Tape is one of the most important parts of the packaging. It ensures that the box remains sealed for as long as it is needed, for example until it is delivered to the address you specify. What do I need to know about adhesive tapes and how does the tape dispenser work? That's what this article is about!
The adhesive tape
Tape ensures that the box gets from point A to point B sealed. Choosing the right adhesive is essential for correct box sealing, as is the amount of adhesive that is applied to the surface of the box. This depends mainly on the weight of the package, the stress the tape must withstand, how long the box must be kept closed and the environmental conditions.
A huge advantage of this type of tape is that it is self-adhesive, making it quick and convenient to use. It can be used in many ways, for sealing small, large, light, and heavy packages. The most popular types are:
- PVC-based adhesive tape: even heavy packages can be sealed thanks to its high adhesion, and the tape will not tear if damaged.
- Polypropylene tape: has excellent sealing performance and tear resistance.
- Acrylic adhesive tapes: characterised by a wide range of quality, with high-quality tapes generally commanding higher prices.
- Hotmelt adhesive tape: a good value-for-money choice, with excellent adhesion to the surface as a self-adhesive.
Use of the tape dispenser
A tape dispenser allows tapes to be applied more easily and accurately, using blades to optimise the amount of tape. There are several types of dispensers such as manual, mechanical, semi-automatic or automatic.
Tape dispensers can also be characterised by the size of tape they can hold. They can be 9 mm, 25 mm, 38 mm, 48 mm, 50 mm or even 75 mm wide, or 50 metres, 60 metres, 66 metres, 100 metres, 130 metres and 150 metres long.
Here are some products from the Flanker range!
3M™ H-180 Sealing Tape Dispenser
This is a handheld tape dispenser made with a pistol grip, making it easy and convenient to use and removing the removable tape is just a simple motion. It takes just a few moments to tack, roll, buff, and tear.
Scotch® H150 Low Noise Box Sealer Tape Dispenser
This is a hand-held, pistol grip, roll tape dispenser equipped with a noise reduction device so you don't have to worry about the activity of taping boxes making too much noise. A very durable and robust construction that is easy to load, so using and threading the tape dispenser is a breeze.
Scotch® M920 Definite Length Dispenser
The M920 Tape Dispenser provides uniform and automatic dispensing from 1.25 cm up to 10 cm.
3M™ AccuGlide™ II Taping Head
The tape applicator head used on box sealing machines applies minimal force while sealing the box perfectly. Thanks to the open tape path and low-profile side plate, the cutting process is easy and very fast. The tension of the tape is ensured by the brake, which also prevents the tape from being overstretched during use.
Glueing techniques
Several glueing techniques can be used for boxes. Let's look at the most used solutions:
- L-seal: There is a so-called L-seal, which is mostly used to seal smaller, lighter packages, as it closes the box at only two points and not the entire length of the opening.
- U-seal: It is also suitable for sealing lighter and heavier boxes, even for long periods. The U-seal extends the full length of the box opening and swivels onto the side of the carton.
- U + L seal: a combination of the two previous versions, which can be used to seal even heavy boxes for long periods.
- H closure: the H closure is recommended for particularly harsh conditions and consists of reinforcing the box with a fibreglass strip.
Expertise and quality are the hallmarks of Flanker's products, which serve 8 industries. Look at our web catalogue!
