Plastic Strapping Tools

Plastic Strapping Tools - Sealers

The "D" Sealer is a front-action sealer that produces crimp joints. However, unlike the side-action sealer which fastens steel strap, these tools crimp the top and bottom of grit-coated seals, creating a frictional bond between the seal and the lubricated plastic strap surface.

There are three versions of the D-Sealer.

• The D-504 uses 50DYS seals to secure lighter grades of plastic strapping.
• The D-506 uses a longer 50DY seal for joining heavier poly strapping.
• The D-58 sealer is used with 58DY seals to use with High-Strength Signode Tenax strapping.

Plastic Strapping Tools - Combination

There are two plastic combination tool families: Seal-Feed Series and Tension-Weld Series.

Seal-Feed Combination Series - Seal-feed plastic combination tools are available in manual or pneumatic versions.

Seal-Feed Combination Series, Manual

Seal-feed combination tools have a design which is similar to the A-Series steel tools. However, the plastic models crimp, rather than notch the seal. The series includes the AST and AMT.

• The AST is used with 50ASD Seals and Signode Contrax (polypropylene strapping) or Signode Tenax strapping for light-duty applications.
• The ATM uses 58AMT seals for High-Strength Signode Tenax (polyester strapping) applications, such as furniture, lumber, skidded paper and brick.
• The number in the seal number-letter codes signify which strap width the seal can be used with. For example, the 50ASD means that the seal can be used with 1/2" strap, while the 50AMT is used with the 5/8" strap.
• Also helpful to know, the 50ASD and 58AMT seals have steel teeth to grip the strapping. The 50DY, 58DY, and 50DYS seals use grit to increase friction between the strapping and seal.

Seal-Feed Combination Series, Pneumatic

The AMPT-12 or AMPT-58 tools pneumatically tension the strap and apply a 50ASD or 58AMT crimp seal to Tenax, or High-Strength Signode Tenax strapping. The AMPT tools are similar to the A-Series steel pneumatic tools.

Tension-Weld Combination Series Strapping Tools

Tension-weld tools join strap surfaces by rubbing them together very quickly while they are held under pressure. These tension-weld combination strapping tools do not use metal seals or buckles. The joint is very strong, however it can be easily removed from the load by turning the strapping over and unzipping the tab.

Signode pneumatic combination tension-weld tools produce two types of joints:

• Z-Weld
• Flat-Weld

These designations refer to the joint's shape. The distortion in the "Z" weld provides a superior joint strength when welded at low tension.

In the chart below, the tool model, weld type, and pounds of tension at which each tool polls is listed.

The letters "L", "M" and "H" in the tool model codes above signify that the tool is used for light, medium or high tension applications. The "Z" denotes a "Z" Weld, while the "T" indicates that the tool is used with polyester strapping (Signode Tenax Strapping).

Plastic Strapping Tools - Tensioners

Conventional Feedwheel Tensioners

These tools are similar to their steel cousins but the plastic version has been modified to include a second tensioning handle and a cutter.

Windlass Tensioner

While the plastic windlass pulls tension in the same manner as the steel version, it also cuts the strapping. Additionally, the plastic version works directly from a dispenser, eliminating costly precutting of strap.

Walking Gripper

The DLT is used with steel and plastic buckles for light duty tension applications.

Concluding Thoughts:

Signode markets provide a number of hand strapping tools. Besides the differences already discussed above, there are other reasons for the many strapping tool options provided.

• Tensioners are designed to work with specific strap widths and gauges.
• Sealers work with specific seals and strap sizes.
• The same principles apply to combination tool. They are designed to accommodate a range of strap gauges and to apply a specific seal-feed seal or to produce a sealless joint.
• The heavier duty the tool, the more strength is built into its working parts, and, in the case of manual tools, the longer the tensioning and sealing handles, the greater the leverage or mechanical advantage achieved.

Understanding Signode Strapping Tool Part Numbers