What is the best type of water activated tape dispenser?

Investing in a water activated tape dispenser is the most efficient method to improve your packing process. Such devices provide effective sealing and packaging options for every commodity. A water activated tape dispenser, which is equipped with current technology, functions as a wonder glue. It improves the effectiveness and efficiency of your packaged goods. In addition, knowing about a water activated tape dispenser is a must if you're just starting out in this packaging sector. This article will explain how the tape dispensers function, how to use shipping tape dispensers, and recommend many different kinds of tape dispensers that you should use.

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Who should use a dispenser for water activated tapes?

How is the adhesive on our packaging tape activated?

If you're using water activated gummed packing tape, you'll need to wet the underside of the tape (the side without printing) before applying it to your package. Either a moist sponge or a gummed tape machine/gummed tape dispenser may be used for this purpose.

To get more detailed information about how to use water activated tape, let's come to our article: How to use water activated tape and top 3 tips to apply it right.

Pros and cons of using water activated tapes with and without machine

If you are wondering whether you should use a water activated tape dispenser or not, you must clarify the advantages and disadvantages of sponge and machine methods.

Sponge method

Pros

• Low cost
• Suitable for users with low volume packing boxes
• Easy to move from one location to another for sealing

Cons

• It requires controlling the amount of pressure you use. If you do it too hard, too much adhesive will be removed, making the tape's performance less efficient
• Processes that take a long time to complete are only suitable for low-volume uses

Using sponge to activate WAT is suitable for low volume packing boxes

Dispenser method

Manual dispenser

Pros

• Cost-effective compared to electric tape dispensers
• Function without electricity
• Suitable for packing stations with a need for mobility
• Enhance packing and shipping efficiency
• Ideal for packaging stations with low to medium volumes
• Operator training is minimal to none

Cons

• Need some small manual effort to operate

Electric dispensers

Pros:

• The most efficient packing and shipping method
• Ideal for high-volume, high-speed packaging
• Durable
• Customizable
• Enhances employee safety

Cons:

• Training may be needed for operators
• A more expensive alternative to manual water activated tape dispensers
• Electricity is needed to operate

So, who should use a water activated tape dispenser?

As a general guideline, you should invest in a water activated tape dispenser if you regularly pack more than a few hundred cartons daily (or expect your firm to expand rapidly to that level of packing).

In conclusion, a water activated tape dispenser is a way to go if your carton shipping department processes a significant number of packages on a regular basis. Your packing and shipping hub's improved productivity and security will outweigh the additional cost.

4 types of dispensers for water activated tapes

1. Packer 3S

The Packers 3S is a manual water activated tape dispenser. Its lightweight and small size make it convenient for transport. Just filling the front-facing water reservoir is all that's needed to get started with the dispenser. After the tape has been loaded and put through the dispenser, you may activate the adhesive by pulling it over a water brush, and then you can use the blade to make clean cuts.

With the Packer 3S, you can get tape quickly and easily at the lowest price possible. This wet tape dispenser is an improvement over the sponge approach, but you shouldn't do more than ten packages at once.

Packer 3S is convenient for transport

2. BP 333

BP 333 tape dispensers are also manual water activated tape dispenser. While less portable than the Packer 3S, it is still simple to transport. It took some time to get the machine up and running, but once it was, it was simple to use.

Because of its enormous water tank, it can activate a large amount of tape before needing to be refilled. With the brushes and the pressure plate, you can guarantee that every inch of tape is thoroughly wet, maximizing the adhesive potential of the tape.

The tape may be inserted into the dispenser with ease. The tape's length may be manually adjusted using the left-hand mechanism on the machine. Just pull the lever down to release the tape, and then cut it.

In terms of manual water activated tape dispenser, the BP 333 is among the best available. Compared to the Packer 3S and the sponge approach, this is definitely a level higher. The BP 333 is a highly efficient and cost-effective alternative to automated dispensers.

BP 333 is a highly efficient and cost-effective manual dispenser

3. BP 555

The BP 555 (including PB 555eS and PB 555eSA series) is a modern electronic water activated packing tape dispenser. In general, it's not too difficult to get the machine up and running, and it's also simple to use. The tape can be loaded and unloaded with ease because of the large hole. The water storage tank is spacious, and its top is sealed to prevent leaks. Also, it has a water heater already installed.

With competitive price and timely delivery, EAGLE sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.

Tape may be quickly dispensed from the BP 555 at great speed. All the pieces are moistened in water to provide good adhesion.

