PET and PP strap widths and strengths

PET strap is supplied in 12, 15.5, 19, 25 or 32 mm widths on 406 mm cores. Lengths and strengths are: 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 is also available by the pallet: 60 coils, 12 to 32 mm wide.

PP strap is available in 12 or 15.5 mm widths. At the same width and thickness, PET strap provides roughly double the strength of PP strap and stretches less. PP strap is suitable for loads that do not require high tensile strength.

PET strap in this shop is supplied on a 406 mm core, compatible with banding carts for 405/406 mm cores. Coil length and strength depend on the size: 15.5 x 0.7 mm gives 1750 m per coil and supports up to 440 kg, while 32 x 1.2 mm gives 500 m and supports up to 1600 kg. Wider and thicker strap means a shorter coil and higher strength, so heavier pallets require a wider and thicker PET strap.

PET strap can also be ordered by the pallet: 60 coils, 12 to 32 mm wide. Ordering by the pallet is suitable for sites that use large quantities of strap each week, ensuring the required width is always available.

PP strap is supplied in 12 or 15.5 mm widths. At the same width and thickness, it holds about half as much as PET strap and stretches more, making it suitable for lighter packs and cartons. For small boxes, PP strap helps keep costs down; for heavy loads, it may stretch too much or break.

In addition to width, check the thickness: PET strap here ranges from 0.6 to 1.2 mm thick, and the AIR19 tool accepts strap from 0.5 to 1.2 mm thick. The 12 x 0.6 mm PET strap has the longest coil at 2500 m, reducing coil changes on busy lines. For carton strapping machines, which use narrow PP strap of 5 to 15 mm, order the strap in the width the machine is set for. A coil in the wrong width cannot be used in the machine.

Manual, pneumatic and battery powered strapping tool options

The manual PPST-13/16 tool tensions PP strap in 12–13 or 15–16 mm widths, crimps a metal banding clip 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 welding and does not require banding clips. Battery powered strapping tools are chosen 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 powered and pneumatic strapping tools weld PET or PP strap by friction and do not require banding clips. The manual PPST-13/16 joins the strap with a metal banding clip.

The PPST-13/16 is a manual 3-in-1 tool that tensions the PP strap, crimps a metal banding clip and cuts the strap in one operation. It works with PP strap in widths of 12–13 or 15–16 mm. Weighing 2.75 kg, it is portable for use at different packing stations. It does not require electricity or compressed air, making it suitable for locations without power. In a small warehouse, the PPST-13/16 can be used to strap a few cartons at a time, securing each joint with a metal banding clip.

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 banding clips are needed, and it applies tension up to 3500 N. It requires a compressed air supply of 0.5 to 0.8 MPa at the work location, so check your air supply before choosing this tool.

Battery powered tools tension, weld and cut the strap automatically, so the operator only needs to position the strap and press a button, with no banding clips required. Select the tool whose width range matches your strap: a strap outside this range will not fit the tool.

The TES PRO and NEO Plus models each include two batteries. This allows one battery to charge while the other is in use, minimising downtime. For example, if a shift lasts several hours, you can swap batteries without interrupting work. The NEO2 tool offers a tension capacity up to 3200 N, runs on an 18 V 5000 mAh battery and uses a brushless motor. This combination provides strong tension and long run time, which is useful when strapping many pallets consecutively.

Table: Tools and machines by drive and strap width

The table below lists all banding 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, 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, such as the AIR19 pneumatic tool or certain battery powered 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 included in a strapping kit

A strapping kit contains a tool with battery and charger, PET or PP strap, and a banding cart. Available models include NEO, NEO2, JET, ARGON, GT-ONE, MB620, TES PRO and TES Plus. The AIR19 kit features a pneumatic tool and PET strap 15.5 mm. The PPST13 and PPST16 kits come with a manual tool, PP strap, seals and a banding cart.

Each strapping kit is supplied ready to use. It includes the tool, battery and charger, a coil of strap, and a banding cart. For instance, the NEO, NEO2, JET, ARGON, GT-ONE and MB620 tools are each available in two kit versions: one with PET strap and one with PP strap, so you can select the material best suited to your loads. The banding cart allows you to move the coil and tool easily between work areas, keeping the strap close at hand and preventing tangles.

The TES PRO and TES Plus kits each include two batteries, so you can charge one while using the other; the TES Plus kit is supplied with PET strap in 15.5 or 19 mm widths. The AIR19 kit includes PET strap 15.5 mm and a cart with the pneumatic tool. The PPST13 and PPST16 kits each provide a manual tool, PP strap 12 or 15.5 mm, seals and a cart, making them suitable for smaller batches or locations without mains power.

Strapping machine models for cartons and bundles

Semi-automatic strapping machines HIPO and HIPO BOX use PP strap 5–15 mm. HIPO BOX has a table height of 760 mm and a tension range of 3–45 kg. Automatic strapping machines with an arch include: 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), and ASTRA (600 × 400, 800 × 600 or 1000 × 800 mm).

