Important factors to consider when choosing a tamper-resistant plastic security seal
Plastic seals are the most commonly used tamper-resistant devices in a wide range of markets and applications, including everyday uses such as securing truck trailers, containers, cash bags, electricity meters, fire extinguishers and airline food trolleys. They play an important role in ensuring the security of supply chain systems.
Our team of friendly and knowledgeable experts at Seals headquarters want to help you choose the most effective and appropriate seal for your specific application. In this article, we'll take a closer look at several different types of plastic seals and their specific features and benefits.
Adjustable length plastic security seal
Adjustable length seals are the most versatile plastic seals, they come in a variety of lengths and strengths, and can be tightened to effectively secure objects. These multi-purpose seals are used in a variety of industries including transportation, banking and finance, manufacturing, retail, education, food, pharmaceutical, medical and utilities. Versatility and a wide print area make it a good solution for a variety of uses, including protecting trucks, freight trains, cash in transit, jewelry and ballot boxes.
Fixed length plastic security seal
As the name suggests, fixed length seals have a secure, single locking position at a specified length. They are most commonly used in the transportation, supply chain, logistics and loss prevention industries.
Fixed and adjustable length plastic seals
Fixed length seals are considered more visible due to their single locking position, which makes it easier to check the integrity of the seal. . Although adjustable seals offer excellent tamper resistance, users must be aware that the seal needs to be tightened as needed for the specific application to eliminate any circumvention of a loose seal. If the adjustable length seal is not tightened, it will open itself up, allowing someone to cut it off, gain access to the now unsecured seal, and reapply the (now shorter) safety seal.
The team have provided a clear diagram for the correct use of adjustable length plastic seals here
To solve this problem, our Heavy Duty plastic seals feature visible indicators that tell you whether the seal has been cut and resealed; however, these indicators are usually only visible after careful manual inspection, which does not Not always part of the receiving agreement. For fixed-length seals, the integrity indication is simpler: the seal arrives locked or unlocked. Once the fixed length seal is broken, it cannot be reattached.
Padlock plastic security seal
Plastic padlock security seal is also a fixed length seal. It is commonly used to secure utility meters, cabinets and catering carts. They are designed with a larger print area for displaying additional information. They are commonly used in the airline, food service, medical and pharmaceutical industries.
For example, we can print customers' logos, serial numbers, and barcodes on a larger printing area.
Choose the right seal
Security seals are a trustworthy and cost-effective solution that serve two main purposes. First, prevent tampering and theft. Second, help provide a sense of security and safety. Every customer's required application is different, and each type of seal is designed for a different purpose.
In addition to length, the tensile or breaking strength of the seal is an important consideration. Seals securing fire extinguishers or first aid kits may require lower breaking strength to provide tamper-proof security while providing quick, easy access. In contrast, seals used to secure cash bags would benefit from higher tensile strength. In both examples, we recommend using lightweight I plastic seals to secure fire extinguishers and first aid kits, and heavy-duty I plastic seals to secure cash bags.
Our plastic seals have a breaking strength range of 15 – 40 kg. Understanding the required breaking strength in a specific application is critical to selecting the correct seal.