08/10/2024

Cable Ties for industry

From standard cable ties to advanced fastening solutions

HellermannTyton zip ties are available in various colours, sizes and designs.

Cable ties have to meet a broad range of requirements because they are used in a wide variety of applications – from the simple bundling of cables with cable ties to very specific uses of cable ties under extreme conditions.

HellermannTyton offers a comprehensive portfolio of fastening solutions for all industrial demands: reusable cable ties for temporary fastening, coloured cable ties for colour coding, cable ties with fixing elements for attachment to plates, weld studs, panel edges or stainless steel cable ties for harsh environments.

In addition to the classic black cable tie, there is an ideal fastening solution for every requirement.

HellermannTyton zip ties are available: 
In a variety of sizes, with inside serration, outside serration or without serration, in different colours, made of 100% high-quality plastic – easily applied by hand or with a processing tool.

Special cable ties that HellermannTyton offers include:

  • Weatherproof and impact-resistant ties
  • High temperature cable ties
  • Low fire hazard cable ties
  • Reusable or releasable zip ties
  • Cable ties for parallel routing
  • Metal detectable cable ties

 

Cable tie highlights:

Metal detectable cable ties

Metal detectable cable ties are very popular in the food, beverages and pharmaceutical industries.

The metal detectable MCT series was specially developed for use in the food, beverages and pharmaceutical industries. It is ideal for the installation of wiring in and around open production lines.

MCT cable ties are manufactured in a unique process that involves the addition of metal particles to the plastic resin. This makes it possible to detect even small, cut-off sections of the cable tie with commercially available metal detectors.

These zip ties can be used to help meet HACCP requirements. The colour of the cable ties supports visual recognition, further reducing the risk of contamination.

High temperature cable ties

This high temperature cable tie can withstand temperatures to +240° C.

Peek cable ties for high temperature applications are specially designed for the most demanding environments. They are popular in the aerospace, railway, offshore, power, medical engineering and automotive industries. PEEK thermoplastic advantages at a glance:

 

  • Wide temperature ranges from 55° C to +240° C
  • Combines the performance of a metal tie with the convenience of a plastic cable tie.
  • Excellent chemical and irradiation resistance
  • An lightweight alternative to metal solutions

Cable ties tailored to your applications!

A cable tie, also known as a zip tie or tie-wrap, is a type of fastener, especially for binding several electronic cables or wires together and to organize cables and wires.

Cable ties are used in many industries: in the electrical installation, in harness making, in the construction industry, for preliminary installation purposes, in the packaging industry or under extreme environmental conditions like in the offshore industry.

HellermannTyton is a global manufacturer who offers high performance fastening, connecting, routing, protecting and identifying solutions to diverse markets. For our customers we develop market solutions that uniquely meet an industry's needs – solving an application requirement, saving installation and component costs, and improving the quality of the end product – no matter what your industry.

Cable Ties inside serrated Cable Ties inside serrated

Inside serrated plastic cable ties are suitable for bundling and fixing of cables, lines and hoses. The cable ties are available in different remarks, materials, lengths and colours.

Cable Ties outside serrated Cable Ties outside serrated

Outside serrated cable ties are particularly suitable for bundling and fixing of sensitive bundle property. These cable ties are available in different remarks, materials, lengths and colours.

Cable Ties without serration Cable Ties without serration

The robust cable ties without serration of the KR- and EL-TY-Series offer a high retaining strength and are suitable for cables and lines with large diameters.

Releasable cable ties Releasable cable ties

Releasable cable ties can be processed and offered very simply. These cable ties are an optimal solution for temporary fixings. Releasable cable ties are available in different remarks, materials, lengths and colours.

Stainless Steel Cable Ties Stainless Steel Cable Ties

Stainless steel cable ties can be used in the most arduous of conditions or where additional strength, security and fire resistance is required.

Cable Ties with fixing elements Cable Ties with fixing elements

Optimal fixing solutions for each cause offer the cable ties with fixing elements in different remarks, materials, lengths and colours.

Cable Tie Mounts Cable Tie Mounts

Cable Tie Mounts are available in either screw or self adhesive mounting. Different sizes and designs of cable tie mounts offer a secure fixing with a wide variety of cable ties.

Fixing Elements Fixing Elements

A wide variety of fixing elements offer a direct fixation in holes of a panel or at the edges.

Clips and Clamps Clips and Clamps

A multiplicity of clips and clamps made of plastic, aluminium or steel also with protection profile, Snappers and Klam Clips.

Reusable zip ties

Releasable cable ties for temporary fixings

Releasable cable ties can be used several times. They are available in different designs, materials, lengths, colours and locking mechanisms.

Many applications require a temporary fastening solution: for example, in stage construction, at trade fairs or when bundling telephone, fibre optic and network cables. Reusable cable ties can be easily opened and closed after installation. They are also available with very flexible characteristics. An application example is the securing of tree saplings to supports in gardening and landscaping.

Reusable cable ties are available in different designs, materials, lengths, colours and locking mechanisms: lever, side lock, flexible rubber closure, hook-and-loop or wing release.

How to use reusable cable ties?

