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Get a FREE BestPack tapehead when you purchase any BestPack taping machine and a pallet of carton sealing tape or two BestPack taping machines. Save up to $1,185! Two more days to go before this offer expires so visit BestPack.com now.

In Action: The MQ22 Heavy Box Taping Machine

For heavy box packing, BestPack presents the MQ22 Heavy Box Taping Machine. It has a four-belt drive system that allows it to pull and seal heavily packed boxes. Looking to beef up your packaging system for next year? The MQ22 will surely fit the bill.

Watch this heavy-duty taping machine in action.



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MSDBF Semi-Automatic Pack and Seal Station Promo Is Still On!

Get a Free Case of Tape with the purchase of BestPack’s all-in-one Case Form/Pack/Seal Station. Visit BestPack.com now for more taping machine promos.

Taping Machine Systems In Focus: Furniture

In our previous blog post, we talked about BestPack’s special custom taping machine system for packaging delicate food, specifically tostadas. This week, we are going to look at the company’s packaging system for furniture. As in other taping machine systems, this can also be used for packaging similarly sized items. For the furniture system, there are three fully customized stations: packing, conveying and sealing.

1. Flap Folding. This customized station was designed tilted so that furniture and other high profile items can be placed into tall cartons. This station consists of a tilted flap folder and a bottom case sealer.

2. Conveying. The carton is moved to the third and final station on a tilted conveying system. In this process, the box is turned and flipped to allow the carton to find its correct orientation before being sealed. Once it is turned, the operators will then put the item into the carton. The taping machine tilts it back up to original position for sealing.

3. Sealing. After packing, it is sealed with a customized fully automatic CS taping machine. This taping machine model was made taller to accommodate high profile items like furniture. Once sealed, the package is ready for shipping.

Whatever business or industry you are in, there is definitely a customized taping machine system for you. Next week, find out how BestPack plays a role in petroleum processing.
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Taping Machine Systems In Focus: Delicate Food

In our past blog posts, we have looked at taping machine systems for bookbinding and electronics. Today, we are going to look at BestPack’s custom made packaging solution for food—delicate food products to be exact. Originally, it was designed for packaging tostadas (toast) so that they would not crack while being packed. Of course, this taping machine system is not limited to packing toast. With this packaging solution, delicate food items can now be automatically packed with ease.

Let us look at three stages of this system.

1. Carton Erecting. The carton is erected by a machine called ELVP erector. This is an L-Type erector which uses a pin system to efficiently erect the cartons for packaging.

2. Packaging and Sealing. After the carton is erected, it is conveyed to the packaging station where individually bunched tostadas (or whatever it is that is being packed) are packed using BestPack’s exclusive side packing case packer. Afterwards, the case is sealed using one of the company’s standard flagship carton sealers, otherwise known as taping machine.

3. Palletizing. In this final stage of the process, the cases are palletized using a low-profile palletizer. It is then stretchwrapped and prepared for shipping.

Next week, we will zoom in on BestPack’s taping machine system for packing furniture. Make sure to come back and check us out!

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Taping Machine System In Focus: Electronics

As promised last week, here is our feature on the specially designed taping machine system for the electronics industry.

BestPack’s electronics technology was originally designed for the computer manufacturing industry. Today, business owners can now also use this custom four-station taping machine system for conveying and packaging of electronics.

1. Conveyor System. This part of the system is what sets this taping machine process apart. It enables each electronic item to be placed on an individual platform as it passes through the testing and installation lines. As the item moves, it is tested and fitted with accessories depending on each order.

2. Packaging and Sealing. In this station, a person uses a specially made suction system which elevates and wraps the product with a plastic wrapper. The electronic item is then placed into the proper carton. The latter is then sealed with one of BestPack’s standard tape carton sealers.

3. Palletizing. As the name implies, this is where the carton is palletized by BestPack’s fully automatic custom gantry arm palletizer.

4. Stretchwrapping. During this final stage of the process, the fully palletized pallet is stretchwrapped with the use of a fully automatic stretchwrapper. Once it is wrapped, it is then placed into the appropriate truck—ready for shipment.