The HIPO and HIPO BOX semi-automatic machines are designed for PP strap between 5 and 15 mm wide. The operator places the strap around the bundle, and the machine tensions and welds it. The HIPO BOX features a closed housing and can strap a bundle in as little as 3 seconds. The HIPO requires each bundle to be at least 120 mm in length, width and height to fit on the table. Both models offer a tension range from 3 to 45 kg, allowing you to adjust the hold for different weights. These machines are ideal for quickly strapping batches of cartons in a packing area.

Automatic machine speeds and limits: the HIPO PRO applies 40–50 straps per minute, the HIPO ULTRA up to 75 straps per minute for packs up to 80 kg, the HIPO ULTRA-B with conveyor belt up to 50 straps per minute, and the AUTOMA 28–30 straps per minute with tension up to 90 kg. The ASTRA takes less than 2 seconds per strap. The HIPO PRO XS uses PP strap 5–6 mm and the AUTOMA uses PP strap 11–12 mm.

The arch size determines the largest bundle a machine can strap. If a carton does not fit into the 650 x 500 mm arch of the HIPO PRO XS, you will need 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. Always measure your largest carton before selecting a machine.

Set the tension to match the bundle: if it is too low, the strap will not hold securely; if too high, the strap may damage the carton. The tension range for each machine is shown 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 applies horizontal straps around the pallet load and can be used in line with the ARCUS.

The COMBO is a semi-automatic pallet strapping machine: 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 and welds the strap at the side. It accepts PET or PP strap 9–16 mm, applies tension from 5 to 150 kg, and can strap loads from 650 mm in height 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 tension up to 90 kg and an arch size of 1500 x 2200 mm. The HAMMER is an automatic horizontal strapping machine that applies straps around a stationary pallet load; it uses PP or PET strap 9–15 mm, requires 380 V and compressed air, and takes up to 15 seconds per strap. The HAMMER can be used in line with the ARCUS, so a pallet can be strapped both vertically and horizontally without moving.

Seals and banding carts

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

Seals are made from galvanised steel and come in two sizes: 13 mm for PP strap 12–13 mm and 16 mm for PP strap 15–16 mm. Each pack contains 1,000 seals. Only the manual PPST-13/16 tool requires these seals, as it crimps the metal seal to form the joint. Using the wrong size seal can result in a weak joint that may fail during transport. For example, using a 13 mm seal on a 15.5 mm strap may prevent the seal from closing properly, causing the strap to slip.

Banding carts hold the coil and prevent the strap from tangling. The cart for 405/406 mm cores is suitable for PET and PP strap 10–19 mm wide, supports up to 50 kg, and includes a tool box for the tool and seals. The HC2 cart is designed for PP and composite strap on a 200 mm core and has a brake to control tension. Each coil fits only the cart designed for its core size: a 406 mm coil will not fit on a 200 mm cart.

PET or PP: plastic strapping for your application

Plastic strapping is produced from either PET or PP. PET strap offers greater strength and less stretch than PP of the same dimensions, making it ideal for securing heavy loads and pallets. For instance, PET strap measuring 19 x 1.0 mm can support up to 820 kg. PP strap, which comes in 12 or 15.5 mm widths, is intended for applications where high tensile strength is not required. At the same width and thickness, PP strap holds roughly half the weight of PET strap.

PP strap is typically used for lighter packages and cartons. Available in 12 or 15.5 mm widths, it stretches more than PET strap. This makes it suitable for small boxes or lightweight cartons where high strength is unnecessary. For example, when packing small parcels, PP strap will secure them without cutting into the carton or causing damage.

Carton strapping machines such as the HIPO, HIPO BOX, HIPO PRO, HIPO PRO XS, HIPO ULTRA, HIPO ULTRA-B and AUTOMA are designed for use with PP strap. Therefore, a packing line using these machines will require PP strap.

Pallet strapping machines like the COMBO, ARCUS and HAMMER are compatible with both PET and PP strap. This allows you to select PET strap for heavier pallets and PP strap for lighter loads, depending on your requirements.

The strength of the strap should match the tension applied by the tool. For example, PET strap 19 x 1.0 mm supports 820 kg, and tools such as the AIR19 (up to 3500 N) or the NEO2 (up to 3200 N) can tension it securely. For light cartons using PP strap, only minimal tension is needed, as too much could damage the carton.

PP strap also loses its tension more quickly over time compared to PET strap. For loads that will be stored for extended periods or transported long distances, PET strap is the safer option. PP strap is suitable for cartons that will be shipped promptly.

Strap width is determined by the application: carton strapping machines use 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. Manual tools accommodate strap from 9 to 19 mm, while PET strap for pallets is available up to 32 mm wide.

When strapping a heavy pallet, compare the load weight with the strap’s strength: PET 15.5 x 0.7 mm supports 440 kg, 19 x 1.0 mm supports 820 kg, and 32 x 1.2 mm supports 1600 kg. If one strap is insufficient, either use a stronger strap or apply additional straps to secure the load.

