Printed strap orientation determines how your logo, message or handling information appears once the strap has been applied to a parcel, bundle or pallet. The correct choice depends on the printed side, the reading direction and the way the strap travels through your equipment.
Whether you use a manual tool, a semi-automatic table or an automatic strapping machine, selecting the right printed strap orientation helps keep your message visible, upright and easy to read. This guide explains the four available options and how to test them before confirming your order.
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What Is Printed Strap Orientation?
Printed strap orientation describes both the side of the strap that receives the print and the direction in which the message is read. Printing can be applied to the outside or inside surface of the coil.
The reading direction can then run from left to right or from right to left. Your choice depends on the direction in which the package passes through the machine, the strap feed path and the final position of the printed message around the product.
EXTERNAL PRINTING
A B
INTERNAL PRINTING
C D
Why Does Printed Strap Orientation Matter
Choosing the correct printed strap orientation ensures that your logo, safety message or product information appears in the intended position after strapping. An unsuitable orientation can leave the print upside down, facing inward or difficult to read.
Confirming the orientation before production also helps prevent artwork errors, avoid unnecessary waste and maintain a consistent presentation across your packaged goods.
The Four Printed Strap Orientation Options
A / outside printing, read from left to right.
B / outside printing, read from right to left.
C / inside printing, read from left to right.
D / inside printing, read from right to left.
Options A and B keep the printing visible on the outside of the coil. Options C and D position the printing on the inside. The correct configuration depends on your equipment and the way the strap is applied around the package.
How to Test Your Printed Strap Orientation
Before confirming your printed strap order, reproduce the intended text on a short sample of plain strap using a marker. Following the equipment manufacturer’s operating instructions, pass the sample through the normal strapping path and check where the writing appears around the package.
This simple test identifies the printed side and reading direction required by your equipment. If the message is upside down or facing inward, test another configuration before approving the artwork.
the different printing orientations for different tools and machines
Depending on the strapping tool you have, it’s worth finding out which printing direction is best for you.
Manual Strapping Tools
With manual strapping tools, the operator has greater control over the position and direction of the strap. However, the correct printed strap orientation still depends on whether the buckle, seal or joint passes above or below the pallet.
Tools with a buckle passing underneath the pallet generally use orientation C or D. Tools with a seal passing over the pallet generally use orientation A or B. Friction-weld tools commonly use A or B, but a practical test should always be completed before production.
For all manual strapping tools with a buckle passing under the pallet, the directions to choose are :
C or D
Manual strapping tools with a seal passing over the top of the pallet, this time the printing orientations are :
A or B
The printing orientation of the strap for friction strapping tools are also :
A or B
Automatic Strapping Machines
Automatic machines require a printed strap orientation that matches their fixed strap feed direction. For TP-702, TP-601D and TP-6000 machines, orientation C or D is generally suitable. The same options usually apply to TP-702A, TP-702B and TP-702BP machines.
TP-202 Strapping Table – Paper and PP strap :
A or B
For the IQ-400 strapping table, – Paper and PP straps :
C or D
The EXS-303 – Paper or PP straps :
C or D
Semi-Automatic Strapping Tables
Each semi-automatic strapping table uses a specific strap feed path. Test the orientation on the actual machine before approving the printed coil. The following configurations generally apply to these models:
Automatic strapping machines TP-702, TP-601D or also TP-6000 are adapted to :
C or D
For fully automatic strapping machines such as the TP-702A, TP-702B or TP-702BP, the orientations are also as follows :
C or D
Automatic Machines for Cardboard and Printing
For cardboard and printing applications, test the strap on the production machine to ensure that the message remains visible and correctly aligned. TP-702C, TP-702CCQ and TP-702CQ machines generally use orientation C or D.
Printing-sector machines such as the TP-702NS, TP-702NIL and TP-702P also generally use orientation C or D.
The automatic strapping tools in the cardboard range, such as the TP-702C , TP-702CCQ or TP-702CQ, conform to the following orientations :
C or D
Automatic strapping machines for printing range such as the TP-702NS , TP-702NIL or TP-702P are also suitable for orientation :
C or D
Pallet Strapping Machines
Pallet strapping machines have different coil positions, feed systems and strap paths. Perform a sample test after installing the coil, following the machine manufacturer’s instructions. Mark a plain strap, complete one normal cycle and inspect the position and reading direction around the pallet.
If you are unsure which printed strap orientation matches your machine, send La Croix Noble the machine model, a photograph of the coil position and the required reading direction. Our team will help you identify the appropriate configuration.
The correct printed strap orientation depends on the printed side, reading direction and strap path through your equipment. Testing these elements before approving the artwork ensures that your branding or handling message appears exactly where expected. Contact La Croix Noble for help selecting the right orientation for your printed strap and strapping machine.
If your printed strap includes handling symbols, consult the ISO 780:2015 graphical symbols for packaging reference.
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