Following are the features that should be taken into account when choosing between the two:

Cost
- Hot melt adhesive typically is 1/2 to 1/3 the cost of packaging tape.
- Hot melt systems are more expensive than tape machines to purchase and operate.

Production Speeds
- Hot melt is used extensively for high speed case and carton assembly.
- Hot melt systems can run continuously
- Tape is used for slower intermittent case erecting and sealing.
- Many tape systems stop the line for roll changes.

Typical Packages
- Hot melt offers structural strength to a box and is important for heavy packages or long term bonds that will be taxed in shipping.
- Tape does not offer structural benefits to the box and is used for the packaging of low weight products.

Consumer benefits
- Hot melt requires that major flaps are pulled away from minor flaps.
- Tape requires removal of tape or cutting with a knife.
- Tape can seal cases better from the environment as flap seams are completely closed.

Package Aesthetics
- Cases erected and sealed with hot melt have a better appearance than taped packages

Operator Safety
- Hot melt systems process this adhesive at 300 to 350 F and, if improperly operated, adhesive can burn the operator.
- Tape machines are simple and there is minimal risk to the operator

For more information call or email Pierce Covert,
Glue Machinery Corporation
1(888)202-2468 info@gluemachinery.com