The choice between hot melt glue and adhesive tape for case erecting and sealing is fundamental and directly impacts costs, production speed, and the structural integrity of the packaging.
Each option is optimized for specific line and product needs. Duetti Packaging helps you evaluate the technical characteristics to consider.
Operating and plant costs #
Evaluating the expense for consumables and application equipment is crucial.
- Hot melt glue: the hot melt glue typically costs 1/2 to 1/3 the cost of packaging tape. However, hot melt application systems (fusing units, heads) are more expensive to purchase and maintain compared to taping machines.
- Adhesive Tape: the material is more expensive, but the machinery (taping machines) is more economical, simpler to manage, and maintain.
Production speed #
The speed of your packaging line is often the decisive factor.
- Hot melt glue: it is widely used for the erecting and sealing of cartons, especially with wraparound type packaging or for high-speed lines.
- Specific devices called “fusing units” melt the glue, which is initially in a solid state in the form of granules or flakes. The molten glue is transmitted via a pump and hoses to the guns which, under PLC command, spray the necessary quantity onto the box. Specific devices subsequently complete the forming or sealing operations.
- The fusing unit is equipped with a reservoir and is placed external to the machine, allowing for replenishment without production stops.
- Adhesive Tape: it is generally reserved for case erecting and sealing at lower and intermittent speeds. Taping systems require the line to stop for roll changes, impacting downtime.
Structural integrity and package types #
The resistance of the package and its contents determine the most appropriate sealing method.
The adhesive itself does not change the structural resistance of the packaging.The element that introduces the concept of structural resistance is the type of packaging (See the guide WRAP AROUND VS REGULAR SLOTTED CONTAINERS).
Aesthetics and consumer benefits #
The final appearance of the package and the ease of opening are elements not to be underestimated.
- Package Aesthetics: boxes formed and sealed with hot melt glue generally have a better and cleaner appearance compared to tape-sealed packages, where the tape itself is visible.
- Opening: with hot melt, opening is simpler as it is sufficient to pull the flaps. Adhesive tape, on the other hand, requires the complete removal of the tape or cutting.
- Environmental Resistance: adhesive tape has an advantage: it is more immune to temperature changes and the handling of cases.
- Environmental Benefits: the hot melt solution reduces the use of plastic, resulting in advantages for the environment.
Safety and operability #
- Hot melt adhesive: the systems process the glue at high temperatures (typically between 120 °C and 170 °C). Consequently, although protected, the components retain a residual risk derived from the heat.
- Adhesive Tape: taping machines are simple machines with minimal risk to the operator.
Choosing the ideal Duetti Packaging solution #
The choice between hot melt glue and tape depends on the client’s priorities based on the factors presented above.
Contact Duetti Packaging for a detailed analysis and to integrate the most efficient sealing system into your packaging process.
