Five case sealers for taping top and bottom

All five case sealers apply tape to both the top and bottom of the carton in one operation. Side belts move the carton through the machine. FLEX TAPE is a semi-automatic model. TOP TAPE, AUTO-TAPE, RUBBER, and AUTO&FOLD-5050 are automatic. FLEX TAPE and AUTO-TAPE run at 20 m/min, TOP TAPE at 19 m/min, and AUTO&FOLD-5050 at 16 m/min. Tape widths are 48–72 mm for FLEX TAPE, TOP TAPE, and AUTO-TAPE, and 48–60 mm for RUBBER and AUTO&FOLD-5050.

AUTO-TAPE and AUTO&FOLD-5050 automatically adjust to different carton sizes. All models work with Kraft or BOPP tape. Each machine handles a specific range of carton sizes, which you can find in the table below.

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

FLEX TAPE is semi-automatic, so the operator must feed each carton into the machine with the top flaps already closed. TOP TAPE, AUTO-TAPE, RUBBER, and AUTO&FOLD-5050 are automatic and 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 a roller conveyor, as cartons feed themselves into the sealer. This setup is ideal if you want to automate both forming and sealing in your packing process.

The number of cartons you can seal per minute depends on the length of each carton and the spacing between them. For FLEX TAPE, it also depends on how quickly the operator feeds the cartons, since each one is loaded by hand. In a packing line, calculate cartons per minute based on belt speed, carton length, and the gap between cartons, not just the belt speed.

Tape is applied to the seam only when the carton is centered in the machine, and cartons must be spaced apart. This is a requirement in the manuals for FLEX TAPE, TOP TAPE, and AUTO-TAPE. When sealing by hand, operators may use varying tape lengths or add extra strips, but a sealer applies the same amount of tape to every carton, so tape usage per carton remains consistent. FLEX TAPE, TOP TAPE, and AUTO-TAPE can be paired with unpowered roller tables before and after the machine to serve as infeed and outfeed tables.

Automatic carton sealers that fold top flaps

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

The flap folder on RUBBER and AUTO&FOLD-5050 operates in steps: it folds the front flap, then the rear flap, followed by the two side flaps. After folding, 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 shut during taping.

For RUBBER and AUTO&FOLD-5050, cartons are placed on the infeed with the top flaps open and facing upward.

On the RUBBER model, a sensor detects the carton and starts the pneumatic flap folder, which requires compressed air. The folding and taping area is enclosed by a transparent safety guard with doors. On AUTO&FOLD-5050, carton length is set by 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, you push the carton onto the side belts with the top flaps open. As the carton moves forward, the machine folds the flaps and then tapes the top and bottom.

Never reach into the flap folder while the machine is running. Always turn off power and air before clearing a jammed carton from the folding area. This is a safety instruction in the AUTO&FOLD-5050 manual.

Comparison table: case sealers and packing line

The table below shows each machine by type, carton size range, tape width, and how the top flaps are closed. 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 them to the table. Then, check the tape width to ensure compatibility. The last column shows if the machine folds the flaps for you and whether it is set manually or adjusts automatically.

Setting an adjustable carton sealer for your cartons

The FLEX TAPE and TOP TAPE case sealers are manually set to the width and height of the carton. The RUBBER model uses hand wheels for these adjustments. The AUTO-TAPE automatically detects the height and width of each carton and adjusts itself, while the AUTO&FOLD-5050 uses air cylinders to set the width and height for every carton. This means you can run different carton sizes in sequence without having to reset the machine by hand.

When using a hand-adjusted sealer like FLEX TAPE or TOP TAPE, you set the machine to the carton width and height before starting the batch. This method is efficient for long runs of a single carton size, since you only need to set the machine once for the entire batch.

If you need to run a different carton size, you must readjust the width and height before starting the next batch. To avoid frequent stops, group your orders by carton size.

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

Each model is designed for a specific range of carton sizes. FLEX TAPE handles cartons starting at 150 mm long and 120–480 mm wide and high. TOP TAPE covers 120–480 mm in width and height. RUBBER works with cartons from W120 × H120 mm up to W500 × H500 mm. AUTO&FOLD-5050 handles L200 × W150 × H150 mm up to L600 × W500 × H500 mm. AUTO-TAPE is for cartons starting at 150 mm long and 120–450 mm high. For the AUTO&FOLD-5050, keep the cylinder pressure as low as possible for your cartons to avoid crushing lighter boxes.

With the AUTO-TAPE, air cylinders move the upper tape head to match the carton height and the side belts to the carton width as each carton enters, so you can process random sizes one after another. Two settings on the AUTO-TAPE are based on carton type, not size: sealing pressure is set for the carton material, and the side arm force is set for the carton weight.

To set a hand-adjusted sealer like FLEX TAPE or TOP TAPE, place a closed carton from your 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 adjust 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 run must fit within that range.

Tape options for case sealers

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

The upper and lower tape heads seal both the top and bottom of the carton. On the RUBBER model, you can set the tape leg on the carton ends from 5 to 50 mm. Check the tape width for each case sealer in the table above.

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

The tape leg is the length of tape that extends over the front and back ends of the carton. On the RUBBER model, you set the tape leg using the blade support for the front and a limit block for the rear. Thicker tapes like Kraft require more 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 changing a roll takes just a minute.

When loading a tape roll 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 the entire way. Center the roll on its holder so the tape feeds straight. If the tape is not centered on the seam, adjust its 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 full 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 automatically erects, transports, and seals boxes. The roller conveyor moves 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 to fill. 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 about 6.1 m long. The working height is 650 mm, and it operates on 220 V single phase with compressed air.