Next week, we will look at BestPack’s special custom taping machine system for food packaging so be sure to come back and check us out.

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Taping Machine Systems In Focus: Book Binding

Last week, we shared with you real life business challenges faced by companies who have yet to put in a place a packaging system using taping machines. As an industry leader, BestPack believes in not just selling a taping machine. More importantly, it wants its machines to make business processes more efficient. Thus, it has come up with custom packaging systems for different kinds of businesses.

In this article, we will talk about the Book Bindery System. It is a mix of old standard machines and modern custom taping machines which are designed to make book packaging more efficient—physically and financially. The Book Bindery System consists of four parts: carton erecting, carton and book conveying, book packing into cartons and weight checking for each cartons.

1. Carton Erecting. The carton erecting is done by the ELVS carton erector.

2. Conveying. The custom conveying system transports the erected carton and the pile of bound books to a specially designed drop pack placepacker.

3. Drop Pack Placepacker. The pile of bound books is dropped into individual cartons using BestPack’s exclusive drop pack technology.

4. Weight Check. In this station, a high-resolution ink jet printer prints a barcode onto the packed carton. After the labeling process, the carton goes through a scale which checks if the box has been packed with the right number of books. Once that has been settled, the carton is sealed by one of BestPack’s standard taping machines. If, on the other hand, the carton is over or under filled, it will be diverted into another line which leads to repacking.

Next week, we’ll look at carton sealer systems for electronics so make sure to come back and check us out.

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More Than Just A Taping Machine

If you have a business that requires an efficient packaging system, what you need is a machine. And not just any type of machine—a taping machine. Manual packaging may seem more cost efficient at first but in the long run, you will find that manual packaging can drag your business down.

We asked several small companies to weigh in on this matter. We asked a school lunch company, an auto parts company, a juice company and a tofu manufacturer. They had one thing in common—their manual packaging processes proved to be inefficient and resulted in the following consequences:

1. Time consuming. The whole process of forming a carton, packing it and then sealing it eats up a lot of production time.

2. Repetitive. The repetitive motion of manually taping cases, especially when done for prolonged periods of time, can cause workers to develop joint and tendon issues in their wrists.

3. Inefficient. The bottom flap of cartons can slow down the entire process. Additionally, manually sealing the bottom flaps (as well as the top of the box) manually causes more uncontrolled usage of carton sealing tape. Pre-erecting the boxes and stacking can also eat up a lot of time on the production line.

4. Lack of air supply. Packaging stations require pressurized air lines which can be an added overhead expense to the entrepreneur.

Our recommendation: Invest in a reliable and durable taping machine system. Packaging reflects the company’s branding and a poorly packaged product says a lot of bad things about the business. There are several types of taping machine available in the market—some are offered in uniform or random type while other case sealers are available in high-speed options for a minimal fee. Custom and stainless steel taping machines are also available, depending on your budget.

Which taping machine is ideal for your business? Come back next week for our expert suggestions.

In Action: MBD Taping Machine

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End of the Year Specials

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Taping Machine Debates: Side Drive vs. Belt Drive

Quality or quantity?

This is a classic debate that has gone on for ages. And the packaging industry is not exempt. Today, we are looking at two types of taping machine—the more costly yet deemed more superior Side Drive Case Sealer and the more budget-friendly Bottom Drive Case Sealer. Which one do you need? Which one do you want to invest in?

Let’s look at the contenders.

1. The Side Drive Case Sealer

• Has a larger carton range

• Has a roller bed that allows for more stable box throughput which means less wear and tear for motors

• Has two motor drives pulling the box for more power and stability

• Naturally squares the box as it goes through the sealer

• Has side drive pulleys which lessens wear and tear for the belts

• Has a shorter footprint

• Can hold up against heavy boxes banging up against the machine

2. The Bottom Belt Drive Case Sealer

• A good machine for a relatively good price

• Has a lower carton minimum

• Needs supervision because box throughput is less consistent due to friction and weight

• May need more maintenance since single motor is subject to more wear and tear as well as less pulleys on the belt drive system may cause belt to wear out faster

Final result: Two taping machines from a reputable manufacturer, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Which taping machine is best suited for your packaging needs? You decide.

