Posted by Matthew Beinke on 10/17/2025 to
News
The Challenge
You need to mark cartons with expiration dates or batch codes, but you don’t have a motorized conveyor system. Many standard solutions assume a conveyor, which is an issue when your warehouse doesn't have one.
The Conventional Route vs. a Better Alternative
Typically, you’d choose one of:
- Installing a motorized conveyor and a side-mounted ink jet printer
- Printing labels separately and applying them to each carton
Both have drawbacks: conveyors involve cost, space, and maintenance; labeling is labor intensive and adds time.
We propose a smarter, simpler solution: use gummed (water-activated) tape with an integrated ink jet printer to seal and code cartons in one step.
Why This Approach Makes Sense
- Dual functionality in one step
As you dispense the gummed tape, the ink jet printer codes it with the date or batch number. You avoid a separate labeling operation. - Permanent seal + secure coding
Because gummed tape bonds to the carton fibers, it forms a strong, tamper-resistant seal. The ink is printed directly on the tape, reducing misalignment or peeling problems. - Lower equipment and labor cost
You don’t need conveyors or label applicators. The setup is simpler—mount the printer on the tape dispenser—and you save time in handling cartons. - Scalable and flexible
This system can be adapted to varying line speeds or lower throughput environments where a full conveyor isn’t justified.
How to Implement It - Visit our catalog page: Tape Dispensing
- Choose the Better Packages BP555e series gummed tape dispenser with the MSSC Smart-Jet Printer
If you already use the BP555eS or BP555esa, order just the printer kit. - Mount the ink jet coder
Position it so it can accurately print on the moving tape just before it is dispensed and applied to the carton. - Test and validate
Run trials to confirm that codes are legible, aligned, and durable. Check that the tape is sealing properly under normal production speeds. - Train operators
Though simpler than a full conveyor system, your staff should be familiar with maintenance, ink refills, and basic troubleshooting.
Practical Considerations & Tips
- Ink type: Our system is supplied with Porous ink which should work on water activated tape.
- Tape quality: Good moisture activation and adhesive strength are critical—low quality tape may not bond well.
- Redundancy & maintenance: Have a backup ink cartridge to avoid downtime.
- Regulatory compliance: If your application requires specific durability (e.g. food, pharmaceutical), test in real conditions (humidity, abrasion) to ensure the printed code won’t fade or smudge.
Conclusion
When you can’t (or don’t want to) install a conveyor, mounting an ink jet coder on a gummed tape dispenser offers an elegant, cost-effective alternative. It reduces handling, ensures a strong, tamper-resistant seal, and streamlines coding operations.