Users can cut the tape to the desired length using the left-hand numbers. If you need a length different than what is offered by default, you may use the supplementary controls to make the necessary adjustments. You may also manually feed tape into the dispenser by pressing a button and holding it down. Also, the repeat option allows you to quickly and easily replay your previous time duration.

With its adaptable design and configurable capabilities, the BP 555 stands out as a top-tier water activated tape dispenser. 

Tape may be quickly dispensed from the BP 555 at great speed

4. BP 755

The BP 755 water activated tape dispenser (including BP 755eS and BP 755eSA series) is an electronic model. For convenience in loading, the machine has a big top hatch and a low profile design. 

However, this water activated tape dispenser has a drawback. Compared to BP 555, which has a sealed top, BP 755 doesn't have one. Besides, the BP 755 water tank has narrow entrances. So, it was challenging to fill and remove the water tank without spilling a lot of water. 

A water heater is integrated and can be operated by opening the top hatch.

The color-coded keypad located in the front surface provides you with 20 preset tape lengths. You can adjust the tape from 4 inches to 125 inches wide. If your desirable tap length is not in this keypad, this water activated tape dispenser allows you to set the different length by pressing the 'Select' button. By removing the separator from the machine's bottom, and inserting it to the body, you can cut two narrow tapes at the same time.

Very simple to set up and use, this water activated tape machine has no learning curve. After the tape is loaded and the water tank is full, the machine will dispense, wet, and cut a piece of tape to the exact length you specify in inches.

BP 755 has a big top hatch

Which water activated tape dispenser is best for your packaging needs?

To decide which water activated tape dispenser is best for you, follow the table below. We will compare the four mentioned gummed tape dispensers depending on three main factors:

FeaturesPacker 3SBP 333BP 555BP 755Typesmanual tape dispensermanual tape dispenserelectronic tape dispenserelectronic tape dispenserPricesleast expensive (about $110)higher end of manual tape dispensers (about $430)mid-range of electronic tape dispensers (about $1,000)high-range of electronic tape dispensers (about  $1,300)Ideal forLess than 10 boxes per daybetween 1 and 100 cartons per daymore than 100 cartons per daymore than 100 cartons per dayPros' Simple to use
' CheapPortability
' Do not require electricity' Simple to use
' Rugged, reliable design
' Portability
' Do not require electricity
' 15 preset tape lengths' Manage high volumes at a fast pace
' Has computer interfaces
' Integrated water heater
' Safety features available
' Supports up to 4 inch wide tapes
' Dispenses tape up to 100 inches long
' Double brush moistening
' Top heaterConsJust suitable for small or  home offices' Much expensive than Packer 3S
' Need little effort to operateTake some time to learn how to operatie' Expensive
' Less efficient than BP 555
' Take some time to learn how to operate

After going over the information, we have some recommendations for you:

• In general, Packer 3S is the preferable option if your daily output is less than 50 boxes.
• If you're sending up to 100 boxes daily, the BP 333 is the best option.
• If you ship more than 100 parcels every day, particularly if they are of different sizes, BP 555 is a worthwhile investment.
• We would not suggest the BP 755 automatic packing tape dispenser unless the low profile is a must-have for you. The BP 755 is more expensive than the BP 555, but it is less efficient and even has fewer functions.

Conclusion

A water activated tape dispenser is, without a doubt, one of the greatest things you need to pack your items securely. When shopping for a tape dispenser, you can choose one that works for your specific requirements. We at CustomAny hope that with our article, you can pick out the most suitable tape dispenser for your goods and everyday business demands.

Picking the Best Machine

So many choices, what to do?  Which is best?  There are differences depending upon your application that can make one machine superior to another.  A good gummed tape dispenser will increase product flow!

Are you trying to choose the best tape dispenser but not getting answers?  A consumable tape salesman wants to sell you tape, and lots of it.  His knowledge is generally limited to understanding the consumable.  Tape is purchased several times during the year yet a tape machine every 8-10 years (or more if properly cared for).  If you are looking for facts, not fiction, our 30+ years of experience selling gummed tape dispensers (the initial 15 years only selling tape dispensers), has taught us to understand the pros and cons of the different machines. 

The innovator was Better Packages'. Their machines include the BP500, BP333, BP555eS and BP755 series models.

Better Packages' was not only the innovator, but lead the nation in quality and product development years.

