How tape dispensers work

A tape dispenser is an object that holds a roll of tapethe presence or absence of a piece of tape and
and has a mechanism on one end to easily shear thefacilitate advancement. Dispensers can also be
tape. Dispensers vary widely per the tape theyequipped with dual photosensors in order to dispense
dispense. Abundant and most common, clear tapetwo rolls of tape at once.
dispensers (like those used in an office or at home)• Creaser – Creasers are installed
are commonly made of plastic, and may be disposable.on tape dispensers in order to reinforce tapes that are
Automatic Electronic Tape Dispenservery thin or have the tendency to curl up (tapes made
Automatic electronic tape dispensers, or tapeof Mylar and Kapton often have this tendency).
machines, automatically dispense and cut• Safety Guard Cutting Head –
pressure-sensitive tape. They are often used in anWith a safety guard cutting head, cutting blades cannot
industrial setting to increase productivity alongfunction if a foreign object is obstructing the cutting
manufacturing or assembly lines. They eliminate thearea (fingers, tools, etc.).
need to manually measure and cut each individual• Programmable Memory – With a
piece of tape on high volumes of product orprogrammable memory, users have the option of
packaging. By automating this process, automatic tapesaving any number of preset lengths, depending on the
dispensers reduce material waste caused by humandispenser, for automatic feeding and cutting.
error. They also reduce the time needed to cut each• Interval Switch – Allows the user
piece of tape, therefore reducing labor costs andto control the speed at which the tape is automatically
increasing productivity.dispensed and cut.
Automatic tape dispensers are often classified into 3• Counter – Maintains a running total
categories:of the amount of pieces dispensed.
• Light-duty: For light, non-industrial use• Foot switch – Plugs into the
• Industrial: A sturdier dispenser meant for usedispenser and gives the user hands-free operation.
over one 8 hour shift per dayDispenses a piece of tape each time the switch is
• Heavy-duty: The sturdiest of automaticpressed.
tape dispensers, constructed to withstand 24/7 use inGummed (Water Activated) Tape Dispenser
back to back shiftsGummed (water activated) tape dispensers measure,
Due to the varying attributes of pressure sensitivedispense, moisten, and cut gummed or water activated
tape, there are many different features of automatictape. This tape is often composed of a paper backing
tape dispensers which vary from model to model:and adhesive glue that is unable to adhere until it is
• Adjustable Pressure Feed –“activated” by contact with water.
Allows the user to control the amount of pressureTo perform this step, gummed dispensers often
placed on the tape when it is fed through theemploy a water bottle and wetting brush in order to
advancement rollers. This feature is useful for moremoisten each piece of tape as it is dispensed. Many
efficient dispensing of tapes of all different thicknesses.gummed dispensers also feature a top heater, which is
• Modified Advancement Rollers –mounted over the feed area in order to warm and
Depending on the type of tape being dispensed, manymaintain the dispenser’s water temperature.
automatic dispensers have modified advancementThese heaters are used to ensure maximum wetting
rollers in order to function better with extra narrowand are ideal for cold climates. Gummed tape
tapes, protective film, foam tapes, etc.dispensers are often used in packaging or shipping
• Photosensor – Many dispensersdepartments for closing cardboard boxes.
come equipped with photosensors in order to detect