5–6 mm and the AUTOMA PP strap 11–12 mm.

The arch size is the limit for the largest pack a machine can strap. A carton that does not fit into the 650 x 500 mm arch of the HIPO PRO XS needs a machine with a larger arch, such as the HIPO PRO, AUTOMA or HIPO ULTRA with 1000 x 800 mm or 1050 x 800 mm. Measure your largest carton before you choose the machine.

Set the tension to the pack: if it is too low, the strap does not hold the pack securely; if it is too high, the strap cuts into the carton. The tension range of each machine is on its product page.

Machines for pallet strapping

For pallet strapping, the COMBO semi-automatic machine uses a 1000 mm sword to feed PET or PP strap 9–16 mm under the pallet. The automatic vertical ARCUS uses PET or PP strap 11–12 mm on a 200 mm core. The automatic horizontal HAMMER places horizontal straps around the pallet load and can work in one line with the ARCUS.

The COMBO is a semi-automatic machine for pallets: the operator pushes its 1000 mm sword under the pallet, the strap is fed along the sword and pulled over the load, and the machine tensions the strap and welds the joint at the side. It takes PET or PP strap 9–16 mm, applies a tension of 5 to 150 kg and straps loads from 650 mm high upwards.

The ARCUS is an automatic vertical pallet strapping machine for PET or PP strap 11–12 mm wide and 0.55–1.0 mm thick on a 200 mm core, with a tension of up to 80 kg and an arch of 1500 x 2200 mm. The HAMMER is an automatic horizontal machine that places straps around a pallet load that stays in place; it takes PP or PET strap 9–15 mm, needs 380 V and compressed air and takes up to 15 seconds per strap. The HAMMER can work in one line with the ARCUS, so a pallet is strapped both vertically and horizontally without being moved.

Seals and strap dispenser carts

Seals are available in 13 mm for PP strap 12–13 mm and 16 mm for PP strap 15–16 mm. The dispenser cart for coils on a 405/406 mm core takes PET and PP strap 10–19 mm wide and has a tool box. The HC2 cart is for PP and composite strap on a 200 mm core and has a brake for the tension.

Seals are made of galvanized steel and come in two sizes: 13 mm for PP strap 12–13 mm and 16 mm for PP strap 15–16 mm. Each unit contains 1000 seals. Only the manual PPST-13/16 tool requires these seals, as it crimps the metal seal to create the joint. In practice, using the wrong size seal can lead to a weak joint that may fail during transport. For example, if you use a 13 mm seal on a 15.5 mm strap, the seal may not close properly and the strap could slip.

Dispenser carts hold the coil and keep the strap from tangling. The cart for 405/406 mm cores takes PET and PP strap 10–19 mm wide, carries up to 50 kg and has a tool box for the tool and the seals. The HC2 cart is for PP and composite strap on a 200 mm core and has a brake to control the tension. A coil fits only the cart made for its core: a 406 mm coil does not go on a 200 mm cart.

PET or PP: plastic strapping for your load

Plastic strapping is made from PET or PP. PET strap is stronger than PP of the same size and stretches less. This makes PET strap suitable for heavy loads and pallets. For example, PET strap 19 x 1.0 mm holds 820 kg. PP strap, available in 12 or 15.5 mm widths, is for loads that do not need a high tensile strength. At the same width and thickness, PP holds about half of what PET holds.

PP strap is used for lighter packs and cartons. It is available in 12 or 15.5 mm widths and stretches more than PET strap. This makes it a good fit for small boxes or lightweight cartons that do not need a high tensile strength. For example, if you are packing small parcels for shipment, PP strap will hold them together without cutting into the carton or causing damage.

The machines for cartons, the HIPO, HIPO BOX, HIPO PRO, HIPO PRO XS, HIPO ULTRA, HIPO ULTRA-B and AUTOMA, run PP strap, so a packing line with these machines uses PP strap.

The pallet machines COMBO, ARCUS and HAMMER take PET or PP strap, so the strap can be chosen for the load: PET for heavy pallets, PP for lighter ones.

The strength of the strap and the tension of the tool go together: PET strap 19 x 1.0 mm holds 820 kg, and tools such as the AIR19 (up to 3500 N) or the NEO2 (up to 3200 N) tension it firmly. A light carton with PP strap needs little tension, and too much tension would cut into the carton.

PP strap also loses more of its tension over time than PET strap. For loads that are stored for a long time or travel far, PET is therefore the safer choice, while PP is enough for cartons that are shipped soon.

The width follows the use: the carton machines run narrow PP strap, 5 to 6 mm on the HIPO PRO XS, HIPO ULTRA and HIPO ULTRA-B and up to 15 mm on the HIPO and HIPO BOX; the hand tools take 9 to 19 mm; PET strap for pallets goes up to 32 mm. PP is also the cheaper strap and can be printed with a logo in up to three colours, which counts when you strap many cartons a day.

For a heavy pallet, compare the load with the strength of the strap: 440 kg for PET 15.5 x 0.7 mm, 820 kg for 19 x 1.0 mm, 1600 kg for 32 x 1.2 mm. If one strap is not enough, use a stronger strap or more straps around the load.

Hand tool or machine: by pack type and use

Select plastic strapping equipment by the number of straps you need to apply each day and the type of packs. A manual tool like PPST-13/16 is for PP strap 12–13 or 15–16 mm and is tensioned by hand. It crimps a metal seal for every joint. This suits lower volumes or small batches.