Product Highlight: Taping Machines that Revolutionized the Fruit Packaging Industry

Automatic Top and Bottom Drive Fruit Box Machine (ATFUX)

As a leader in the packaging industry, BestPack has been responsible for many machines that have helped businesses run more efficiently. One example is BestPack’s ATFUX Fruitbox Sealers which are specially designed for the fruit packaging industry. This one-of-a-kind taping machine features a four station sealing process that begins with indexing the box, followed by lifting the outer sleeve, shaking the box, and finally sealing the top and bottom flaps. These fruitbox taping machines have helped entrepreneurs streamline the process of packaging oranges, apples and potatoes in HSC type boxes.

In this article, we will get to know a little bit more about two models of this taping machine design.

1. Automatic Top and Bottom Drive Fruit Box Machine (ATFUX). This heavy-duty taping machine requires no human operator and uses pressure-sensitive tape. It is ideal for packing houses using HSC cartons. This type of taping machine has four stations: an indexer station; a positive outer sleeve lifter station with shaker, which assures proper squaring of the top flaps; a flap fold station, which closes the top flaps; and a final station that seals the top and bottom flaps, leaving both flaps sealed but not tabbed together. The ATFUX also features self-centering guide rails and adjustable compression rollers. The width and height can also be adjusted on either side of the machine. It can load three different lengths of tape roll: 1000 yards, 1,500 yards and 2,000 yards, and interchange between 2” or 3” tape heads.

2. ATFC11-3H. This taping machine is specifically designed for packing apples. It is considered a sister machine to the ATFUX Series sealer and features mostly the same characteristics as the latter.

Keep reading this blog for more information on BestPack’s flagship line of automatic and manual taping machines.

How a 6” Inch Tape Saved the Lives of Clothing Companies

Clothing companies have been reported to lose millions of dollars due to packaging mismanagement. Theft, pilferage, and added packaging costs have all contributed to the profit loss of clothing companies. Additionally, the current standard of using 2” or 3” packing tape through manual labor is also another reason why clothing companies suffer from profit loss.

Recent updates in packaging technology and standards revealed that 6” packing tapes and the use of automatic taping machines are the best solutions to prevent pilferage of clothing packages. Automated solutions can greatly help save in packaging costs because of less use of manual labor while also creating a more consistent seal on boxes.

3.07 mil thick Water-Based Acrylic Adhesive Carton Sealing Tape

The wider 6” packing tape is a cost-effective packaging solution due to the instantaneously decreased packaging costs from the prevention of lost and stolen goods. The wider 6” packing tape prevents major flaps from opening without breaking the seal of the box. There is also less excessive and expensive use of tape when compared to companies using a 4-edge seal and water-activated gummed tape to belly band the boxes.

Fully Automatic Top and Bottom Drive Edgesealer (AT4E)

As for packaging equipment, 6” random automated taping machines offer a more professional and consistent seal on boxes. Packaging materials, such as boxes, are also more efficient with the removal of the extra 1.5” on each major flap. This saves not only on packaging costs but on packing tapes as well. The wide 6” packing tape renders the extra flaps unnecessary, thus creates savings which can be allotted into other packaging equipment. With this packing equipment, companies can save up to $30/day, which means saving up to $10,800/year.

The right combination of installing new 6” random semi-automatic taping machines and 6” acrylic printed packing tapes can save millions of dollars for clothing companies. Packaging costs greatly reduce while producing a more professional and consistent look for boxes.

Choosing Between a Side Drive and Bottom Belt Drive Taping Machine

Previously, we highlighted some of the main features of a side drive taping machine. Aside from having a larger carton range of 4.25” and a roller bed to allow for a more stable box throughput, a side drive taping machine also has two motor drives to pull the box through.

While most packaging industries prefer side drive taping machines, there are still businesses that opt for bottom belt drive taping machines. What exactly are the features of a bottom belt drive taping machine?

