Stainless Steel Bands and Seals

Binding heavy items requires a material that’s elastic and has high tensile strength to respond to the outward pressure exerted by the great weight. Elasticity is the property of an object to return to its original form from a point of deflection after being tensioned. The force of a stretched band is transferred to its grip on the objects, which provides an equal amount of strength to keep it in proper form.

The relationship of forces involving heavy objects and straps is best observed in cargo ships. Pipes are usually tied together to keep massive vehicles, equipment and machine components from moving and hitting other things during transit. Metal straps are normally used to bind them together to compensate for the stress caused by the weight which would otherwise disintegrate the whole pile.

Steel is the preferred strapping material because of its high tensile strength. Unlike traditional polyester or polymer straps which are solely used for smaller items, metal is a more durable banding material. To improve the strap’s strength even more, other metals like chromium and zinc are alloyed with the steel.

Alloying integrates the property of one metal with another. In the case of steel, chromium helps in improving its resistance to corrosion. The resulting alloy is called stainless steel. Most metal bands or straps manufactured today are made of this alloy. They’re sold in belts or rolls which are locked together by separate products called stainless steel wing seals.  

Stainless steel wing seals are responsible for holding the ends of the bands together and keeping everything tight. The entire function of the strap depends on the strength and durability of the wing seal. It’s locked as soon as the desired grip is achieved. Optimal tightness is equal to the outward force exerted by the objects being tied.