For more straps a day, a battery tool tensions, welds and cuts the strap in one step. At a packing station with many cartons, a semi-automatic machine such as the HIPO or HIPO BOX, or an automatic machine with an arch, is faster; pallets are strapped with the COMBO, ARCUS and HAMMER.

For pallets in a line, machines such as ARCUS and HAMMER are used. The ARCUS is an automatic vertical pallet strapping machine for PET or PP strap 11–12 mm, while the HAMMER is an automatic horizontal machine for PP or PET strap 9–15 mm. In a production line, these machines can be set up together, so a pallet is strapped both vertically and horizontally without moving it. This saves time and reduces manual handling.

Choosing the right equipment for your pack type and daily volume prevents bottlenecks and reduces labor. For example, using a manual tool for hundreds of straps a day can slow down the process and lead to fatigue. On the other hand, using a large machine for just a few straps may not be practical. Matching the tool or machine to your workflow ensures smooth packing and secure loads.

Think also about where you strap: a battery or manual tool goes to the load, in the warehouse or at the loading dock, while a machine needs the load brought to it. A table machine such as the HIPO takes packs of at least 120 mm on each side, and an automatic machine takes only packs that fit into its arch.

For pallets, the COMBO needs the operator at every strap, which suits a few pallets a day; the ARCUS and HAMMER work in a line and strap each pallet without an operator at the machine. A HAMMER placed after the ARCUS adds horizontal straps in the same line. Such a line suits sites that ship many pallets.

What decides the price of plastic strapping equipment

The price depends on the type of tool or machine, the drive (manual, pneumatic or battery), whether it is automatic or semi-automatic, the arch size for machines, and the running cost of strap and seals. The price is shown on each product card.

The price of strapping equipment depends on whether it is a tool or a machine, on the drive (manual, pneumatic or battery), on whether it is semi-automatic or automatic, and on the arch size of a machine, as larger arches take bigger packs. The running cost is mainly the strap, and the seals for the manual tool. A kit includes the strap and a cart as well as the tool, so compare it with the tool bought on its own plus these items.

Each product card has a Get offer button to request a quote, for example for a tool with strap and a cart, and an Add to inquiry button to collect several products into one request. This is useful when you compare options or equip several packing stations at once.

What to check before ordering plastic strapping

Before you order, check the load, its weight and the number of straps a day, decide between PET and PP, and make sure the strap width is within the range of the tool or machine; the table above shows the ranges.

Make sure the dispenser cart or the machine takes the core of your coils: 405/406 mm for our PET and PP strap, or 200 mm for the PP and composite coils of the HC2 cart and the machines.

A strap outside the range of the tool does not fit it: a tool for 12–16 mm strap does not take a 19 mm strap. Order the strap together with the tool, in a width inside its range.

Check the power supply at your site: most machines use 220 V, but the HAMMER needs 380 V and compressed air. The AIR19 pneumatic tool also needs compressed air at 0.5–0.8 MPa.

Machines also need floor space: the HAMMER measures 1930 x 3320 x 2800 mm, the COMBO needs at least 2.5 x 2.5 m around it, and the HIPO ULTRA-B a space of 2000 x 1500 mm. Check the table height against your line as well: 760 mm on the HIPO BOX, 850–950 mm and adjustable on the HIPO ULTRA.

Order the strap together with the tool or machine, and the seals with a PPST tool, so that strapping can start on the first day. A kit has the tool, the strap and the cart in one order.

Check the load against the machine: the HIPO ULTRA takes packs up to 80 kg and the table of the AUTOMA carries 80 kg. For pallets, measure the height: the COMBO straps loads from 650 mm up, the ARCUS has an arch of 1500 x 2200 mm, and the HAMMER takes loads 500–1500 mm long, 1000–1500 mm wide and 800–2500 mm high. Arches of other sizes are built to order for the HAMMER.

Plan the strap stock as well: measure how many metres one strap around your load takes and divide the coil length by it. That tells you how many straps a coil gives and how often you need to reorder; for regular use, PET strap also comes as a pallet of 60 coils. A coil that runs out in the middle of a shift stops the work, so keep at least one spare coil next to each tool or machine.

Questions about plastic strapping

Should I use PET or PP strap for my packaging?

PET strap is stronger and stretches less than PP strap. PP strap suits loads that do not need a high tensile strength. PET strap is available in 12, 15.5, 19, 25 or 32 mm widths.

Do battery strapping tools need metal seals?

No, battery strapping tools weld PET or PP strap by friction and do not need metal seals. Only the manual PPST-13/16 tool uses metal seals for PP strap.

Which strapping tool fits my strap width?

Manual PPST-13/16 is for PP strap 12–13 or 15–16 mm. AIR19 pneumatic tool is for PET and PP strap 13–19 mm. Battery tools fit these widths: 9–16 mm NEO, NEO2, GT SMART Plus, SIAT VIPER; 9–19 mm Signode BXT3; 10–16 mm ARGON, GT ONE; 12–16 mm JET, TES PRO, MB620; 13–19 mm ARGON PLUS; 16–19 mm NEO Plus, GT-XTREME, MB820.

Which strapping machine is for pallets?

For pallets, use the COMBO semi-automatic with a sword, the ARCUS automatic vertical or the HAMMER automatic horizontal machine. HAMMER and ARCUS can work in one line.