The best thing about a bottom belt drive taping machine is that it isn't expensive, which means that there is no need for a big budget. Smaller companies may prefer bottom belt drive taping machines because the initial capital investment is inexpensive. The minimum carton height required to operate a bottom belt drive taping machine is only 3” compared to a side drive taping machine's 3.5”. It also has the capability to seal up to 40 cases or boxes per minute. Aside from its uniform sealing capacity, bottom belt drive taping machines also has adjustable legs so insertion comes easy into any packaging line.

Manual Bottom Drive

The telescopic mast design of the bottom belt drive taping machines is perfect for heavy-duty packaging and the electronic parts that comprise the taping machine are all UL-approved. To create a professional-looking seal, bottom belt drive taping machines have a built-in guide rail centering mechanism to ensure that all boxes are consistently sealed.

For small businesses and companies with a limited budget on packaging equipment costs, the bottom belt drive taping machine is a great option because it is a good packaging machine for its price. BestPack.com prides itself in manufacturing bottom belt drive taping machines that are known for its trouble-free operation. With years of experience to back up BestPack.com, its technological expertise is not only reliable but trustworthy too.

When to Use Side Drive Taping Machines

The main feature of a side drive taping machine is its side belt drives that form the core of its operation; however, there are other benefits to using side drive taping machines that most packaging companies do not realize.

Most side drive taping machines work via the side drive pulleys on the system. Additionally, side drive taping machines are powered by two motor drives that pull the box through. The motor’s drives have to be powerful and stable enough to not cause wear and tear on the boxes that pass through the taping machine.

Sidedrive (MSD)

When choosing between other taping machines and a side drive case sealer, it is important to keep in mind that side drive taping machines are designed for optimal light and heavy duty operations. This box taping machine is also engineered for performance with an operator adjustable feed system, which means that it can be manually operated by an employee of the company for better control.

The taping machine's side drive movement seals boxes with a rate of 40 boxes/minute; this makes it extremely efficient especially for big industrial companies. Other features of the side drive taping machine worth mentioning are its larger carton range with a minimum width of 4.25”, a roller bed that prevents wear and tear on the motors and that provides for a more stable box throughput, and a shorter footprint.

BestPack.com, a packaging equipment manufacturer, has a wide selection of side drive taping machines that are certainly more efficient as they are engineered only with the highest manufacturing quality. Side drive taping machines built by BestPack.com are sturdier – they can hold up against heavy boxes that bang up against the machine. Additionally, the bed height can be adjusted as well as the width and height on both sides of the taping machine. With four exclusive rollers of the top compression unit, BestPack's side drive taping machines are definitely superior to other competing brands.

Basic Maintenance Tips For Taping Machines

Auto Sidedrive (AS)

If your business requires mass production and packaging, then you are best off with a taping machine. Taping machines, also known as carton sealers or case sealers, are great tools that help entrepreneurs, like you, achieve operational efficiency and reduce production cost in the workplace. Additionally, taping machines also help businesses produce better and more professional looking packages, which in turn boost customer satisfaction and loyalty.

With that said, taping machines are hardworking industrial equipment that needs proper care and maintenance. Whether you choose a manual or an automatic taping machine, you will find that this can be quite an investment so you need to ensure that you are able to maximize its function. In this article, we will share basic maintenance and repair tips for your taping machine.

1. Make sure to turn off electrical power before starting to clean any of the parts. Read the manual that came with your machine because there might be specific instructions required for the kind of taping machine that you have.

2. Using a dry film lubricant, lubricate the shafts at least once a month to keep away dust or lint. You can also apply chain lubricant on the drive and on the centering guide chain.

3. Handling cartons will inevitably produce dust and paper chips and when left unclean, this dust can build up on the machine and may cause component wear or even overheating of motors. Using a shop vacuum, remove accumulated dust at least twice a week, especially if the taping machine is used daily. Avoid using compressed air when removing dust because this may cause the dust to further penetrate into other parts of the machine.

For more tips on handling taping machines, keep reading this blog.

