Rapstrap i-Tie

The Intelligent Tying Strap

rapstrap i-Tie is quick releasable
biodegradable tree guards attached with biodegradable rapstraps
rapstrap i-Tie used for cable management
Banding wood with a soft and flexible rapstrap

Key Features of Our Quick-Release Tie:

rapstrap i-Tie colours
  • Reuse cut-off portions to make more ties
  • Unique quick-release system
  • Slimline design
  • Semi-elasticated allows easy adustment
  • Recycled, renewable & biodegradable options

Also see our Classic range ›

Capable of holding up to 12kg, the rapstrap i-Tie is a unique quick-release fastener: Just pull the end and it comes undone, ready for reuse. This features makes it an ideal solution for temporary or return-visit applications where easy removal or adjustment of ties is required.

Quick-release rapstrap i-Tie

Quick-release i-Ties are perfect for cable bundling & storing. They're softer and more flexible than nylon ties, and can be easily opened when required.

Rapstrap i-Ties are frequently used for cable installation & management, for packaging & handling, for temporary signage, fencing & netting, and for general maintenance & site work.

The 06-series of i-Ties are produced in the UK from a variety of materials, including biodegradable and soluble options. The standard version uses a soft semi-elasticated polyurethane and can be tensioned slightly if required. For more demanding jobs, firmer more robust polyurethanes are possible.

A slimmer 05-series (4.8mm) is also available on request (minimum order quantities may apply). This version has the same width as a typical nylon cable tie and may be used as a direct replacement in compatible applications.

A halogen-free self-extinguishing rapstrap i-Tie

Polyurethane rapstrap i-Tie can be made in standard and fire-retardant grades.

0627-SPU: Soft Polyurethane i-Tie

Our standard 6mm x 270mm rapstraps are made from a premium soft 90A durometer polyurethane elastomer.

Suitable for most general-purpose applications, this material confers a small amount of elasticity that allows a controllable tension to be applied to the fitted tie.

For applications that require a firmer grip, medium or firm polyurethanes can be used as alternatives (codes MPU & FPU). These are more appropriate for permanent applications, where the reduced elasticity makes the ties harder to release.

A detectable rapstrap i-Tie

A metal and X-ray detectable rapstrap prototype containing 17% metallic powder.

For specialist applications, a halogen-free fire retardant i-Tie is possible (meets UL94 V2 with a 2mm part thickness), as is a renewable-resource polyurethane version (approx 30% renewable content). Further details about these products are available on request.

Standard 0627-SPU rapstrap i-Ties are currently supplied in convenient tear-off sheets of 12. They are available in trade bags of 48, and bulk boxes of 3000 straps (unbagged).

Standard colours for SPU rapstraps are black, natural and green; Other colours may be available subject to MOQ.

Biogradable rapstraps are made using potatoes

Degraded portions of a BIO23 i-Tie after 6 months in a home-composting bin at ambient temperatures.

0627-BIO23: Biodegradable i-Tie

This 6mm x 270mm rapstrap i-Tie is made from a biodegradable blend that's suitable for both indoor or outdoor use. Although not quite as strong as our standard polyurethane version, these ties are surprisingly robust considering they're made using potatoes!

The material is approximately 30% renewably-resourced potato starch and 70% polyester; The overall bio-based carbon content is 23% (ASTM D6866).

The high starch content of this material means it will absorb around 4% water from the atmosphere, and this can rise to over 10% in very damp environments (w/w). It is these large quantities of water and starch that promote biodecomposition.

The material is stable during normal usage (aerial, above ground applications), but will begin to break down when covered in damp soil or under moist composting conditions. Elevated temperatures are useful but not essential for decomposition.

A biodegradable rapstrap i-Tie being consumed

This slime mould is assaulting a defenceless biodegradable i-Tie. Note how its tentacles are carving deep channels into the surface. The extent to which myxomycetes can consume polyesters has not been fully ascertained.

These straps are intended for applications in which ties can end up in the natural environment, such as tree planting, site work, or event management. Although prevention is better than cure, in such situations the use of intrinsically biodegradable polymers can help reduce the long-term impact of inadvertant plastic pollution.

Due to the organic nature of this material, the colour of these straps can vary from beige to brown, but this does not affect their functionality. 0627-BIO23 rapstrap i-Ties are supplied in tear-off sheets of 5, and are packed in trade bags of 50 straps (10 sheets). Bulk boxes of 50 bags (2500 straps total) are also available.

rapstrap i-Tie soluble and biodegradable

A cold water soluble rapstrap i-Tie is available. This material can be recycled and is biodegradable.

0627-SOL: Water Soluble i-Tie

Made from a water soluble glue, our PVA rapstraps are recommended for indoor applications, such as packaging dry goods.

These ties are hydrated after manufacture to contain about 12% water. This makes them quite soft & flexible, and just like our standard polyurethane i-Ties, these poly vinyl alcohol versions are fully releasable & reusable as required.

Since PVA (aka PVOH) is extensively used in the paper and textile industries, these straps can in principle be recycled along with general paper & cardboard waste where facilities exist.

PVA is also commonly used to package dissolvable detergent pods & pouches. As a result, large quantities are processed by waste-water treatment facilities, and many microbial species have been identified that can biodegrade it.

These straps are a translucent pale yellow colour as standard. They are supplied in tear-off sheets of 5, and packed in trade bags of 50 straps (10 sheets). Bulk boxes of 50 bags (2500 straps total) are also available, however due to the post-production rehydration process, orders may incur short lead times.

