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.