Tips on Removing Unwanted Packing Tape From Surfaces

Without a doubt, packing tape is one of the best inventions made by man. Whether at home or for use in business, a packing tape is handy for just about anything—sealing our packages and envelopes, even casserole lids to prevent food from spilling and for entrepreneurs, a unique marketing collateral, thanks to customized packing tapes.

While using a packing tape is definitely a no brainer, removing it from surfaces is another story. Removing packing tape can be quite a challenge, especially if you don’t want any evidence of it. Once you stick it on the surface, the adhesive of the tape seeps into the porous cells of the surface thus making it hard to remove.

Got a sticky packing tape situation? Don’t fret. Here a few handy tips on how to remove unwanted packing tape from surfaces.

1. You can use low heat to “soften” the hold of the packing tape to wherever it is glued on to. Using heat lessens the possible damage on the surface. You can use your blow dryer but make sure it is set on low. The key here is to warm and peel the adhesive gently and simultaneously. You can either use a putty knife or a flat-edged scraper to scrape off the tape.

2. For packing tape stuck on wood, first try to peel off as much as you can. Soak a paper towel in white vinegar and put it on top of the packing tape. Let it sit for five minutes. Afterwards, remove the paper towel and start rubbing the surface. The remainder of the tape should be peeling away by now. Use the same paper towel to rub the wood’s surface if there is still any residue. Get another paper towel and slightly moisten it with water, this time to remove the vinegar residue.

3. If your heavy duty packing tape has left an unsightly residue on a glass or ceramic surface, using a little bit of alcohol or nail polish remover will help clean out what’s left of it. Afterwards, do not forget to wipe the same surface area with a paper towel or cotton ball soaked in a little bit of water.

Why A Packing Tape Is More Than Just For Packaging

As an entrepreneur, you know that a packing tape is mainly used for packaging products and supplies. But are you fully maximizing its properties? Do you know that you can also use packing tape as a marketing, advertising and security tool? You can do this by having your business’ name and logo custom printed on packing tapes that you will use to seal your products. This investment is useful in many ways. For starters, you can promote your brand every time you send out a package or a sealed product to a customer. This type of advertising is subtle and effective because your customers and even potential clients will be constantly reminded of the products and services that you offer. If you are willing to shell out a little bit more from your budget for custom printed packing tapes, you can even use packing tapes to promote new and upcoming products and add your contact information for maximum exposure and increased sales opportunities.

1.57 mil thick Water-Based Acrylic Adhesive Carton Sealing Tape

Additionally, it gives your business the image of an established and professional company. This can help you boost customer trust and confidence. Investing in customized packing tapes is also a way to improve your brand’s identity. It is an effective and creative way to set you apart and help you stand out in a crowded sea of other entrepreneurs.

In terms of security, you can use customized packing tapes to ensure that your products will be properly handled in transit. A specially labeled packing tape will also help your customers ensure that their package is secured.

Custom packing tapes can be used by a wide variety of businesses, not just those in direct selling and distribution. You can also use these specially printed packing tapes for smaller packages such as letter envelopes. Instead of ribbons, you can also use customized packing tapes to brand and decorate corporate giveaways.

Contact your packing tape supplier now and don’t forget to ask about printed packing tapes.

Marketing with Custom-Printed Packing Tapes

Packing tapes are probably the last thing marketing teams think of when it comes to innovative advertising tools. Who would have thought that packing tapes can now be used to create brand awareness or disseminate company information? No one. But nowadays, many companies utilize packing tapes as tools to increase company visibility. Custom-printed packing tapes are effective marketing tools, especially for companies and small businesses who manage to ship a few products once a week or once a month. Packing tapes are reliable tools to sell any kind of product.

For some brands, shipping is a secondary or tertiary means of communication. Some companies even use shipping as the main method of directly communicating with customers. These are the potential markets of custom-printed packing tapes. Not only can custom-printed packing tapes increase brand awareness, they also keep packages safe. For the packaging industry, this is very important. Absolutely anything can be printed on packing tapes, and as such, companies can opt to put messages such as “Fragile” or “Caution” printed on it. It exudes a more professional look than simply writing these messages by hand. Custom-printed tapes can also prove to be useful in the office or store. For companies who sell packaging machinery and provide packaging equipment solutions, custom-printed packing tapes can be a part of their product line-ups.

