Structural steel leaves a mill as a bundle: sections stacked, banded at intervals, sometimes wrapped, sometimes bare. The band is the only thing holding it together, and every band crosses an edge. Paper edge protection at those crossings keeps the band from being cut by the section corner and keeps the bundle from spreading when the band relaxes.
Profile data for steel bundles
| Section | Profile | Band |
|---|
| Plate and flat bar | L 60 x 60, 5 mm | At every band, doubled |
| Angle and channel | V 60 degree, 4 mm | On the fold line |
| Hollow section | L 50 x 50, 4 mm | Two outer corners |
| Round bar bundle | L 50 x 50, 5 mm | Six points around the bundle |
| Galvanised section | L 50 x 50, 3 mm | Clean board, no marks |
Where a bundle comes apart
A bundle fails when one band loses tension. The band loses tension when it cuts into the section corner, which is a sharp, hard edge under high load. Once one band is loose the sections slide, the bundle twists, and the crane lift becomes unsafe.
The second failure is surface damage: bands pressing on a galvanised or painted section leave marks that have to be touched up, and touch-up on a galvanised surface is never invisible.
Paper or timber for steel bundles
Timber is stiffer and is still the norm for very heavy bundles, but it brings ISPM 15 marking, weight and disposal. Paper with a doubled wall works for most bundles up to a few tonnes and is the usual choice when the bundle is exported to a country that inspects wood packaging closely.
For heavy plate and large sections, be honest about the limit: paper protects the band and the surface, it does not replace a timber cradle that carries the load.
Profile choice by section
Flat sections and plate take an L profile on the band line with the long leg along the section face. Angles and channels have a folded corner that needs a V or 60 degree profile to sit flat. Hollow sections take an L on the two outer corners and nothing at the weld line.
Band spacing is the other half of the specification. Protection at every band, not only at the ends, is what keeps the bundle together; the ends are simply the bands that are easiest to forget.
Questions buyers ask before ordering
Can paper replace timber for steel bundles?
For band protection and surface protection, yes. For load carrying cradles, no, and we will not pretend otherwise.
How many protectors per bundle?
One per band per edge crossed. A bundle with six bands around a rectangular section needs twelve pieces.
Do you make 60 degree V profiles?
Yes, 60, 90 and 120 degrees, folded from the same kraft board.
Will the boards mark galvanised steel?
Dry natural kraft does not. A damp board can leave a stain, so keep bundles wrapped until use.
What is the lead time?
7-15 working days after approval, with samples in 3-5 days on stock grades.
Send leg width, wall thickness, cut length and monthly volume to mona@hengnicepacking.com and we will quote the profile that matches your load.
