What Break Force Range Does PP Strap Offer? A Complete Guide

The Break Force Question

When specifying PP strap (polypropylene strap) for a packaging application, the first question is usually about strength: how much load can this strap secure? The answer lies in break force—the maximum force a strap can withstand before breaking. PP strap is manufactured in a broad range of specifications to match different load requirements.

Break force for PP strap ranges from 45kg to 230kg depending on width, thickness, and grade. This range covers everything from light carton sealing to heavy pallet bundling. Understanding how break force is determined—and how to match it to your application—helps procurement professionals select the right specification without over-engineering or under-specifying.

At Jushuo Packaging, our production data shows that break force optimization is one of the most effective ways to balance load security with packaging cost. This guide explains the full break force range available for PP strap and how to select the right specification for your application.

1. The Break Force Range for PP Strap

1.1 Full Range Overview

According to industry specifications, PP strap achieves break forces from 45kg to 230kg. The most commonly specified break forces are 45kg, 60kg, 85kg, 100kg, 130kg, 160kg, 180kg, and 230kg.

1.2 How Break Force Is Determined

Break force is a function of two factors: cross-sectional area and molecular orientation.

Cross-sectional area is determined by width and thickness. A wider or thicker strap has more material to resist breaking force.

Molecular orientation is determined during manufacturing. According to patent literature on strapping production, the extrusion and stretching process aligns polymer chains along the strap's length, increasing tensile strength. Higher draw ratios produce higher break force at the same cross-sectional area.

1.3 Break Force vs. Tensile Strength

Break force and tensile strength are related but distinct. Tensile strength is a material property measured in force per unit area (N/mm² or MPa). Break force is the total force the strap can withstand, measured in kilograms or pounds.

According to material specifications, PP strap achieves tensile strength of 100–150 MPa. This tensile strength—combined with appropriate width and thickness—produces the break force range of 45–230kg.

2. How Width and Thickness Affect Break Force

2.1 Width and Break Force

For the same thickness, increasing width increases break force proportionally. According to product specifications:

2.2 Thickness and Break Force

For the same width, increasing thickness increases break force. According to product specifications:

Increasing thickness from 0.55mm to 0.70mm at the same width can increase break force by 40–50%.

2.3 Combined Effects

Width and thickness together determine break force. A 15mm × 0.65mm PP strap achieves higher break force than a 12mm × 0.65mm strap because it has more cross-sectional area. The optimal combination depends on equipment compatibility, load distribution requirements, and cost considerations.

3. Application-Based Break Force Selection

3.1 Light-Duty Applications (45–85kg)

3.2 Medium-Duty Applications (85–130kg)

3.3 Heavy-Duty Applications (130–180kg)

3.4 Extra Heavy-Duty Applications (180–230kg)

At Jushuo Packaging, we produce PP strap across the full break force range, with documented values for each specification.

4. Industry Application Case: Food Packaging

4.1 The Food Industry Challenge

In food packaging, the most common PP strap specification is 12mm. This industry has specific requirements:

• Pain point: Both automatic and semi-automatic machines are used; logo printing customization is required; cost-performance matters

• Requirement: Clear, non-blurred printing, stable feeding, consistent break force, compatibility with both machine types

• Jushuo solution: 12mm PP strap with clear printing, stable operation on both automatic and semi-automatic machines, and strong cost-performance

A food company (Shuanghui Ham) using both automatic and semi-automatic strapping machines on ham sausage carton packaging lines previously experienced blurred logo printing and unstable feeding with other suppliers. After switching to Jushuo Packaging's 12mm PP strap, print clarity improved significantly, feeding became stable, and both machine types operated smoothly. The customer reported satisfaction with the cost-performance.

4.2 Why Break Force Consistency Matters for Food Packaging

For food packaging lines using both automatic and semi-automatic machines, break force consistency ensures stable feeding and reliable sealing. Jushuo Packaging's production controls maintain break force within tight tolerances, supporting consistent performance in food industry applications.

5. Safety Factors and Load Calculations

5.1 Applying Safety Factors

According to safety standards, strapping should be rated at least 150% higher than expected working loads to accommodate shock loads and material degradation.

Example calculation:

• Load weight: 100kg

• Required break force: 100kg × 1.5 = 150kg minimum

5.2 Number of Straps

For heavier loads, multiple straps distribute the load and provide redundancy. According to packaging best practices:

• Light loads: 2 straps

• Medium loads: 3–4 straps

• Heavy loads: 4–6 straps

Summary

PP strap offers break forces from 45kg to 230kg, covering applications from light carton sealing to heavy pallet bundling. Break force is determined by width, thickness, and molecular orientation during manufacturing. Wider and thicker straps provide higher break force. The appropriate break force depends on load weight, safety factor requirements, and equipment compatibility.

For light loads, 45–85kg break force is sufficient. Medium loads require 85–130kg. Heavy loads and food packaging need 130–180kg. Extra heavy-duty applications require 180–230kg. Always apply a safety factor of at least 1.5× for static loads and 2× for dynamic loads.

In food packaging, 12mm PP strap with 100–180kg break force is common, balancing tensile strength, feeding stability, and print clarity for both automatic and semi-automatic machines.

Jushuo Pac kaging stands as your trusted polypropylene PP strap manufacturer, delivering superior quality plastic strapping solutions backed by over a decade of specialized expertise. Our state-of-the-art 15,000㎡ manufacturing facility utilizes advanced Italian screen changers and precision cold-drawing technology to produce high-performance PP strapping with 99% pass rates. With annual production capacity exceeding 20,000 tons, we ensure reliable supply chains and competitive pricing for bulk orders. If you need assistance selecting the right break force for your PP strap application, please send an email to sales@jushuopackaging.com, and our professional team will provide one-on-one support.

References

1. European Committee for Standardization. "EN 13394:2001 – Packaging – Strapping – Specifications for Polypropylene Strapping." CEN.eu, 2001.

2. ASTM International. "ASTM D3950 – Standard Specification for Strapping, Flat Steel and Seals." ASTM.org, 2021.

3. Signode Industrial Group. "Dylastic Polypropylene Strapping – Technical Specifications." Signode.com, 2025.

4. International Organization for Standardization. "ISO 9001:2015 – Quality Management Systems – Requirements." ISO.org, 2015.