Commonly Used Methods For Connecting Metal Strapping

Metal strapping is a very common and essential part of many industrial projects. It’s also one of the most versatile forms of metal strapping, as it can be used to secure all sorts of different materials or components.

For example, you could use it to secure pallet loads at an assembly plant; to secure items in a shipping container; to connect various parts of machinery together; or even to secure electrical panels to a wall.

It’s important to make sure your metal strapping is securely fastened so that it won’t come loose when exposed to external forces like vibrations and shocks – which are often experienced during transportation.

So how do you go about securing your metal strapping?

In this article, we’ll look at some of the most commonly used methods for connecting metal strapping.

Using hot-dip galvanized steel strapping

Hot-dip galvanizing is one of the most common methods of protecting metal from corrosion. It involves dipping the item into molten zinc before drying it out with heat.

The process works by coating the surface of the metal with a layer of zinc, which prevents any further oxidation from occurring on its surface.

This makes it much more resistant to rusting and corrosion than bare iron, making it ideal for use as a strapping material.

The downside of hot-dip galvanizing is that it doesn’t work well if the strap needs to bend around something. The zinc layer becomes too thick, preventing it from flexing easily.

To get around this problem, you can coat the area of the metal strap that will need to bend using another method (like electroplating).

However, for best results, you should apply it directly to the item being secured with metal strapping.

Electroplated steel strapping

When dealing with a particularly hard and/or sharp edge, you may require a more durable type of strapping. This is where electroplating comes in.

Electroplating is when an electric current runs through an electrolytic solution between two electrodes – typically a positive and negative electrode. When the metal strap passes over the cathode, the current causes the metal to oxidize, forming a thin layer of oxide on the surface.

If you have an extremely hard and/or sharp edge on the metal component that requires strapping, you can use electroplating to create a stronger bond with the metal. This way, there’s no chance of the item coming loose during normal usage.

You can find out more about electroplating here.

Stamping steel strapping

Another great way to ensure you have a strong connection between steel hoop iron and its attached object is to stamp it with a tool known as a ‘stamp’. These tools have been used to permanently indent specific areas of the objects they attach to.

By doing this, you effectively form a tight seal with the metal strapping. Because stamping is usually done at high pressure, it creates a strong bond that will last for years without needing to be reattached later.

You can check out a few examples of stamps here.

Brazing steel strapping

There are several different types of brazing available, depending on what application you want to use them for. Some popular choices include brazing copper and brass, and brazing aluminum and stainless steel.

Brazing is a special process that involves melting the metal using heat, then allowing it to cool slowly while maintaining pressure. It’s a great technique to use for attaching steel to other metals because it helps maintain a solid connection when subjected to extreme temperatures, vibrations, and shock.

Because of this, it’s a good choice for use in applications where the item needs to withstand heavy loads and vibrations. You can learn more about brazing here.

Adhesives

You can also use adhesives to secure your steel strapping. There are several different types available, including epoxy, polyurethane, acrylic, and silicone. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Some are better suited to certain types of applications. For example, epoxies can provide excellent durability and strength, but are not waterproof, so don’t work well with watertight cases such as shipping containers.

Polyurethanes are a great alternative for those who want to keep their metal strapping waterproof.

Acrylics are often used by hobbyists to create custom models and accessories, but are expensive and difficult to remove once applied, so they aren’t suitable for those working in industries that require frequent adjustments and repairs.

Silicone adhesives are another option for creating a long-lasting bond. However, they can prove problematic if used incorrectly, as they tend to dry out quickly and become brittle, making them less flexible and less resilient than other options.