Gummed tape, also known as water-activated tape (WAT), is a highly effective carton sealing method that forms a permanent bond with corrugated cartons. “Bonding” means that the tape’s adhesion literally becomes part of the carton and, as a result, your products stay protected throughout their shipping process. No one can break into the carton without the tape being ripped and the intrusion detected. Using gummed tape in conjunction with a gummed paper tape dispenser also saves your company time and money which enhances productivity and helps grow your business.
Performing the recommended regular maintenance on equipment can often be overlooked. People get busy doing their jobs and don’t necessarily give much thought to the tools that help them do their jobs efficiently. It’s important to remind employees about the need to systematize machine maintenance and to explain why it’s so important. This article discusses the benefits of regularly maintaining your water-activated tape dispensers. 
Increase Your Company’s Productivity
Regular maintenance helps your gummed paper tape dispenser continue to work in top working condition. Making sure the machine’s water brushes and shear blades are clean are two things employees can easily do to ensure a high-functioning dispensing machine. To keep your dispenser working its best, brushes should be cleaned weekly and shear blades monthly. Only trained technicians should service the shear blade. For safety reasons, be sure the machine is unplugged and turned off when any maintenance is performed on the machine.
Maintenance keeps your machine performing at its best, keeping your workforce productive. By performing routine maintenance, your tape will have a clean cut and adhere properly to your corrugated carton.
Regular Maintenance Saves Money
Consistent maintenance helps to keep your operation running smoothly. It also helps avoid significant repairs. The main purpose of regular maintenance is to strive for 100% equipment efficiency.
However, not performing regular maintenance can lead to costly machine repairs. Consistent and timely maintenance will keep your water-activated tape dispenser running properly and save you money in the long run.
In addition to the maintenance of cleaning brushes and blades, annual dispenser upkeep includes thoroughly cleaning all accumulated pieces of tape, tape dust etc. with a blow dryer or dry brush, cleaning the bottom of the heater and the pressure plate of accumulated glue, and oiling the upper and lower blades lightly with a light machine oil. Again, only a trained technician should service the sheer blade and blade area. Save money by keeping your tape dispensing machine in the best working condition to improve your shipping and packaging process.
Increase Tape Dispensing Life Expectancy
Keeping your machines clean and functional is important to increasing the life expectancy of your dispenser. A well-maintained water-activated tape dispenser typically lasts for over 15 to 20 years and this life expectancy can be enhanced with regular maintenance.
Without consistently maintaining your gummed paper tape dispenser, the useful life of your dispensing machine can be compromised. You shouldn’t experience the expense of having to replace the machine because repairs were no longer cost-effective.
Better Packages | WAT Dispenser Maintenance
When your Better Pack dispenser needs repair, you can send it directly to the Better Packages manufacturing facility in Ansonia, Connecticut, USA or have it repaired by one of the company’s Authorized Distributor that handle service and repair. These Authorized Distributors are fully trained experts. They maintain an extensive parts inventory and use only Genuine Better Packages replacement parts. Rest assured your dispenser will be expertly repaired, serviced and returned quickly to your company.
In the market for a new gummed paper tape dispenser? Click below to see which carton sealing machine will be the best packaging solution for your company.