Five carton sealers for taping top and bottom

All five carton sealers apply tape to both the top and bottom of cartons in one go. Side belts move the carton through the unit. FLEX TAPE is a semi-automatic model. TOP TAPE, AUTO-TAPE, RUBBER and AUTO&FOLD-5050 are automatic carton sealers. Operating speeds are 20 m/min for FLEX TAPE and AUTO-TAPE, 19 m/min for TOP TAPE, and 16 m/min for AUTO&FOLD-5050. FLEX TAPE, TOP TAPE and AUTO-TAPE accept tape widths of 48–72 mm, while RUBBER and AUTO&FOLD-5050 use 48–60 mm tape.

AUTO-TAPE and AUTO&FOLD-5050 automatically adjust to varying carton sizes. All models are compatible with Kraft or BOPP tape. Each machine handles a specific range of carton sizes, detailed in the table below.

Cartons are guided by side belts between upper and lower tape heads. As the carton passes through, each tape head applies tape along the seam and trims it at the end.

FLEX TAPE is semi-automatic, so the operator must feed each carton with the top flaps already closed. In contrast, TOP TAPE, AUTO-TAPE, RUBBER and AUTO&FOLD-5050 are automatic models that accept cartons directly from the conveyor belts.

TOP TAPE can be integrated into an automatic production line. RUBBER and AUTO&FOLD-5050 can operate after a case erector and roller conveyor, as cartons self-feed into the sealer. This is ideal if you wish to automate both carton forming and sealing in your packing process.

The number of cartons sealed per minute depends on carton length and the spacing between them. For FLEX TAPE, output also relies on the operator’s speed, as cartons are fed by hand. In a packing line, calculate throughput using belt speed, carton length and the gap, not just the belt speed.

Tape is applied accurately only when cartons are centred in the machine, with a gap between each. The manuals for FLEX TAPE, TOP TAPE and AUTO-TAPE specify this. When sealing by hand, operators may use varying tape lengths or add extra strips, but a case sealer applies the same amount to every carton, so tape usage per carton is consistent. FLEX TAPE, TOP TAPE and AUTO-TAPE can be paired with unpowered roller tables before and after the machine for infeed and outfeed.

Automatic box closers that fold the top flaps

TOP TAPE, RUBBER and AUTO&FOLD-5050 carton sealers automatically fold the top flaps of cartons. With FLEX TAPE and AUTO-TAPE, the operator must close the flaps before feeding the carton.

The flap folder on RUBBER and AUTO&FOLD-5050 operates in stages: first folding the front flap, then the rear, followed by the two side flaps. Once folded, the machine tapes both the top and bottom in one pass.

A flap folder on a carton sealer closes the top flaps before the carton reaches the tape heads, so the operator does not need to hold the carton closed during taping.

For RUBBER and AUTO&FOLD-5050, place the carton on the infeed with the top flaps open and upright.

On the RUBBER model, a sensor detects the carton and activates the pneumatic flap folder, which requires compressed air. The folding and taping area is protected by a transparent safety guard with doors. For AUTO&FOLD-5050, carton length is set using a micro switch that determines when the rear flap is folded, and the folding rods are manually adjusted to the carton width on both sides.

With TOP TAPE, push the carton onto the side belts with the top flaps open. As the carton moves forward, the machine folds the flaps and then applies tape to the top and bottom.

Never reach into the flap folder while the machine is operating. Always turn off the power and air supply before clearing a jammed carton from the folding area. The AUTO&FOLD-5050 manual highlights this as a safety precaution.

Table of case sealers and the packing line

The table below lists each machine by type, carton size range, tape width and flap closing method. Use it to compare the case sealers and the complete packing line.

To use the table, start by checking the carton size range for each machine. Measure the length, width and height of your smallest and largest cartons and compare these to the figures in the table. Next, confirm your tape width matches the machine. The final column shows if the machine folds the flaps for you and whether it is set manually or adjusts automatically.

Setting an adjustable carton sealer to the carton

The FLEX TAPE and TOP TAPE case sealers are set manually to the width and height of the carton. The RUBBER model uses hand wheels for adjustment. The AUTO-TAPE detects the height and width of each carton and adjusts itself, while the AUTO&FOLD-5050 sets both width and height automatically for every carton using air cylinders. This enables cartons of different sizes to be processed in succession without manual resetting.

When using a manually adjusted sealer such as FLEX TAPE or TOP TAPE, you set the machine to the width and height of the carton before starting a batch. This approach is efficient for long runs of a single carton size, as you only need to adjust the machine once for the entire batch.

If you need to change to a different carton size, you must reset the width and height before starting the next batch. This means it is best to group your orders by carton size to avoid frequent stops for adjustment.

