There are several ways to properly activate and use water activated tape. The equipment and sophistication of the method varies depending on the user’s operational set up and budget. We will start with the simplest method and progress to the most automated solution.
For new users of water activated tape that are not sealing a large number of boxes in a day, we often see the use of a sponge to wet the tape and scissors to cut the tape to length. This is definitely not the most efficient way to use the product; however, with proper activation of the tape, the user can seal a box with the same level of security as more automated methods of dispensing and applying water activated tape.
Some keys to success with the sponge and scissor method are:
Cut the tape to length before applying the water.
The length of the tape should be approximately 6 Inches longer than the major panel length of the box. This will allow 3” to extend down the side of the box – needed for a secure closer.
Water temperature matters – use warm, not hot water – 110°F is the ideal temperature.
Wet the sponge and make sure that it is fully saturated – the sponge should not be dripping as you apply the sponge to the tape.
Apply the sponge to the adhesive side of the pre-cut length of water activated tape. Use light pressure and move across the tape adhesive surface in one fluid motion at a moderate speed.
Avoid more than one swipe across the adhesive surface. The repeated wiping of the sponge against the tape adhesive surface will remove adhesive from the tape and reduce performance.
Apply the tape to the major panel flap of the box within a few seconds of the activation of the adhesive. Close the box and wipe the tape down with firm pressure to help drive with water activated adhesive into the corrugated box.
Advantages of the Sponge and Scissor Method
Low Cost
Good for low volume users
Easy to move equipment to seal in different locations
Disadvantages of the Sponge and Scissor Method
Tape performance will be more variable if too much adhesive is wiped off the tape.
Slow and time consuming – only good for low volume applications.
Tape Dispensing Machines
Utilizing a tape dispenser that properly activates the adhesive with water and cuts the tape to the desired length is the most common method of applying water activated tape.
There are two basic types of water activated tape dispensers – manual and electronic machines.
The electric machine has some significant advantages over the manual tape machine. First, the process is more consistent. The tape is dispensed at a set speed, unaffected by the user’s action (speed of dispensing). Next, electric tape dispensers typically have a brush heater which heats the water interface. Warm water helps to activate the tape and enhances adhesion to the corrugated box. Finally and most importantly for high volume eCommerce packagers, the speed and reduction in packager fatigue make the electric machine the clear choice for volume shippers.
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