Choosing the right custom-printed packing tapes depend on the consumer and the business. These packing tapes come in a variety of colors: blue, yellow, green, purple, black, clear and tan. Choosing the color leads to deciding what message to put on the packing tape. You can opt for a simple message or you can also put graphics and texts for a more eye-catching finish. Many specialty shops will be willing to help you design one - should you not have one in mind.

When it comes to marketing, no ideas are too silly or strange if it means catching the attention of your potential target market. Custom-printed packing tapes can be that eye catching attraction.

Loading a Packing Tape Dispenser

Packing tapes are essential in packaging and storing items. With packing tape, heavy boxes can be securely held together, and they can protect packages better than regular tape can. With a packing tape dispenser, not only can packing prove to be a seamless activity but it will help you accomplish things faster and more efficiently. Make sure you have rolls of packing tape on hand so refilling the packing tape dispenser is done quickly. In a few minutes, you can easily reload the packing tape dispenser. Here’s how:

1. Over the dispenser reel, place the roll of packing tape in such a way that it will unwind in a counter-clockwise manner.

2. Hold the front tab of the packing tape roll, pulling it at a downward angle through the slot between the dispenser roller and shield. There are also tape dispensers that have a shield to which you can pull down the tape and slide it through. Remember that the sticky side of the packing tape should always face downwards.

3. In an upward motion, simply pull the front tab of the tape so that the dispenser blade can cut through the packing tape. The blades of packing tape dispensers are sharp enough to cut through your skin so be careful in handling such packaging tools to avoid cuts and bruises.

4. To be sure that the packing tape dispenser functions perfectly, test it by unrolling just a small amount of tape and cutting it with the dispenser’s blade.

5. If the packing tape dispenser is not tight enough, adjust it by tightening the tension adjuster and set the unwinding feature at a comfortable and smooth level.

When handling such tools, always be careful and make sure that you are comfortable handling the packing tape dispenser, or any other packaging tool for that matter. BestPack.com is an online manufacturer of packaging equipment, such as carton sealers, and also offers nationally-acclaimed packing tapes ideal for the packaging industry.

Benefits of Case Sealers in the Workplace

Case sealers are part of the case erecting and final sealing cycle. This type of packaging equipment can perform overlapping flaps or sequential folding and can be used for both top seal only, or top and bottom seal. With the flap folding function and platen compression, professional looking and perfectly jointed flaps are well-aligned for a more attractive finish. Case sealers basically operate by sealing product filled cases with the top flaps either with tape or hot melt glue.

Case sealers come in uniform and random functions and are also available in semi-automatic and automatic models. As the terms suggest, semi-automatic case sealers still need the assistance of an operator to function while automatic case sealers are operator free models. Case sealers are great investments in the workplace and here are just some of the reasons why:

Fully Automatic Random Highspeed Sidedrive (CSS)

1. Case sealers are made from stainless steel that can be adjusted.
2. Owners can adjust the proper height and width for increased productivity.
3. Whether you choose a semi-automatic or an automatic case sealer, both models automatically fold the flap then tightly sealing the case.
4. Highly economical.
5. Dual masts with dual lead screws are added for added stability and height adjustments.
6. Case sealers can seal boxes and cases in different sizes and types.

Fully Automatic Random Sidedrive w/ 4 Tape Heads of continuous flo action (CS4G)

With that in mind, case sealers greatly increase efficiency in the workplace by:

1. Reducing injuries for manually fed case sealers
2. Reducing labor yet increasing output
3. Tape waste is reduced as well
4. End product gets a more professional appearance
5. Material cost is also decreased, and finally
6. Case sealers create a professional-looking seal

And so when deciding to purchase a case sealer for your business, ask yourself if you want an operator-fed or operator-free case sealer. Also determine how many boxes should be sealed per production line per minute/hour. The carton sizes are also a factor in choosing the right case sealer as well as choosing between 2” and 3” case sealing tapes to seal the box. Finally, find out whether your business needs a top and bottom applicator, or just a top applicator.