Please note that to maintain their intended physical properties, these ties should be stored at ambient indoor conditions, ideally around 20°C and 50% releative humidity.

Recycled rapstrap i-Tie made from cable sleeving

Rapstrap can turn old cables into new cable ties.

0627-RCY: Recycled i-Tie

In addition to our general-purpose polyurethane i-Tie, we have also produced a recycled version based on fully reprocessed PVC cable sleeving.

Please note these non-PU alternatives are not currently mass-produced.

Slim-line rapstrap i-Tie

Slimline Design

Standard 5.8mm and extra-slim 4.8mm widths

Designed to be the same size as coventional nylon ties, these rapstraps can be used as a drop-in replacement in many applications.

Rapstrap i-Tie is easy to release

Quick Releasable

Fast and easy to release

Our unique design makes rapstrap i-Tie extremely useful for temporary tying. These ties can be removed & reused again & again.

Cut-off portions can be used again

Waste-Reducing

Not a single-use item

Unlike conventional ties, excess tail portions of rapstrap can be cut-off to make more ties. This inherently efficient design can also upcycle scrap plastics.

Rapstrap can be made from a wide range of materials

Specialities

Wide range of materials

The i-Tie design is extremely versatile. It has been adapted for many special applications including biodegradable, fire retardant and metal detectable.

removing rapstraps from supplied sheets

1. Rapstrap i-Tie is supplied in convenient tear-off sheets. To remove a strap, start at the tongue end and pull firmly downwards.

threading rapstrap to maximise the loop

2. When fitting, create the largest possible loop by threading the tongue through a cell at the opposite far end. (Tip: Leave a few cells if removal is required later.)

pull elasticated rapstraps to tighten them

3. Pull the strap all the way through itself and tighten around the target. Because rapstrap i-Tie is semi-elasticated it can be tensioned as required.

cut-off rapstraps create new ties

4. Now remove the end portion and repeat the process. (Note: cut through the second cell after the latch.)

several ties per rapstrap reduces waste

5. The off-cut now becomes a new rapstrap that can be used again & again. Each strap can therefore provide several ties with minimum wastage.

releasing a rapstrap i-Tie

6. If you need to release a rapstrap i-Tie, leave a small portion at the tail end. Pulling forwards on this segment will release the strap.

Specifications
PropertyValue
Product Code(s)0627-SPU-BLK (-NAT, -GRN)
Product MultiplesBags of 48, boxes of 3000
Standard ColoursBLACK, NATURAL or GREEN
Width5.8mm (4.8mm on request)
Length270mm
Thickness3.25mm (apx)
Strap Weight3g (apx)
Number of Cells48
Cell Spacing4.6mm
Average Ties Per Strap3-5
Recommended Max Stretch20%
Max Loop Diameter>75mm
Recommended Max Loading12kg
MaterialSoft polyurethane elastomer
Reclaimed Contentup to 30%
Temp Range-20°C to 60°C
UV ResistanceGood (Black recommended)
ManufacturerRapstrap Ltd
Country of ManufactureUnited Kingdom
Representative specification provided for guidance purposes. E&OE.
Specifications
PropertyValue
Product Code(s)0627-BIO23-NAT
Product MultiplesBags of 50, boxes of 2500
Standard ColoursNATURAL (BEIGE/BROWN)
Width5.8mm
Length270mm
Thickness3.25mm (apx)
Strap Weight3g (apx)
Number of Cells48
Cell Spacing4.6mm
Average Ties Per Strap3-5
Recommended Max Stretchnot recommended
Max Loop Diameter>75mm
Recommended Max Loading8kg
MaterialStarch-polyester bioplastic
Renewable Content30% (23% biocarbon)
Temp Range-10°C to 40°C
UV ResistanceModerate
ManufacturerRapstrap Ltd
Country of ManufactureUnited Kingdom
Representative specification provided for guidance purposes. E&OE.
Specifications
PropertyValue
Product Code(s)0627-SOL-NAT
Product MultiplesBags of 50, boxes of 2500
Standard ColoursNATURAL (TRANSLUSCENT)
Width5.8mm
Length270mm
Thickness3.25mm (apx)
Strap Weight3g (apx)
Number of Cells48
Cell Spacing4.6mm
Average Ties Per Strap3-5
Recommended Max Stretch10%
Max Loop Diameter>75mm
Recommended Max Loading6kg (Strength will vary according to hydration)
MaterialPoly vinyl alcohol (approx 88% hydrolysed)
Renewable Content30%
Temp Range0°C to 40°C (Avoid freezing)
UV ResistanceNot recommended for outdoor use
IMPORTANT NOTE:Keep dry until disposal
ManufacturerRapstrap Ltd
Country of ManufactureUnited Kingdom
Representative specification provided for guidance purposes. E&OE.
Specifications
PropertyValue
Product Code(s)0627-RCY-BLK
Product MultiplesBags of 48, boxes of 3000
Standard ColoursBLACK ONLY
Width5.8mm
Length270mm
Thickness3.25mm (apx)
Strap Weight3g (apx)
Number of Cells48
Cell Spacing4.6mm
Average Ties Per Strap3-5
Recommended Max Stretch20%
Max Loop Diameter>75mm
Recommended Max Loading10kg
MaterialrPVC/TPU alloy
Reclaimed Content>70%
Temp Range-20°C to 60°C
UV ResistanceGood
ManufacturerRapstrap Ltd
Country of ManufactureUnited Kingdom
Representative specification provided for guidance purposes. E&OE.
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