I guess we all take the word “strap” for granted in the general context of a strap being something that is relatively narrow and flat which is used for for fastening, securing, carrying, or holding on to. Maybe we tend to limit our thinking to straps made from a flexible material such as leather, cloth or plastic regardless of the actual duty that the strap is required to perform.
A Myriad Of Different Duties
From (mainly ladies’) clothing thru additional security for closed suitcase type luggage to something we hang on to when standing up on a bus or train to keep us steady against the movement; these are the everyday instances of straps that most of us are exposed to. For straps like these, plastic materials can be used but it is highly unlikely that we will find such examples made from any type of metal – let alone stainless steel (which is somewhat expensive).
The More Specialised Applications
Packaging is an area where straps are often used. Actually, it isn’t much more than the application of string tied around a parcel but on a bigger, more secure scale. A narrow flexible band can be placed around a container box to keep it closed – in much the same way that we might use scotch tape if the contents are light in weight. For heavier duties both metal and plastic bands are used. They are pulled tight and then the ends are sealed together – mechanically for metal straps and possibly by melting/fusing together for the plastic ones.
Take this a step further and think of a consignment of (say) metal tubes or logs even. How do you keep them together in a bundle for ease of transportation? You strap them with bands but, in these cases, plastic probably will not be strong enough.
However, in the examples so far, there is little to justify the use of higher cost Stainless Steel Straps over those made from lower cost carbon steel. Stainless steels have three main advantages over standard steel:-
* Much better corrosion resistance – especially with respect to rusting.
* Greater resistance to higher temperatures.
* They are usually stronger.
Using The Stainless Advantages
Signage can be held in place by strapping and, if out of doors, Stainless Steel Straps will be stronger than plastic and they will not rust from exposure to rain and the elements. Other examples would be strapping items together in a marine environment – ships, oil rigs, etc. Similar logic would dictate Stainless Steel Straps for fastening within chemical plants or hot places (such as steel mills or furnaces).