The AUTO&FOLD-5050 model adjusts itself for each carton. Air cylinders move the side belts to fit the carton width and lower the upper tape head to the carton height for every carton that enters.

Each model is designed for a specific range of carton sizes. FLEX TAPE handles cartons from 150 mm in length and 120–480 mm in width and height. TOP TAPE covers widths and heights from 120–480 mm. RUBBER is suitable for cartons from W120 × H120 mm up to W500 × H500 mm. AUTO&FOLD-5050 works with cartons from L200 × W150 × H150 mm up to L600 × W500 × H500 mm. AUTO-TAPE handles cartons from 150 mm in length and 120–450 mm in height. On the AUTO&FOLD-5050, keep the cylinder pressure as low as possible for the carton, as excessive pressure may crush lighter cartons.

As each carton arrives, air cylinders on the AUTO-TAPE move the upper tape head to match the carton height and the side belts to the carton width, allowing you to process cartons of varying sizes one after another. Two settings on the AUTO-TAPE relate to the type of carton, not its size: the sealing pressure is set according to the carton material, and the side arm force is set to the carton weight.

To set a manually adjusted sealer such as FLEX TAPE or TOP TAPE, place a closed carton from the batch in the machine, lower the upper tape head onto the top, and turn the width handle until the side belts just touch the carton. On the AUTO&FOLD-5050, only the width and height are set automatically for each carton. The folding rods and length switch are set once for the range of cartons you plan to run, so all sizes in a mixed batch must remain within that setting.

Tape options for box tapers

FLEX TAPE, TOP TAPE and AUTO-TAPE use parcel tapes from 48–72 mm wide. RUBBER, AUTO&FOLD-5050 and LINEBOX-03 use tapes from 48–60 mm wide. All case sealing machines in this category accept either Kraft (paper) or BOPP (plastic) parcel tapes.

The upper and lower tape heads apply tape to both the top and bottom of the carton. On the RUBBER model, the tape leg at the carton ends can be set from 5 to 50 mm. Please check the tape width for each box taper in the table above.

Only one tape width and thickness can be loaded at a time, so check your tape stock before starting a run.

The tape leg is the length of tape that extends over the front and rear ends of the carton. On the RUBBER model, the tape leg is set using the blade support for the front leg and a limit block for the rear leg. Thicker tapes such as Kraft require greater tension on the tape head, which you adjust with the spring. If the tape is too tight or too loose, adjust the spring accordingly. Keep spare rolls at the machine so that changing a roll takes only a minute and does not cause delays.

When loading a roll of tape on the AUTO&FOLD-5050, the manual instructs you to run the tape over the rollers to the tape support with the adhesive side facing out along the entire path. Centre the roll on its holder so the tape feeds straight. If the tape does not run centrally on the seam, adjust the tape position on the tape head. This step is also described in the manuals for FLEX TAPE, TOP TAPE and AUTO-TAPE.

The complete packing line LINEBOX-03

The LINEBOX-03 is a complete packing line that includes the AUTOBOX10 case erector, a motor-driven roller conveyor and the RUBBER case sealer. The case erectors FLEX BOX, AUTOBOX and AUTOBOX10 are also available separately in the Case erectors category.

The LINEBOX-03 can handle up to 720 boxes per hour. It erects, transports and seals boxes automatically. The roller conveyor transfers cartons between the machines. The RUBBER model in the line serves as the automatic case sealer.

A case erector forms a carton from a flat blank and closes the bottom, making it ready for filling. After filling, the case sealer closes the top and applies tape. For example, in a production area, using a case erector means operators do not need to fold and tape the bottom of each carton by hand.

In the LINEBOX-03, the AUTOBOX10 picks a flat carton from its magazine using suction cups, folds the bottom flaps, tapes the bottom and pushes the carton out at 10–15 cartons per minute. It can store up to 10 carton sizes. The line combines the AUTOBOX10, a motor-driven roller conveyor running at 18 m/min and the RUBBER sealer into a single line approximately 6.1 m long. The working height is 650 mm, and it operates on 220 V single phase with compressed air.

Choosing a case sealer for your packing process

A semi-automatic case sealer such as FLEX TAPE is suitable for a packing line where the operator feeds each carton and closes the top flaps by hand. This is ideal for lower output or when cartons are processed in batches of the same size. The machine is set manually to one carton width and height, making it suitable for long runs of identical cartons.

The AUTO-TAPE and AUTO&FOLD-5050 adjust automatically to the width and height of each carton, so mixed sizes can be processed in sequence. Models like TOP TAPE and RUBBER fold the top flaps for you, which is helpful when you wish to automate more of the process.

If you only seal a few cartons per hour and they are mostly the same size, a semi-automatic sealer such as FLEX TAPE is appropriate. The operator closes the flaps and feeds each carton into the machine. When changing to a new carton size, you must adjust the width and height again.