Reusable zip ties are available in different designs for a broad range of applications. Get an overview and see how they work – in this video:

Soft, removable hook-and-loop cable ties

This reusable zip tie made of soft fabric can be reused up to 400 times.

The "soft" TEXTIE is ideal for use around telephone cables, fibre optic cables and network cables. In addition, these hook-and-loop material ties are perfect for use in temporary installations such as stage construction or prototype cable harnesses.

TEXTIE can also be used in many household and office applications. It is quick and easy to process by hand and can be reused up to 400 times. Hook-and-loop ties are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use and are available in different colours and sizes.

 

Reusable zip tie with lever lock

The reusable ORF cable ties are designed for easy release with one-hand.

The ORF series with lever lock has been designed for easy removal and reuse without a knife or side cutter, but conveniently with a lever.
 

  • Designed for easy release with one-hand
  • Suitable for temporary colour coding
  • Gentle on the bundled material thanks to outside serration


In addition to different sizes and the colours white and yellow, the ORF series also includes a black UV-resistant variants for outdoor use.

Coloured cable ties

Different cable tie colours for individual applications

Whether red, green, white, brown or transparent: HellermannTyton offers a wide range of coloured cable ties for a large range of industries and applications.

The classic black cable tie is still one of the most popular cable ties. But HellermannTyton also offers customers a wide variety of zip ties in different colours – including red, green, brown, white and transparent.

These cable ties are ideal for colour coding: For example, workers can be helped to find certain parts more quickly or to assign them precisely. This plays an especially important role in the automotive sector but also in lots of other industries.

By the way, some industries prefer certain cable tie colours: In the food industry, for example, the colour blue is often preferred, while pink plays an important role in the aerospace sector.

One of many reasons why HellermannTyton offers abroad range of coloured cable tie solutions.

Low profile head cable ties

Not only because of their variety of colours, cable ties with low profile head are often used on children's playgrounds.

LPH cable ties with flat heads take up little space and are therefore the ideal choice for tight installation conditions. But also wherever injury risks need to be minimised: for example on children’s play equipment where foam cushions are fastened to supports and railings.

Thanks to rounded edges and a flat head, children can play safely without getting caught on a protruding cable tie head. Plus, the outside serration ensures that the soft foam padding is not damaged when the cable ties are tightened.

Low-profile head cable ties are available in various colours: in addition to red, green and brown cable ties, the PE400 zip ties for example are also available in natural (transparent) and black.

Learn more about low profile cable ties for playgrounds and suitable accessories.

See here how to close a cable tie with low profile head

White cable ties for low smoke generation

Cable Ties KR-Series

Wherever safety regulations are high and the reduction of smoke and hazardous fumes is required, the white T-series cable ties made from PA66V0 material are the ideal choice.

Thanks to its compound properties they significantly reduce the development of toxic gases and corrosive acids in the event of fire. In addition, their PA66V0 material meets UL94 V0 requirements.

With their high safety level, these cable ties are particularly popular in the public sector – especially in the railway, construction and defence industries.

Cable ties with fixing elements

Cable ties for routing, bundling and securing

Many industrial applications require bundled cables, wires, pipes and hoses to be directly attached to a panel or frame edges. HellermannTyton offers various one-piece and two-piece fastening solutions for round and oval holes, bolts and edges – in various sizes, orientations and colours.

For round and oval holes, bolts and edges: HellermannTyton offers many different one-piece and two-piece fixing elements for cable ties.

Cable ties with specialised fastening elements are frequently found in vehicles and machinery, for example: 

  • Automotive
  • Buses and trucks
  • Defence industry
  • Rail transport 
  • Aerospace
  • White goods 
  • Electrical wholesale

Cable tie fixing for round and oval holes

Many applications include round and oval holes to ensure reliable cable routing at predetermined fixing points. The cable tie and fastener are pre-attached to the wiring harness. The foot part of the fastener can then be easily inserted into these holes during final assembly. 

A diverse range of mounting solutions is available for almost any hole size and panel thickness. Application can be simply done by hand, without the need for special tools. The 
secure locking can be heard and felt by the user with a "click". 

1-Piece cable tie fixing element with arrowhead and disc for round holes.1-Piece cable tie fixing element with arrowhead and disc for round holes.

The range of products is huge, here are a few selected examples:

  • 2-Pieces fir tree with disc
  • 2-Pieces fir tree for distance routing
  • 1-Piece fixing ties with arrowhead and disc
  • 2-Pieces fixing ties with arrowhead and disc, sealed
  • 1-Piece fixing ties with arrowhead and wings

Fixing ties for weld studs

1-Piece cable tie fixing element for weld studs.

Fixing ties with weld stud mounts are primarily used in the automotive industry

However, they are also used in all other areas where cables and wires have to be guided safely by means of weld studs or threaded bolts. 

These ties are available with fixed heads (with a defined position) as well as with flexible heads (with room to move).

Cable ties for edges

The EdgeClip is a 2-Piece cable tie fixing element with interlocking claws for flat edges.

In addition to fastening solutions for plates and weld studs, HellermannTyton also offers cable ties with fixing elements for edges.

Learn more about the different applications where EdgeClip solutions are suitable on the cable clips for edges Competence Page.