Choosing between hand tools and machines for plastic banding

Select your plastic strapping system based on the daily number of straps you need to apply and the type of packages. A manual tool such as the PPST-13/16 is suitable for PP strap in 12–13 or 15–16 mm widths and is operated by hand. It crimps a metal banding clip for each joint, making it appropriate for lower volumes or small batches.

For higher daily volumes, a battery powered strapping tool tensions, welds and cuts the strap in one operation. At a busy packing station, a semi-automatic machine like the HIPO or HIPO BOX, or a fully automatic machine with an arch, increases efficiency. Pallets are strapped using the COMBO, ARCUS or HAMMER.

For pallet strapping within a production line, machines such as the 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. These machines can be installed together in a line so that a pallet is strapped both vertically and horizontally without being moved, saving time and reducing manual handling.

Selecting the right equipment for your pack type and daily workload helps prevent bottlenecks and reduces manual effort. For example, using a manual tool for hundreds of straps per day can slow down operations and cause fatigue, while using a large machine for only a few straps may not be efficient. Matching the tool or machine to your workflow ensures smooth packing and secure loads.

Consider also where strapping will take place: a battery powered or manual tool can be taken to the load, whether in the warehouse or at the loading bay, whereas a machine requires the load to be brought to it. A table strapping machine such as the HIPO accepts packs with a minimum side length of 120 mm, and an automatic machine can only strap packs that fit within its arch.

For pallet strapping, the COMBO requires the operator to be present for each strap, making it suitable for a small number of pallets per day. The ARCUS and HAMMER operate in-line and can strap each pallet without an operator at the machine. Placing a HAMMER after the ARCUS allows horizontal straps to be added in the same line, which is ideal for sites dispatching large numbers of pallets.

Factors affecting the price of plastic strapping equipment

The price is determined by the type of tool or machine, the drive method (manual, pneumatic or battery), whether it is automatic or semi-automatic, the arch size for machines, and the ongoing cost of strap and banding clips. Each product card displays the price.

The cost of strapping equipment depends on whether it is a tool or a machine, the drive type (manual, pneumatic or battery), whether it is semi-automatic or automatic, and the arch size for machines, as larger arches accommodate bigger packs. The main running cost is the strap, and for manual tools, the banding clips. A kit includes the strap and a banding cart as well as the tool, so compare this with buying the tool, strap and cart separately.

Each product card features a Get offer button to request a quotation, for example for a tool with strap and a banding cart, and an Add to inquiry button to collect several products into a single request. This is helpful when comparing options or equipping multiple packing stations at once.

Checklist before ordering plastic strapping

Before placing an order, check the load and its weight, the number of straps required per day, decide between PET and PP, and ensure the strap width matches the range supported by your tool or machine. The table above lists the available ranges.

Ensure that your banding cart or machine is compatible with the core size of your strap coils: 405/406 mm for our PET and PP strap, or 200 mm for the PP and composite coils used with the HC2 cart and the machines.

A strap outside the tool’s range will not fit: for example, a tool designed for 12–16 mm strap cannot be used with a 19 mm strap. Order the strap together with the tool, selecting a width within its supported range.

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

Machines also require sufficient 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 requires a space of 2000 x 1500 mm. Also check the table height for compatibility with your line: 760 mm on the HIPO BOX, and 850–950 mm (adjustable) on the HIPO ULTRA.

Order the strap together with the tool or machine, and banding clips with a PPST tool, so you can begin strapping immediately. A kit includes the tool, strap and banding cart in one order.

Check the load against the machine’s capacity: the HIPO ULTRA handles packs up to 80 kg, and the AUTOMA table supports 80 kg. For pallets, measure the height: the COMBO straps loads from 650 mm upwards, the ARCUS has an arch of 1500 x 2200 mm, and the HAMMER accommodates loads 500–1500 mm long, 1000–1500 mm wide and 800–2500 mm high. Custom arch sizes are available for the HAMMER on request.

Plan your strap stock: measure how many metres are needed for one strap around your load and divide the coil length by this figure. This tells you how many straps you get from one coil and how often you need to reorder. For regular use, PET strap is also available as a pallet of 60 coils. Running out of strap mid-shift halts production, so keep at least one spare coil next to each tool or machine.

Frequently asked questions about plastic strapping

Should I use PET or PP strap for my packaging?

PET strap offers greater strength and less stretch than PP strap. PP strap is suitable for applications where high tensile strength is not required. PET strap is supplied in widths of 12, 15.5, 19, 25 or 32 mm.

Are metal seals required for battery powered strapping tools?

No, battery powered strapping tools join PET or PP strap by friction welding and do not require metal seals. Only the manual PPST-13/16 tool uses metal seals with PP strap.

Which banding tool matches my strap width?

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

Which strapping machine is suitable for pallet applications?

For pallet strapping, use the COMBO semi-automatic machine with sword, the ARCUS automatic vertical machine or the HAMMER automatic horizontal machine. Both HAMMER and ARCUS can be integrated into a packing line.