16mm PET Strapping: Specifying a Heavy-Duty Grade

Direct answer: nominal width is not a strength grade

16mm PET strapping names a width. It does not determine minimum breaking load, elongation, linear weight or joint performance. Confirm the full grade specification and the equipment’s permitted dimensions before purchasing or converting a line.

Why 16mm is only the starting point

16mm PET strapping describes nominal width, not a universal strength rating. Two polyester straps with the same width can have different thicknesses, mechanical properties, surface profiles and linear weights. The phrase heavy duty is a purchasing description; turn it into measurable requirements before placing an order.

First establish why you are considering this width. It may reflect an existing tool, a machine guide setting or a previous package design. If the packaging requirement has changed, check whether the current equipment window and strap arrangement still fit the load. A wider or thicker band is not automatically the right correction for a weak joint or poor strap position.

Write a complete 16mm specification

For US purchasing, record both metric and imperial dimensions when needed, but keep one controlling specification. 16 mm converts to approximately 0.630 in; a nominal 5/8 in label is not a substitute for checking the machine’s actual permitted dimension and tolerance.

Breaking load is not package capacity

Breaking load describes the force at which a test specimen fails under the reported conditions. It does not give the allowable weight of a pallet or establish the number of straps required. The finished package also depends on joint performance, corners, strap placement, handling and any movement or compression of the contents.

Ask the responsible packaging team to define acceptance criteria for the assembled package. Keep those separate from the incoming material test. A strong unjoined specimen cannot compensate for a joint that slips or a band that is cut at an unprotected edge. Investigate the failure location before changing the grade.

Check the equipment before changing thickness

Confirm the machine or tool model and its approved PET range. Feeding guides, gripping parts and sealing settings can impose limits beyond nominal width. Run the proposed grade with the intended dispenser and the actual coil format; coil behavior may differ as the reel empties.

Record feeding, tensioning and joint results at normal operating conditions, including restarts if they occur in production. Ask the equipment provider about settings and any required approval before substituting a grade. A general statement that PET works in automatic machines does not establish compatibility with a particular model.

Compare productivity after qualification

Once two grades meet the same acceptance criteria, compare usable meters and cost per package. If net strap mass is 20,000 g and measured linear weight is w g/m, estimated length is 20,000 ÷ w meters. Use measured linear weight rather than deriving it solely from nominal embossed dimensions.

Send Newton your 16mm requirement, current thickness, breaking-load requirement, equipment details and application photographs. Include the reason for reviewing the grade: feed stability, joint quality, package movement or purchasing efficiency. Newton can then discuss a proposed product and trial rather than guessing from width alone.

Metric and US dimension comparison

Using 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 16 mm = 0.6299 in. A nominal 5/8 inch is 15.875 mm: close, but not exactly 16 mm. Likewise, 19 mm = 0.7480 in while 3/4 inch = 19.05 mm. Confirm the specified tolerance and machine window; do not treat these labels as interchangeable manufacturing specifications.

These are verified unit conversions, not a Newton availability list. NEEDS BUSINESS VERIFICATION: a Newton 16mm grade, thickness range, minimum breaking load and equipment approval.

Before approving an equipment trial

• Record the machine model and approved material, width and thickness window.
• Check coil and dispenser interfaces before running the sample.
• Agree feed reliability, joint checks and representative load conditions.
• Retain the batch identity and trial settings with the purchase specification.

16mm buying questions