For a steady flow of cartons of the same size, an automatic sealer set once by hand, such as TOP TAPE or RUBBER, is practical. You adjust the machine to the carton size at the start of the run and let it process the cartons as they arrive.

If your packing process involves mixed carton sizes one after another, as in order picking, the AUTO-TAPE and AUTO&FOLD-5050 are designed for this: on the AUTO-TAPE the operator closes the top flaps first, while the AUTO&FOLD-5050 folds them automatically.

Forming cartons by hand takes time before they can be filled. The LINEBOX-03 combines erecting, transporting and sealing in one line, from flat blank to sealed box; separate case erectors are listed in their own category. To select the right machine, count the number of cartons you pack in your busiest hour and compare this with the speeds shown on this page.

If you process long cartons, note that FLEX TAPE and AUTO-TAPE accept cartons from 150 mm in length with no upper length limit, while the AUTO&FOLD-5050 is suitable for cartons 200–600 mm long. When using a case erector and a sealer together in one line, check every carton size against the ranges of both machines in the table, not just the erector.

Cartons and tapes that seal reliably

Case sealers are designed for dry, clean corrugated cartons that are not deformed. Plastic-coated cartons cannot be taped; this is stated on the RUBBER and AUTO&FOLD-5050 pages. Using the correct tape is important: Kraft tape is paper, BOPP tape is plastic film. The tape width must match the machine, as listed in the table above.

Issues may arise from a blunt blade, a dirty rubber roller or a loose tape holder. These faults can result in uneven cuts or creased tape.

If cartons are kept in a damp environment, they may become warped and feed poorly through the machine. Bent or crushed cartons may not travel straight along the belts, which can cause the tape to miss the seam or jam the machine.

If you notice creased tape or tape that veers to one side, inspect the rubber roller and clean it if necessary. Tighten the tape holder or its spring to ensure the tape feeds straight. The tape should sit close to the carton as it is applied.

A jagged tape cut usually means the blade is blunt or fitted the wrong way round. In this case, turn the blade or fit a new one.

If the tape leg is too long or too short, adjust the blade support for the front leg and the limit block for the rear leg. Overfilling a carton can cause the flaps to reopen after folding, so always fill only to the carton’s height.

A wet carton cannot be sealed, as the tape will not adhere. Dust or dirt on the carton surface also prevents the tape from sticking, leading to failed seals. Misshapen cartons are a safety hazard: torn edges can injure the operator and often result in poor seals. A blade set too high will scrape the carton, while a blade set too low will not cut the tape. The AUTO&FOLD-5050 manual gives the carton limits, and the FLEX TAPE, TOP TAPE and AUTO-TAPE manuals specify the correct blade setting.

Tape that does not press firmly onto the carton may be due to poor tape quality or a seized or faulty front or one-way roller. A torn tape end can also be caused by a weak pull spring, not just the blade. On the AUTOBOX10 in the LINEBOX-03 line, the belts should just touch the sides of the formed carton: too tight and the carton is distorted, too loose and it will not be pushed out. The press plate on the AUTOBOX10 should sit about 5 mm above the carton. If set too loose, there will be a gap in the bottom tape; if too tight, the carton will not exit the machine.

What determines the price of a case sealer

The price is influenced by whether the machine is semi-automatic or automatic, whether it folds the top flaps, and whether it adjusts automatically to carton size. Adding a case erector or a complete line also changes the price.

Ongoing costs include the tape and, for machines that require it, compressed air. The price for each case sealer or line is shown on the product card above.

Each product card on this page has a Get offer button for a quotation, for example if you require a sealer with a case erector, and an Add to inquiry button to combine several products into one request.

Each carton needs two strips of tape, one on the top and one on the bottom. Each strip is the length of the carton plus the tape legs at both ends. To calculate how many cartons you can seal with one roll, divide the roll length by the total tape used per carton. For example, you can do this with the 66 m rolls of BOPP tape available in the shop.

Wear parts are part of the ongoing cost. These include blades, rubber rollers and springs on the tape heads, and the drive belts, as listed for FLEX TAPE and AUTO-TAPE. If there is no air supply on site, a compressor is needed for every machine here except the FLEX TAPE. Options affect your order: the FLEX TAPE page lists an extension roller table, castors and a stainless-steel version.

Compressed air, electrical supply and safe operation

TOP TAPE, AUTO-TAPE, RUBBER, AUTO&FOLD-5050 and LINEBOX-03 all specify compressed air in their technical details. FLEX TAPE requires only an electrical supply. The air unit needs regular maintenance: drain water from the air filter, use only pneumatic oil in the lubricator, and wipe dust from the cylinder rods.

