What Break Force Range Can PET Strap Achieve?

The Break Force Question

When specifying PET strap (polyester 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. Unlike steel strapping, which offers a narrow range of break forces, PET strap is manufactured in a broad range of specifications to match different load requirements.

Break force for PET strap ranges from 160kg to 1,360kg depending on width, thickness, and grade. This range covers everything from light pallet loads to heavy steel coil 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 PET strap and how to select the right specification for your application.

1. The Break Force Range for PET Strap

1.1 Full Range Overview

According to industry specifications, PET strap achieves break forces from 160kg to 1,360kg. The most commonly specified break forces are 280kg, 450kg, 635kg, 900kg, and 1,200kg.

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, PET strap achieves tensile strength of 450–600 N/mm². This high tensile strength—combined with appropriate width and thickness—produces the break force range of 160–1,360kg.

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 0.6mm to 1.2mm at the same width can more than double break force.

2.3 Combined Effects

Width and thickness together determine break force. A 25mm × 1.0mm PET strap achieves higher break force than a 19mm × 1.0mm 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 (160–280kg)

3.2 Medium-Duty Applications (280–450kg)

3.3 Heavy-Duty Applications (450–635kg)

3.4 Extra Heavy-Duty Applications (635–1,360kg)

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

4. Safety Factors and Load Calculations

4.1 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: 500kg

• Required break force: 500kg × 1.5 = 750kg minimum

4.2 Number of Straps

For heavy 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

• Steel coils: 4–6 straps with edge protection

At Jushuo Packaging, our technical team assists clients with load calculations and strap configuration.

5. Equipment Compatibility Considerations

5.1 Matching Break Force to Equipment

According to equipment manufacturers, automatic strapping machines are designed to accept specific strap specifications. Break force is not the only consideration—width and thickness must also match the machine's chute and sealing system.

5.2 Sample Testing

According to quality best practices, sample testing verifies that the selected break force meets application requirements. Test steps:

1. Verify break force through documentation

2. Test feed and seal performance in your equipment

3. Confirm load security under expected conditions

At Jushuo Packaging, we provide samples with documented break force values for verification.

Summary

PET strap achieves break forces from 160kg to 1,360kg, covering applications from light pallet loads to heavy steel coil 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, 160–280kg break force is sufficient. Medium loads require 280–450kg. Heavy loads need 450–635kg. Extra heavy-duty applications such as steel coils and cotton bales require 635–1,360kg. Always apply a safety factor of at least 1.5× for static loads and 2× for dynamic loads.

Jushuo Packaging stands as your trusted PET 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 production technology to produce high-performance PET 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 PET 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 Polyester Strapping." CEN.eu, 2001.

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

3. PAC Strapping Products. "High-Performance Polyester Strapping." Plant Engineering, 2024.

4. Signode Industrial Group. "PET Strapping – Technical Specifications." Signode.com, 2025.