Choose the right tape

As mentioned in the previous section, choosing the right adhesive tape depends on the type of carton and packaging and the specific conditions of each product and factory. In this section we will only talk about the use of BOPP adhesive tapes in packaging.
In fact, the purpose of this article is to know the basics of these adhesives and provide simple solutions in choosing the appropriate adhesive tape.

• Type of use: It means using automatic carton gluing machines or using manual adhesive.

In manual adhesives, different types of self-adhesive adhesives can be used in different lengths, widths and thicknesses. The quality of adhesion depends on the accuracy and power of the operator. These appliances are mostly used in low-level products and home applications.
Adhesives at least 40 microns thick should be used to work with the gluing machine. Thin adhesives are easily stretched and reduce the quality and longevity of the adhesive and improper cutting of the adhesive.
Applying uniform and adjustable pressure by semi-automatic and automatic carton gluing machines improves and maintains adhesion. The quality of adhesive rollers, proper strength and coordination of pressure arms, the ability of adhesive cutting blades, the quality and speed of carton conveyors and the ability to adjust the above are the most effective factors of quality and efficiency in these machines.
The initial adjustment of the machine (during installation and commissioning) according to the type of product and carton is very important. The operator of these machines must control and adjust the performance of the machine daily according to the quality of the adhesive.
Choosing the right car for each type of carton is something we need to discuss in another discussion.

• Dimensions, weight and thickness of cardboard sheets: It goes without saying that with the increase in weight and dimensions of cartons, the use of stronger adhesives is necessary. Very strong adhesives are needed for packaging cartons with five or more sheets. However, the adhesive force in these cartons increases due to better pressure resistance. In this type of cartons as well as other high weight cartons, it is better to tape the edges of the doors. There are special automatic sealing machines for this job (edge sealing).

In general, thicker adhesives (film thickness and adhesive liquid) have more strength and durability.
For example, for cartons with dimensions of 40 cm in length and 30 cm in width and 25 cm in height and weight of about 12 kg, a tape width of 48 mm and a thickness of 40 microns with acrylic emulsion adhesive is suitable for working in normal climates.

The best way to choose the right tape for each job is to rely on the written experience of each unit. That is, after the initial selection of the adhesive tape, the packaged cartons should be examined at different times (one month, two months, …) with the knowledge of the minimum and maximum shelf life of the product in the selected warehouse and store, and a written report from Prepared their situation. These reports show us what to do for the next election?

• Adhesion and durability: Depending on the type, value and sensitivity of the packaging product, different classes of adhesion are needed. Sometimes it has to be closed so tightly in the carton that it can be opened only by cutting the glue (expensive products such as audio-visual equipment), but sometimes the manufacturer wants the glue to open easily. Also, the effective retention time of the adhesive force is different. There are products that come out of the carton and are consumed after a short time (such as food), but there are also products that do not have a time limit.

Reputable adhesive companies give their adhesive adhesion to the consumer.
The thicker the adhesive tape, the greater the adhesion and durability.
The adhesion and durability of solvent-based acrylic adhesives is higher than that of water-based acrylics.

• Climate and durability: All BOPP products have very good resistance to different humidity and air temperature. These films do not deform significantly in almost any air temperature from -20 to +50.

Different adhesives have different sensitivities to low and high temperatures and humidity.
Solvent-based adhesives are more resistant to cold than water-based adhesives. In fact, water-based adhesives lose their effectiveness in colder than -5. Also, cold air (above zero degree) reduces the durability of adhesion, which is more the case with water-based adhesives.
Both types of adhesives at temperatures above +50 gradually lose their adhesion and easily lift off the work surface.