In , Better Packages took the original design of the BP555S series and added electronics to make the new Better Pack BP500 model. The BP500 offers lengths of tape from 6" - 45" in 3" increments plus a doubler (2x) key, repeat key, and a random key.

In Better Packages released it's newer version of the BP555 called the BP555eS and BP555eL models with automatic versions called BP555eSA and BP555eLA.  The BP555eSA offers all the features of the previous BP555, BP556, and BP554 functionalities including hands free automatic dispensing.

The BP333, introduced in the 's, is the top seller thanks to its double brush moistening system, cutting shears, bottle, and feed wheel systems that were the same as the BP555.

The BP555, introduced in December , was a mechanical-electrical machine manufactured for almost 42 years!  When the BP755 series was introduced to replace the BP555 in , it lacked the features and benefits of the BP555.  Missing were triple brush moistening, blade felt pad oiler, and durability. The BP555 (old style) was the best machine manufactured during it's lifetime, but was finally discontinued by Better Packages in with the introduction of the BP555e.

In The 's, building off the BP555 platform, BPI® manufactured the BP556 and BP554 models.  The BP556 dispensed tape automatically without operator intervention.  At the time, the BP556 was introduced, case sealers were not in common usage.  The low cost BP556 enjoyed taking the place of high priced automatic case sealers for several years.  The only drawback using the BP556 in automatic mode was if the tape was not used within a few seconds, it would start drying out and become unusable. The BP554 Duet allowed for two strip dispensing and sold in low volume.  The BP554 excelled in applications of the six strip "H" method of sealing was required to seal off all opening on the common regular slotted carton.  Both the BP554 and BP556 were discontinued in .

The BP755e looks nice, but has shortfalls.  The BP755 incorporated an enclosed moistening system, lacks some of the functionality of the BP555e, and the cutting blades lack a felt oiler pad for automatically maintaining sharp blades. The BP755e series is one of the few machines today that will dispense 4" wide tapes.

The second largest manufacturer is Marsh.  Marsh produced several models over the years, and is dedicated to selling all sorts of shipping items from marking equipment to closing equipment.  In December they launched new machines designated the TD series and discontinued the manual 5HT, and the Electra Electronic. 

Marsh redesigned and improved the cutter blades to be a two piece guillotine type system with a safety bracket to prevent operators from reaching the blades. A larger 70 ounce bottle was added, but Marsh maintained a single brush moistening system. The electronics on the TDE110 features a two button length-entry system that offers dispensing by entering the number of inches required - a great feature and MSSC is the only one on the market with it.

The third is Phoenix.  In , John McDonald introduced his own line of tape dispensers called the Phoenix. Almost all of the newer technology and advancement of tape dispensers have come from the McDonald Company Machines with the introduction of the E-4.

 E-4 with all the advanced features for gummed tape dispensers!

E1 - The E-1 dispenses 6" to 45" in 3" increments and offers triple brush moistening and a preset top heater. E2 - Same features as the E1 and includes the industry's only hands free dispensing with a unique photo eye.

Phoenix M1 - manual pull-handle dispenser

Phoenix M2 - Manual machine with heater.

The covers are designed to act like storage areas.  I found in most applications when used as storage the operator upon opening the covers dumped the items into the machine.  A great idea but not necessarily practicable.   

The M-1 and M-2 are the manual versions for Phoenix.  The M-1 has double moistening brushes and same bottle, shears, tape plates, tank and covers as the E-1.  The M-2 incorporates a top heater and triple brush moistening.

The forth manufacturer is Cyklop manufactured in Italy.  Currently there are two models available.  

Lapomatic/C-25

B-6 Manual

For more automated applications, the C-25 electronic model is available.  The advantages of the new C-25 include how quiet the machine is and its functionality.  Today, this is the best machine for noise sensitive areas.  The C-25 features a 24V electrical system.  Select from 4" to 44" in 4 inch increments with an adder key of 2" for 22 different lengths.  A random key, and two repeat buttons are also standard.  The cutter blades and electronics replacement parts can be very expensive to replace, and sometimes you may need to "shop around" to find the parts you're after.

The manual Cyklop is the B-6 a.k.a. CMT-102.  A lever operated dispenser for lengths of tape from 4" up to 43", the industry's longest handle pull.  For applications up to 50 boxes per day, or in areas where electricity is not available, the manual works very well.  If you find a machine that looks like the B-6 use caution.  This machine has been copied and is not built to the same standards as the original Italian Cyklop. 

Are you interested in learning more about Automatic Tape Dispenser? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!