All About Gummed Tape Dispensers

Carton sealing using gummed (or water activated) tape provides superior, low cost carton seal. Gummed tape bonds with the carton. This not only seals out dust and contaminants that can enter your carton while in transit, it discourages pilferage. If someone tries to pull the tape off of the carton, gummed tape will tear away the carton leaving evidence that the carton was tampered with.

Since you only need a single strip along the top and bottom of the carton, gummed tape reduces both the material cost and time required to seal cartons. More efficient, more cost effective and safer than any other carton sealing method

Gummed tape is made in the USA with renewable resources.

But, which type of gummed tape dispenser is right for your carton sealing requirements?

Gummed tape dispensers are available in both manual and electric models. Both have unique advantages.

Manual Gummed Tape Dispensers

Lower in cost then electric models, manual dispensers use a lever (or handle) to dispense the tape. The operator pulls the lever to dispense a certain length of tape. Releasing the lever cuts the tape. As the tape is dispensed it passes over a set of moistening brushes to reactivate the glue on the tape.

Manual tape dispensers can also be equipped with an optional Top Heater. This option heats the tape as it is dispensed. This liquefies the glue on the tape allowing the glue to penetrate more deeply into the carton forming an even stronger bond with the carton.

The drawbacks to manual tape dispensers are the inexact tape lengths. The carton may require 21" of tape, but the operator may dispense 23" or more, wasting tape. Also, the speed with which the operator dispenses the tape can affect the moistening of the tape. If the handled is pulled too slowly the tape is wetter than it should be and requires more dry time on the carton. Pulling the handle too quickly may not sufficiently moisten the tape. You might get a superficial carton seal. Manual tape machines require more time to seal a carton then electric tape machines.

Electric Gummed Tape Dispensers

Seal cartons faster, use less material and get the strongest possible carton seal with an electric gummed tape dispenser. At the touch of a button, the exact amount of gummed tape is dispensed, heated, moistened and cut. No wasted tape and no wasted time. When considering an electric gummed tape dispenser, look for a model that has key features, such as an adjustable top heater and an adjustable water supply. These allow you to set the right amount of heat and water for whatever type of tape you are using, from a heavy reinforced tape to a lighter plain paper tape. Look at what type of warranty comes with the machine and can the supplier provide quality customer support such as parts and service when required.