What everyone wants to know about rapstrap
Q. What sizes of rapstrap are currently available, the largest and smallest?
The mainstream rapstrap is 300mm long and 10mm wide (product code 1030). These are suitable for most applications. Three heavier duty rapstraps were introduced in 2010; two 22mm x 420mm rapstraps and a super duty 50mm x 640mm. These are largest size we have produced so far.
Q. How much do they cost?
Depends on volume and vendor. Our suggested retail price for a bag of 48 standard 1030 rapstaps is £5.99, although many stockists will supply for less, especially on bulk orders. Prices on other sizes vary according to the raw material requirements (i.e., weight), which represents the biggest cost component of the product.
Q. Why bags of 48?
1030 rapstraps are available in bags of 48, packed as eight sheets of 6 straps. This is our standard pack size because our manufacturing systems are optimised for processing multiples of 12. (Four multiples per bag of 48.) Rapstraps are made by a division of the Japanese company Hitachi Maxell on a highly automated robotic production line. Adding an extra 2 rapstraps complicates an already complex system, and so it was decided to keep it simple.
Q. Where can I buy rapstraps?
Rapstrap has a growing number of distributors and retailers who stock the product, and they will be able to assist with most customer requirements. Rapstrap Ltd itself does not have the necessary sales team or infrastructure to process small orders, and can only assist with bulk enquiries. To cater for customers who require smaller quantities, Andy Harsley's Kosine website provides a convenient way to purchase.
Q. Do you have distributors around the world. Can we sell/distribute?
We are building a global distribution network which is gradually covering most regions of the planet. In the absence of a local distributor, non-UK enquiries will need to contact our main office. If you are interested in becoming a distributor yourself, please get in touch with us for consideration.
Q. Do you have leaflets and specification sheets?
Yes, there is a set of product leaflets available for download in PDF format. These contain all the available test data for the current product range. Specifications are also available.
Q. How strong are they, and how long will they last - especially outdoors?
As a rough guide, the standard 1030 rapstraps are rated to a loop strength of 12kg, although they can usually tolerate loads of up to 15kg max. The polyurethane used to make rapstrap is custom produced for us, and is expected to maintain a service life of at least 10 years, although in practice this is a conservative figure. (Exact lifespan will depend on conditions.) In general, rapstraps can be treated exactly as any other cable tie, although we recommend black or dark green for outdoor use where UV exposure is an issue.
Q. What temperature and humidity range can rapstraps handle?
Rapstraps have been successfully used from Moldovan vineyards at -40C, to tropical Manila at +40C. The product is made from thermoplastic polyurethane, and this is not adversely affected by temperature or moisture. However, rapstrap will become stiffer as the temperature falls, and softer as it rises. We therefore recommend a continual upper working limit of +60C, and short term temperatures not higher than 120C. Please consult the product specifications for further information on chemical and other tolerances.
Q. Do you produce a V0/low smoke/fire retardant version?
Yes, we have succesfully produced UL94-V0 self-extinguishing rapstraps, and the material was formally tested in early 2010. These straps even survive burning with a blow torch. We hope to have them in mass-production in the near future.
Q. Can you produce rapstrap on a reel?
The rapstrap requires a tongue to assist threading, and this would make it impractical to use a long reel. (The tongue would have to be inserted through the tail end, then pulled right the way through the entire reel!) Solutions have been developed and we are continuing to look at the possibilities here.
Q. Can you produce a biodegradable version?
Yes, but we are still perfecting it. A fully compostable, renewably sourced rapstrap has recently been developed with performance similar to the polyurethanes used at present. We hope to be able to bring these to market sometime in 2010.
Q. Can you produce a stronger nylon version?
This is something else we're looking at, but it's a harder manufacturing challenge than the standard product. We have produced successful prototypes in stiffer polyurethanes, but all nylons tried so far have been a little too stiff to function adequately. Keep an eye on this site for developments in the future.
Q. Can you produce different colour rapstraps?
Yes, but our main production is black and natural for reasons of efficiency. Colours are possible, but switching between them results in lost production which adds to the cost. We do occassionally produce limited numbers of coloured rapstraps, customers requiring specific colours are advised that minimum order volumes may be necessary. Please contact us if you have such requirements.
Last revised : July 2010.