 

Stainless steel cable ties

Metal cable ties for challenging environments

HellermannTyton offers various stainless steel cable ties: particularly popular on ships, in tunnels, mines and in the petrochemical industry.

Steel cable ties are recommended for applications requiring extreme tensile strength or extreme material requirements under harsh conditions. They guarantee maximum safety and fire resistance during the toughest emergencies. 

It is often necessary to use metal cable ties where chemicals are in use. High grade stainless steel guards against corrosion damage. As a result, stainless steel cable ties are commonly found on ships, in tunnels, mines and throughout the petrochemical industry.

Acid-resistant, high-temperature cable ties

Stainless steel zip ties of the MBT-series guarantee additional safety, high tensile strength and fire resistance.

The rustproof MBT stainless steel cable ties resist acids and high temperature. They are ideal for applications where additional safety, high tensile strength and fire resistance are required.  

Their patented, non-releasable locking mechanism with one or two balls is a major safety feature.

This cable tie series is often used on data and fibre-optic cables as well as for applications in theatres or at fairs.

Coated cable ties to prevent contact corrosion

The MBT-FC cable tie is a coated stainless steel zip tie with smooth edges.

Metal cable ties with a polyester coating in SS316 (V4A) stainless steel have the same advantages as the MBT series, but thanks to their coating, they guarantee improved installation comfort at low temperatures. 

In addition, the plastic coating is particularly suitable for sensitive bundles and to prevent contact corrosion.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a cable tie fastener work?

Cable ties work rather like a belt, where the end is passed through a buckle and fastened with a prong inserted through a hole in the strap. In the case of most conventional cable ties, the strap is passed through a head that includes a flexible tongue which glides over teeth, or serrations, moulded into the strap to prevent it slipping backwards, once applied.

Cable ties with plastic pawls

Cable ties with plastic pawls

This mechanism is used in 90% of all polyamide (PA) cable ties made by HellermannTyton. In order to cover a variety of applications, there are different variants of this system, for example: releasable versions, in-line versions, open head versions. 

These are one-piece cable ties. Here, the pawl, or tongue, is moulded as an integral part of the cable tie head. This gives it inherent strengths. 

Positive locking is achieved by engaging the tongue with the strap serrations when it is pulled through cable tie head.
 


Cable ties without serration Cable ties without serration


Cable ties without serration

The KR cable tie series is distinguished by its smooth strap and unique locking mechanism. Here a fibreglass pin is pushed into a membrane in the strap, to hold it in place. 

The chamfered, rounded head means the KR cable ties fits very firmly around the bundled material and does not move under vibration.
 


Stainless steel cable ties Stainless steel cable ties


Stainless steel cable ties

Made of stainless steel grades 304 or 316, the MBT range of cable ties have no serrations on the strap and are threaded parallel through the head, gliding under a metal ball-bearing locking mechanism which wedges in place when the strap tries to move in the opposite direction

What is Polyamide PA66?

Polyamides are among the most important synthetic thermoplastic materials. Thermoplastics can be reshaped by heating as often as required without undergoing chemical decomposition or other negative changes. This makes polyamide ideal for processing via injection moulding into high quality products.

Around 90% of cable ties and fixings from HellermannTyton are made from this material. Polyamide is also known under the brand name of Nylon®, which was introduced by the Dupont company in 1937.

Polyamide PA66 has many properties which are highly advantageous for HellermannTyton cable ties and fixings, such as:

  • High strength, rigidity and hardness
  • High dimensional stability, even under the effect of heat
  • High abrasion resistance

A wide range of polyamides and additives allows for optimum adaptation of the characteristics of the finished product to suit the respective requirements.

 

How do I store cable ties correctly?

Store cable ties in sealed plastic bag

Always store cable ties in the sealed plastic bag made of polyethylene. Once opened you should use the cable ties as quickly as possible to ensure optimal application results. If ties become brittle, they can fail when applied.

Do not expose cable ties to direct sunlight
Store cable ties away from direct sources of heat

Store cable ties away from direct sources of heat. Avoid contact with heat: for example, do not place on the radiators!

The ideal storage conditions and humidity for cable ties

The ideal storage conditions for cable ties are those of the central European standard climate:

For optimum handling of cable ties it is important that the material is in a condition of equilibrium with a water content of approximately 2.5%.

 

What is the minimum tensile strength of a cable tie?

The minimum tensile strength is a critical selection criteria for cable ties. It expresses how much loading a cable tie can bear. This minimum tensile strength of a cable tie is determined in accordance with the Military Specification and Standards of the USA. Test conditions being laid down precisely in MIL-S-23190E:
 

  • Conditioning of the cable tie test pieces
  • Construction of the test apparatus
  • Application of the cable tie on a split test probe
  • Test speed


The test procedure to determine minimum tensile strength of a cable tie:

tensile strength of a cable tie

 

 

The cable tie is fixed onto a split mandrel test probe with the suitable cable tie application tool.

tensile strength of a cable tie

 

 

The mandrel is opened at a defined speed.    

tensile strength of a cable tie

 

 

The loading at which the cable tie fails is determined.