We’re talking tape today!
Not just the consumable but also factoring in some automation. Whether you have a facility with high throughput, a middle of the road setup with just a case sealer or two, or you’re taping everything by hand; It doesn’t matter. Something will be applicable.
We are going to start with something that is specific to higher throughput and go from there.
IPG’s iTrack System
In short, iTrack is a data monitoring system. For management, it keeps track of efficiencies and highlights room for improvement. For operators, it eliminates surprises to keep them running.
On the floor level, it will:
Give low and no tape warnings so operators can plan ahead and not get caught mid-run wondering where the next roll of tape is.
Automatically shut down the case sealer because of a tape error, helping prevent unsealed cases making it into your finished goods inventory.
Beyond that, it provides insights to help strategize line optimization via:
Track throughput for each line (if you have multiple).
Optimize and track both maintenance issues and preventative maintenance schedules
Auto-generated emails/text alerts of predictive maintenance, if machine “health” slips, immediate maintenance required, and any unexpected offline status.
Not so much an insight but it will shut down the sealer during idle time to prevent excess wear and reduce electrical consumption
The iTrack system can be retrofitted on almost any case sealing equipment so if you don’t have IPG branded case sealers, no problem.
It has to be utilized and owned to maximize it but you’re only as good as the information available to you. If you can’t figure out why your throughput isn’t higher but rely solely on your line leads to manage it, this system will provide the information you need.
The ET Xtreme Tape Head
If you have a packaging consumable (tape, stretch, strapping, etc.) that’s used in conjunction with a piece of equipment, your response to issues should not be limited to simply upgrading the consumable. The equipment running it is just as important.
On the tape side, the biggest part of the equipment side is the tapehead itself. The ET Xtreme is arguably the best on the market and has addressed nearly all of the issues you’ve probably ever heard about tapeheads.
I’ll get into the weeds below, but in short, this tape head is: easier to use, increases tape performance (allowing tape “downgauging”), and more reliable than current alternatives.
Food Processor case study:
I work with a food processor who was utilizing 3M tape and tapeheads and experiencing a higher percentage of tape failures and associated rework. Operations management, procurement, and the floor operators all won with the ET Xtreme tapeheads
Operations: The number of faults and associated rework was reduced dramatically. There wasn’t a bottleneck per se but they eliminated about an hour/shift of pulling a worker from a different part of their operation to assist with the re-work. Management also liked how it took away manual adjustments for their operators to “fix.”
Procurement: We proved we could go from a 1.85mil tape to a 1.6mil tape showing a 7.5% cost reduction. We used IPG’s AF2K test method (will be discussed in the next article) to prove the adhesion force was equivalent or higher.
Operators: The ET Xtreme tapeheads were substantially lighter, easier to handle, and quicker & easier to thread.
Key Features & Issues it solves:
Free-spinning mandrel & compressible peel-off arm - preventing an increase in unwind tension or tape elongation as roll depletes. Also eliminates the tape legs popping off the box.
Patented dual independent wipe down tabs - accounts for uneven box flaps to provide superior wipe down and increased adhesion without crushing the box.
“Dummy proof” mandrel - no tension adjustments possible (do your operators think they’re pkg equipment engineers?), twin bearings for extended wear, and core locks to keep tape tracking perfectly.
Hard Anodized Aluminum - 33% to 50% lighter than other tapeheads.
Patented magnetic blade guard - additional layer of safety, self-lubricating to eliminate adhesive build up on the blade, and never touches the case which reduces breakage.
Just like the iTrack system, this can be used on almost any pre-existing case sealing and case erecting equipment, whether it’s IPG brand or not.
When used in conjunction with IPG branded tape through FlexPAC, you not only get free or deeply reduced tapeheads, but you also get FlexPAC’s premier technical service team at your fingertips — further ensuring optimal efficiencies in your operation.
FlexPAC’s emPAC Branded Tape
“Private label” is somewhat synonymous with cheap. At times, unfairly because the quality can be as good but simply at a lower price point. Other times, “cheap” is an accurate description of both the price and performance. If you’ve been around packaging long enough, you’ve probably seen products that have a great price point but require near-perfect conditions to adequately perform.
My next article will talk about the different factors that need to be taken into account when picking the right tape. For now though, I want to highlight FlexPAC’s private label (emPAC) tape.
Where others drove as much as possible out of their cost to achieve the absolute best price point, FlexPAC walked the line between quality and cost.
The emPAC tape is a true 2mil (whereas most private label tape is 1.6-1.85mil) and uses a premium Rohm and Haas acrylic adhesive. Resulting in a tape that maintains a great price point while also performing in less-than-perfect conditions.
If you’ve found yourself moving to a brand name or thicker tape because of performance issues or think you need a higher end tape because of your environment (humidity, dirty/high recycled boxes, etc.), it might be worth giving the emPAC tape a try.
It’s available in 48mm (2”) and 72mm (3”) widths for both hand and machine applications.
Want to learn more?
If you have questions, want to learn more, or maybe you’re want to do some testing - reach out! You can reply to this email, book a conversation here, or reach out to me at the info below.
(812)244-9393 & [email protected]
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