Acrylic and Hot Melt Carton Sealing Tape
Film Backing and Construction
Carton sealing tape is constructed from biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) film coated with either acrylic or hot melt adhesive. The BOPP backing provides tensile strength, moisture resistance, and dimensional stability. A release coating on the non-adhesive side allows smooth, consistent unwinding from the roll during both manual and machine dispensing.
Acrylic vs. Hot Melt Adhesive
- Acrylic adhesive is a water-based or solvent-based formulation that provides a wide operating temperature range from approximately -15F to 150F. Acrylic tape maintains adhesion performance over extended storage periods and is resistant to UV exposure, yellowing, and aging. It is the preferred choice for cartons stored long-term, shipped through varying climate conditions, or exposed to temperature extremes including cold storage and refrigerated environments.
- Hot melt adhesive is a synthetic rubber-resin formulation that provides aggressive initial tack and rapid bonding. Hot melt tape adheres strongly to recycled and high-recycled-content corrugated surfaces where acrylic tape may struggle to achieve full bond. The operating temperature range is narrower, typically 45F to 120F. Hot melt is the preferred choice for high-speed automated case sealing and for cartons that are heavy, overstuffed, or made from recycled fiberboard.
Thickness Grades
- 1.6-1.8 mil (economy) is a lightweight tape for sealing light cartons under 20 lbs in non-demanding shipping environments.
- 2.0-2.6 mil (standard) is the general-purpose range for most carton sealing applications, balancing performance and cost for medium-weight cartons.
- 2.7-3.2 mil (industrial/heavy-duty) is used for heavy cartons, overstuffed boxes, and packages subject to rough handling during transit.
- 3.6 mil (premium) provides maximum adhesion and tensile strength for the most demanding sealing applications including bulging or irregular cartons.
Hand Grade vs. Machine Grade
- Hand-grade rolls are typically 2 or 3 inches wide by 55 or 110 yards, designed for use with handheld tape dispensers. Standard packaging is 6, 12, 24, or 36 rolls per case.
- Machine-grade rolls are 2 or 3 inches wide by 1,350+ yards, designed for automatic case sealing machines. These rolls have enhanced release coatings for consistent high-speed unwinding without jams or breaks.
Core Size
Standard carton sealing tape uses a 3-inch diameter core compatible with all standard handheld dispensers and case sealing machines.
Specifications
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