How to choose a case sealer for your packing process

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

The AUTO-TAPE and AUTO&FOLD-5050 models automatically adjust to the width and height of each carton, so you can run mixed sizes in sequence. Models like TOP TAPE and RUBBER fold the top flaps for you, which is helpful when you want 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 like FLEX TAPE is a good choice. The operator closes the flaps and feeds each carton into the machine. When you switch to a new carton size, you need to reset the width and height.

For a steady flow of the same carton 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, such 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 filling. The LINEBOX-03 combines erecting, conveying, and sealing in one line, from flat blank to sealed box; separate case erectors are listed in their own category. To choose the right machine, count the number of cartons you pack during your busiest hour and compare it to the speeds shown on this page.

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

Cartons and tape for reliable sealing

Case sealers work with dry, clean, undamaged corrugated cartons. Plastic-coated cartons cannot be taped; the RUBBER and AUTO&FOLD-5050 product pages specify this. 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.

Common issues can result from a dull blade, a dirty rubber roller, or a loose tape holder. These problems may cause uneven cuts or wrinkled tape.

If cartons are stored in damp conditions, they may warp and feed poorly through the machine. Bent or crushed cartons might not move straight through the belts, which can cause the tape to miss the seam or jam the machine.

If you notice wrinkled tape or tape that veers to one side, inspect and clean the rubber roller if necessary. Tighten the tape holder or its spring to keep the tape aligned. The tape should stay close to the carton as it is applied.

A jagged tape cut usually means the blade is either dull or installed incorrectly. In this case, turn the blade around or replace it with 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. Avoid overfilling cartons, as this can force the flaps open after folding. Always fill cartons to their intended height.

A wet carton cannot be sealed because the tape will not adhere. Dust or dirt on the carton surface also prevents the tape from sticking, leading to seal failure. Deformed cartons are a safety hazard: torn edges can injure the operator and often cause failed seals. If the blade is set too high, it will scrape the carton; if set too low, it will not cut the tape. The AUTO&FOLD-5050 manual provides carton limits, and the FLEX TAPE, TOP TAPE, and AUTO-TAPE manuals specify blade settings.

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

What affects the price of a case sealer

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

Ongoing costs include parcel tape and, for some machines, 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 requesting a quote, for example if you want a sealer with a case erector, and an Add to inquiry button to collect several products into one request.

Each carton requires two strips of tape—one on 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 parcel tape available in the shop.

Wear parts are part of the ongoing cost. These include blades, rubber rollers, and springs on the tape heads, as well as drive belts, as listed for FLEX TAPE and AUTO-TAPE. If your site does not have an air supply, you will need a compressor for every machine except the FLEX TAPE. Options affect your order: the FLEX TAPE page lists an extension roller table, casters, and a stainless steel version.

Compressed air, electrical supply, and safety

TOP TAPE, AUTO-TAPE, RUBBER, AUTO&FOLD-5050, and LINEBOX-03 all list compressed air requirements in their specifications. FLEX TAPE only requires electrical power. 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 turn off 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; the RUBBER guard is transparent.

Plan your air line to the packing area before installing the machine. For example, AUTO&FOLD-5050 requires 6 bar and 100 Nl/min, so make sure 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 outlet is sufficient for these machines in most packing areas.

On 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.

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

Do not wear loose sleeves, ties, rings, bracelets, or watches while operating the machine, as belts and rollers can catch them. If a hand or sleeve is caught in a moving part, turn off the power first before freeing it. Dust on cylinder rods is more than just dirt: if it passes the seal into the cylinder, it can 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 too weak and the suction pick-up will not work. The AUTOBOX10 starts its automatic cycle only after the servo returns to zero and the cylinders are in their start position, and it stops automatically when the carton counter reaches the set number. Press the Clear button to continue.

Checklist before buying 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 parcel 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 specifications for each case sealer and the complete line.

Start by listing the length, width, and height of your smallest and largest cartons. Compare these measurements with the carton size ranges in the table to determine which machines meet your requirements.

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

Select the type of parcel tape—Kraft or BOPP—and the width, making sure it is within the machine’s range.

Check that you have compressed air and the correct power supply at your packing area. Measure the space and the height of the roller conveyors or tables before and after the machine to ensure proper alignment. Plan for what happens after the carton is sealed, such as labeling or moving the carton to a pallet.

The FLEX TAPE has a working height of 550–750 mm on its standard feet, and 650–800 mm when using the optional casters. 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 you to adjust the working height by up to 350 mm. For the AUTOBOX10 in the LINEBOX-03 system, please check two sums and three ranges: the total of length plus width can be up to 900 mm, and half the width plus the height can be up to 550 mm.

Make sure to leave at least 800 mm of space on both the left and right sides of the FLEX TAPE, TOP TAPE, and AUTO-TAPE for operator access and maintenance. Check your facility conditions: FLEX TAPE, TOP TAPE, and AUTO-TAPE are designed for environments between 0–40 °C. The TOP TAPE can handle humidity up to 90 percent, and the AUTO-TAPE up to 98 percent. Unheated shipping areas in winter may fall outside these specifications.

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 handle cartons of different sizes automatically?

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

What types of cartons cannot be sealed by these machines?

These machines require dry, clean, and undamaged corrugated cartons. Cartons with a plastic coating cannot be sealed, as noted for the RUBBER and AUTO&FOLD-5050 models.