Case Sealers

Case sealers provide a reliable and efficient way to seal boxes, ensuring that products remain safe and secure throughout their journey. They automate the process of applying tape or glue to box flaps, creating a strong and tamper-evident seal. This not only protects products but also streamlines packaging operations and reduces labor costs.

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What Are Case Sealers?

A case sealer, also known as a box taper, is a machine used to seal corrugated boxes through the application of an adhesive, usually pressure-sensitive tape or water-activated tape. The primary purpose of a case sealer or box taper machine is to minimize the time and labor spent forming and sealing boxes in high-capacity packaging operations.

To seal corrugated boxes, case sealers function by feeding the assembled box through tape dispensers, which apply adhesives as boxes pass through them. This eliminates the need to manually apply the seals, speeding up the packaging process.

Types of Case Sealers

Case sealers come in various configurations to meet different packaging needs. Two common types are:

Top Sealers: These sealers apply tape or glue to the top flaps of a box. They are typically used for boxes that are packed and sealed in a single operation.
Bottom & Top Sealers: These sealers apply tape or glue to both the top and bottom flaps of a box. They are often used for heavier boxes or products that require extra protection.

The choice between a top sealer and a bottom & top sealer depends on factors such as the weight and fragility of the product, the type of box being used, and the desired level of security.

Semi-Automatic vs. Fully Automatic Case Sealers

In addition to the different types of case sealers, there are also different levels of automation available.

Semi-automatic case sealers require some manual intervention, such as manually folding the top flaps of the box before it is fed into the machine. These sealers are typically more affordable and offer greater flexibility for handling different box sizes and shapes.

Fully automatic case sealers automate the entire sealing process, from folding the flaps to applying the tape or glue. These sealers are ideal for high-volume operations where speed and efficiency are critical.

The choice between a semi-automatic and a fully automatic case sealer depends on factors such as production volume, budget, and the level of automation desired.

What Are Case Sealing Machines Used For?

Case sealing machines are useful in any industry that requires folding and sealing high volumes of corrugated boxes from flat boxes. Depending on the type of equipment, case sealers can be fully or partially automated.

The case sealer or box taper can be either automatic or semi-automatic, and its function is to seal the filled box with either glue or tape. When married with a case former, a case sealer provides almost fully automated forming and sealing of corrugated boxes—from flat, pre-formed boxes to fully sealed, ready-to-ship packages.

Case sealers are essential to keep up with large product output in numerous industries, including:

Food and beverage
eCommerce
Manufacturing
Distribution
Retail
Electronics
Medical devices
Pharmaceutical
Consumer goods

Case Sealer Selection Considerations

Integration Needs: Make sure it fits in with your existing equipment and systems. Your case sealer should integrate seamlessly with your current setup or into one of our automated Pack Stations.
Tape or Glue: If you’re using tape, consider the type of tape and its compatibility with the sealer. Some sealers are designed for specific types of tape, so make sure you choose one that’s compatible with your preferred tape. If you’re using glue, consider the type of glue and its drying time.
Case Material: Think about the material your boxes are made of. Most case sealers are designed for corrugated cardboard, but if you’re using a different material, like plastic, you’ll need to make sure the sealer is compatible.
Case Sealer Footprint: How much space do you have for your case sealer? Consider the footprint of the machine and make sure it fits comfortably in your workspace.
Operator Skill Level: How experienced are your operators? Some case sealers are more complex than others, so choose one that’s appropriate for your team’s skill level.
Maintenance Requirements: How much maintenance does the sealer require? Consider the cleaning and lubrication needs of the machine and choose one that’s easy to maintain.
Safety Features: Safety first! Look for features like interlocks, guards, and emergency stops to protect your team.

Benefits of Case Sealers

Case sealers are capable of sealing boxes faster and more reliably than manual sealing. By hand, a worker can assemble and seal an average of three boxes per minute, which amounts to 1,260 boxes in a standard eight-hour work shift with breaks. Although this rate is high over the long term, it requires incredibly repetitive labor. Quality may eventually suffer, and this puts products at risk, especially in transit after leaving the facility.

In that same eight-hour period, a box taper can form up to 35-40 boxes per minute. The machine can operate without slowing down, becoming inconsistent, or taking breaks. The total amount of boxes sealed by a case sealer over an eight-hour shift can be over 16,800 boxes—well over the amount possible with manual labor.

Another benefit is that the quality is more consistent, and the adhesive can be controlled with greater precision. This is an important consideration for manufacturers or suppliers shipping heavy items, who must pay careful attention to the strength of their box seals. Furthermore, a box taper provides careful control of the materials used, leading to standardized rates of tape or glue consumption. This makes planning and ordering supplies easier, as they’re used at predictable rates.

Case Sealers & Sealing Solutions from TPC Packaging

At TPC Packaging, we can help you select the right equipment, design a customized solution, and provide ongoing support to ensure your packaging operation runs smoothly. Contact us today to learn more about how case sealers can benefit your business and find the perfect solution for your packaging needs.

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