Always switch off the power and air before working on a case sealer, for example before opening the guard or changing the blade. RUBBER and AUTO&FOLD-5050 have a safety guard with doors and an emergency stop; on the RUBBER, the guard is transparent.

Plan the air line to your packing area before installing the machine. For example, the AUTO&FOLD-5050 requires 6 bar and 100 Nl/min, so check your compressor can provide this.

For electrical supply, FLEX TAPE and TOP TAPE operate on 110 V or 220 V single phase. AUTO-TAPE, AUTO&FOLD-5050 and the LINEBOX-03 line use 220 V single phase, and RUBBER uses 220–240 V. This means a standard single-phase socket is suitable for these machines in most packing areas.

On the RUBBER and AUTO&FOLD-5050, the side belts will tighten slightly over time, which is normal; oil the adjustment screws every three months and keep the machine dry.

Switch off the power and air before inserting or removing a tape roll, not just before repairs. This is stated in the AUTO&FOLD-5050 manual. At first start-up, let the machine run for a few minutes, turn the width and height handles of the FLEX TAPE or TOP TAPE by hand to check they move freely, and check that the belts run straight and the tape passes through the heads without snagging. These steps are described in the manuals for FLEX TAPE, TOP TAPE and AUTO-TAPE.

Do not wear loose sleeves, ties, rings, bracelets or watches when operating the machine, as belts and rollers can catch them. If a hand or sleeve becomes trapped in a moving part, switch off the power first and only then free it. Dust on the cylinder rods is more than just dirt: if it passes the seal into the cylinder, it will cause air leaks. On the AUTOBOX10 in the LINEBOX-03 line, if the main air regulator cannot maintain its set pressure, the air supply is insufficient and the suction pick-up will not work. The AUTOBOX10 begins its automatic cycle only after the servo returns to zero and the cylinders are at their start position, and it stops automatically when the carton counter reaches the set number. Press the Clear button to continue.

Checklist before purchasing a case sealer

Before purchasing a case sealer, check your carton dimensions: length, width and height, both minimum and maximum. Decide whether you run a single size or mixed sizes, and whether the top flaps are closed by hand or by the machine. Confirm the type and width of tape you use, and whether compressed air is available. The working height of the case sealer must match your roller conveyor or packing table.

Count how many cartons you need to seal per hour and check the available space and line height in your packing area. After sealing, the next step may be a strapping machine. The table above shows the details for each case sealer and for the complete line.

Begin by listing the length, width and height of your smallest and largest cartons. Compare these with the carton size ranges in the table to see which machines are suitable.

If you pack only one size at a time, a machine set by hand is suitable. If you need to run mixed sizes in succession, choose a model that adjusts automatically for each carton.

Select the tape type: Kraft or BOPP, and the width, ensuring it is within the machine’s range.

Check that you have compressed air and the correct electrical supply at the packing area. Measure the space and the height of the roller conveyors or tables before and after the machine to ensure everything aligns. Plan the next step after sealing, such as labelling or moving the carton to the pallet.

The FLEX TAPE has a working height of 550–750 mm on its feet, or 650–800 mm when fitted with optional castors. The TOP TAPE offers a working height of 550–750 mm, while the AUTO&FOLD-5050 ranges from 600–850 mm. The RUBBER model allows height adjustment of up to 350 mm via its legs. For the AUTOBOX10 in the LINEBOX-03 line, check both the combined length and width (up to 900 mm) and the sum of half the width plus the height (up to 550 mm), as well as the three specified ranges.

Ensure there is at least 800 mm of free space on both the left and right sides of the FLEX TAPE, TOP TAPE and AUTO-TAPE for operator access and maintenance. Check the environment: FLEX TAPE, TOP TAPE and AUTO-TAPE are designed for use between 0–40 °C. TOP TAPE can be used in humidity up to 90 percent, and AUTO-TAPE up to 98 percent. Please note that unheated dispatch areas in winter may not meet these requirements.

Questions about case sealers

Which case sealers require compressed air?

Compressed air is required for the TOP TAPE, AUTO-TAPE, RUBBER, AUTO&FOLD-5050 and LINEBOX-03 models. The FLEX TAPE only needs an electrical connection.

Can a case sealer process cartons of varying sizes without manual adjustment?

The AUTO-TAPE and AUTO&FOLD-5050 automatic carton sealers automatically adjust to the width and height of each carton. FLEX TAPE and TOP TAPE must be set manually, and RUBBER is adjusted using hand wheels, making them suitable for batches of cartons of the same size.

Which types of cartons are unsuitable for these machines?

Only dry, clean, undamaged corrugated cartons can be processed. Cartons with a plastic coating cannot be taped, as noted for the RUBBER and AUTO&FOLD-5050 models.