Tape Vs Glue Sealing
Endoline Case Sealing
Case Sealing: Pressure Sensitive Tape VS Hot Melt Glue
Choosing the right sealing method is a critical decision that impacts your line speed, consumable spend, and the structural integrity of your transit packaging. Below is a breakdown of how Glue and Tape compare across performance, cost, and application.
Pressure Sensitive Tape Sealing
Tape is the most common sealing method globally, favoured for its simplicity and low entry cost.
The Pros of Tape Sealing
Lower Capital Entry
Tape heads are significantly cheaper than glue systems, requiring less upfront investment.
No Product Support Needed
Because tape is applied to the outside of the case, it is ideal for sealing empty boxes where there is no internal resistance.
Simplicity
Minimal maintenance is required, and operators can be trained to use and change tape heads in minutes.
High Speed
Due to the easy efficient way of tape sealing, machines will be able to reach a higher speed, especially in random sealing.
The Cons of Tape Sealing
Ongoing Consumable Costs
The price per roll of tape is higher than the equivalent volume of adhesive.
Line Downtime
Tape sealing lines will require stops for roll changes unless dual-tape head systems are used. It is advisable to have a spare tape unit ready for very quick changeover.
Aesthetics
Potential issues with tape “tails,” misalignment, or peeling in humid or cold storage environments.
Hot Melt Glue Sealing
Hot melt glue involves applying molten adhesive directly to the case flaps. It is the preferred choice for high-volume, high-speed industrial environments and suitable for heavy weighted cases. Top case glue sealing requires suitable compression, and each product will need to be analysed by our experts to ensure each application is suitable for gluing.
The Cons of Hot Melt Glue Sealing
Upfront Investment
Requires a higher initial capital cost for melters, hoses, and application guns.
Compression Required
Glue relies on “back pressure” (either from the product weight or a compression section) to set correctly. Our experts can discuss this with you in more detail.
Maintenance
Systems require regular cleaning to prevent carbon build-up or nozzle clogging.
The Pros of Hot Melt Glue Sealing
Lower Consumable Cost
Over long-term operation, the cost per box is significantly lower than tape.
Structural Integrity
Glue bonds the inner and outer flaps together, providing superior stacking strength for heavy loads and export shipping.
Export
Glue applications are often used for business that export as this offers a tamper proof seal and stronger more reliable seal for cases travelling further.
Tamper Resistance
Because the bond is internal, any attempt to open the case results in visible fibre tear, offering better security.
Application Guide... Which Is Right For You?
| Feature | Use Hot Melt Glue if... | Use Pressure Sensitive Tape if... |
|---|---|---|
| Product Weight | You ship heavy products or export stacks. | You ship lightweight or empty cases. |
| Budget Focus | You want the lowest long-term cost. | You want the lowest initial cost. |
| Environment | You need maximum tamper evidence. | You need the flexibility to easily reseal. |
The Rule of Thumb:
The Rule of Thumb: If you have a heavy product + no downtime, choose Glue.
If you are sealing empty/light boxes + require flexibility, choose Tape.
Get In Touch
If you have a sales enquiry, machine order question, spare parts order or any other query please use our contact form below or email us at [email protected] to get in touch with us and your query will be distributed to the relevant department.
We have a large experience international distributor network who can provide local expertise and full ongoing support, so if your enquiry is from outside the UK please visit our International page for further details.