Which Packing Tape to Use – Acrylic or Hot Melt Adhesive? Packing tapes are ultimate packaging accessories that are essentially required to secure the open ends of cartons for spill-proof and safe shipping. Among the various types of industrial tapes available on the market, the debate between water-based acrylic and hot-melt adhesive carton sealing tapes persists. While both the varieties have separate features and a list of benefits, both can be used for carton sealing at room temperature. The difference occurs when the conditions feature a wide range of extreme temperatures and very rigid corrugated flaps. Let’s look at the advantages & applications of both the types of packing tapes: WATER-BASED ACRYLIC CARTON SEALING TAPES Advantages: 1. Functional in a wide temperature range – Acrylic tapes feature a service temperature of -10°F to 200°F vs. 30°F to 122°F of hot melt. 2. Extended shelf life – Acrylic is known to have a longer shelf life without compromising on performance. 3. Resistant to UV light sources – The material will not allow yellowing on exposure to direct sunlight or UV sources. 4. Enhanced seal strength – Acrylic adhesive tends to absorb deeply into the corrugated flaps over time. 5. Economically priced – The Acrylic sealing tapes are comparatively more affordable than the hot melt varieties. Application: • General purpose carton sealing • Display boxes (as they do not yellow) • Hot as well as cold applications
HOT MELT CARTON SEALING TAPES Advantages: 1. High sheer – A greater sheer allows better adherence to corrugated boxes and to under-filled/overstuffed boxes. 2. Improved quick initial tack – Hot melt ensures quick tack property that adheres easily to dusty, dirty and soiled substrates or plastics. 3. Performance consistency – Hot melt packing tapes have a release coat that allows the tape to dispense with consistence throughout the entire tape length. Application: • • • •
General purpose carton sealing Overfilled or under-filled cartons Double-walled and thick corrugated boxes Dusty, dirty and soiled substrates application
Now that you know when it is better to use acrylic or hot melt adhesive tape, visit www.packagingsuppliesbymail.com/tape to order your stock of industrial tapes now. The PackagingSuppliesByMail.com store is full of good quality, affordably priced tapes for use in industrial as well as domestic applications.