If we are not involved in the world of transport, it is normal that we do not know what corner protectors are, although we have certainly removed one more than once when we have received an order at home, especially if it was made of a fragile material.
One of the biggest problems in transportation is that the goods can be damaged, and that is why we even talk about the packaging requirements for exporting, since it is in these shipments that the objects suffer the most.
What are corner protectors and what are they used for?
Corner protectors are L-shaped strips that protect our goods in the most fragile areas, which are usually the corners, as they are where the shocks are concentrated when loads are handled.
They also help to secure the pallets better, since the plastic or metal strapping is used to keep the boxes in place, which must be tensioned so that the entire load becomes a block.
In this way, the corner protectors also protect the corners of the strapping straps, which are then inserted into them and not into the packages, damaging what is inside them, without forgetting that when placed on the four corners and from bottom to top, they give solidity to the entire load.
Characteristics of the corner pieces
Can be placed in sensitive areas
One of the characteristics of the corner protectors is that they adapt very well to the surfaces, so they can be placed in those areas that are more sensitive, where experience tells us that there will be friction and bumps, which are sometimes unavoidable.
There are several types of corner protectors depending on the load and its weight.
Although most of us are only familiar with cardboard corner protectors, various types of corner protectors can be used in packaging, always taking into account the cargo to be protected.
Cardboard
They are the best known and have the advantage that they are sold in various lengths that can be adapted to the bundles in a moment by cutting them to size with a simple cutter.
They are available in various colors, from the classic brown, black or white and although the material they are made of is not the hardest, they resist moisture very well, as they can have a finish on the outside that allows water to run off and not soak them.
Adhesives
Normally, when corner protectors are placed on goods, they are fastened with plastic, tape or strapping, but there are also very practical corner protectors with adhesive on the market.
This way, you only have to remove the paper that covers the glue, press them against the corners and they are already fastened without using anything else, which makes them the most practical of all the ones we can use.
They save a lot of time and labor, especially when they have to be fixed vertically, since fastening them is very simple and once they are in place they do not fall off, as happens with those that do not have adhesive.
Customized
Another variant is the one that is personalized with the logo or the name of the company. Not all companies place them on their cargo, but they are common in larger companies that want their brand to have a presence.
This gives another aspect to the pallets or packages, “making brand image” and also helping to identify the loads if they share warehouse with those of other companies.
Plastic
A cardboard corner piece can be very strong, but they have their limits and when they are exceeded, hard plastic corner pieces are used.
They are not as adaptable as the cardboard ones, since the plastic cuts worse, but they withstand much more weight and stronger blows, since it is practically impossible to perforate the plastic of which these corner protectors are made.
Mixed
Corner protectors made of kraft, aluminum and polyethylene High quality, resistance and adaptability. 100% food grade and 100% moisture-proof.
Its characteristics optimize its use in extreme conditions: cold storage, tropical climates, transoceanic travel, etc. ….
What are the advantages of using corner protectors?
In addition to the protection of the cargo, placing corner protectors gives us another series of benefits that make us see them in all types of packages that are going to be transported by truck, ship, airplane, etc.
They are very light and do not add weight
As a general rule, in order for transport to be profitable, the legal weight limits are always being played with, so it is very important that the protections do not add up to more kilos than necessary.
This is the case with corner protectors, both plastic and cardboard, since they only add a few grams each, so they will not be a problem when adding more weight to the loads.
100% recyclable
Concern for the environment is growing, so another advantage is that they are 100% recyclable. Both cardboard and plastic ones can be fully recycled, which means that we do not pollute when we dispose of them.
This feature helps to improve the brand image, as the truth is that shipping companies use a lot of cardboard and plastic to protect shipments from the elements, bumps, accidents, etc.
They are designed according to the customer’s request
Its customization possibilities go beyond the logo or brand. No two loads are the same and that is why the companies that manufacture these protections adapt to the needs of their customers.
They make corner protectors of different thickness, height, flange size and with different colors in order to adapt to the corporate of the company that is going to put them with the idea of protecting their products.
We already know what corner protectors are, which have become one of the best methods of protecting goods today, as they prevent damage to the corners of packages, while helping to stabilize the load by securing it at the sides.