Types of Steel Strap

Straps are used to hold objects together onto a stable surface to reduce the chance of any movement leading to damage. These materials are very important in the manufacturing industry where products need to be transported safely. For loads weighing tons, steel strapping is preferred over any other option because of its high tensile strength.  

Steel straps can be categorized according to the coating applied before rolling them into coils. The coating can be in the form of a liquid substance like paint, or colloids like wax. In most instances, the steel strap can be coated with corrosion resistant metals such as zinc and aluminum to improve its performance and prolong its lifespan. When alloyed with chromium, steel straps become stainless and extremely resistant to any form of chemical decay.

There are steel straps that are not painted but waxed. The wax coating serves as a protection from the severe effects of oxidation. It may not inhibit the formation of rust but it will delay its buildup process. Bands that are not painted but waxed are the most economical choice. They are widely used because of the similar performance with painted steel straps at a lower price. There are even instances where unpainted ones outperformed their colored brethren.

A steel strapping manufacturer usually applies paint to improve the protective structure of the band and extends its life. After painting, some are also applied with wax for further resistance to corrosion. The two compounds are hard baked onto both sides of the metal, creating a color unique from any other type.

Other steel strap products are galvanized with zinc or epoxy. Zinc is a versatile metal that has passivation properties which help in oxidation reduction. Steel strapping manufacturers soak the bands in a melted zinc and lead formulation for uniform coating. The resulting product is highly resistant to corrosion and is preferred for outdoor storage.