For most people, tape is tape. Grab a roll and pack a box. Today tape is a science and packing and shipping is more important than ever. The two most confused tapes are packing and strapping tape (also known as "strap tape").

Standard Packing Tape Terms

• Tensile Strength- Measures the force required to pull the tape to the point where it breaks

Your packing tape's tensile strength will be an important determining factor when it comes time to choose which you will purchase and which you will use. If you are packing heavy materials — such as pottery — then a high tensile strength will be important to keep your goods secure.

• Backing Material- The material that is used for adhesive application

Paper backing is great for situations where you want some easily wearable tape or if you would like custom printing. It's also great for tamper-resistant or tamper-evident sealing.

On the other hand, plastic tape has a higher tensile strength, is lighter, and is typically more durable. If you are packing a diversity of items that are different weights, it might make the most sense to use plastic tape.

• Elongation- the stretching point right before the tape breaks

The elongation of your tape is another important consideration for packing tape. If you are taping an irregular shape, more elongation will help the tape conform to the surface and get a better hold. It will also have better shock absorption when jostled and can create a very tight seal because it stretches before it is applied.

On the flipside, tapes with less elongation will have more stability for applications where you need precise placement and alignment. Less elongation means that you have more control over your application. You can also count on a higher tensile strength with less elongation, so taping heavier packages may require less elongation.

• Core Size- The inside roll diameter of a tape

You will need to consider the core size of the tape you order based on the dispensers you use at your facility. A larger core size will typically mean that there is more tape on the roll. Larger cores are also easier to handle, load, unload, and manipulate.

Conversely, smaller core sizes mean that you can store more rolls of tape. If storage space is limited, you might want to think about this as another factor.

• Length- How much tape is in the tape roll

The length of the tape you choose is important because it will give you an idea of how long you will be able to use a single roll before needing to change it. Make sure that the diameter of the whole roll is compatible with the dispenser that you will be using when considering different tape lengths.

• Width- Tape width

A wider tape will give you better grip when trying to tape large boxes and heavy items, but it can also be cumbersome to use. Make sure that the tape dispenser you plan to use can accommodate the width of the tape you purchase. If you are doing light-duty work and don't want to be wasting money by applying unnecessary amounts of tape, consider a narrower roll. If you are working with large boxes heavy packages, and want more grip, think about a wider roll.

• Thickness- The thickness of the tape

As you can guess, a thicker tape will have a higher tensile strength and greater durability. It can also have better adhesion that can create a stronger bond. Something many people don't consider is the additional fact that thicker tape may be quieter, so if you are working in a quiet space, this could be a big benefit.

Thinner tape is better for lighter applications and can be much more cost-effective when you don't need heavy-duty packing work. It's also easier to cut, has better flexibility, and can make the printed information under the tape easier to view.

Packing Tape

Packing tape, or "packaging tape," is what it says it is, tape to pack boxes. After that, the simplicity ends. This form of tape comes in many different sizes and tensile strengths. Choosing the correct packaging tape is important because the wrong tape could cost a company thousands of dollars in damaged or lost goods.

Choosing a Packing Tape

Two of the more important items in choosing a packing tape are package weight and shipping method. Packing tape solutions are as follows:

Package Weight

For heavier loads, stronger packing tape is recommended because of the extra stress that these loads put on packages.

Package Weight	Tape Recommendations
Less than 15 lbs.	Scotch 371 Packing Tape or Tartan 302 Packing Tape
15-40 lbs.	Scotch 372 Packing Tape
Over 40 lbs.	Scotch 375 Packing Tape

Shipping Method

Individual cartons tend to have more pressure placed upon them due to increased handling. Pallets of cartons put less pressure on each package. The environment also takes its toll on packaging tapes. Always consider temperature, sunlight, moisture and length of time the package will be in route or in storage.

Shipping Method	Tape Recommendations
Import/Export	Scotch 375 Packing Tape
Palletized Load	Scotch 371 Packing tape
Palletized then Individualized	Scotch 371 Packing Tape

Strapping Tape

According to 3M, strapping tape, or "strap tape," is ideal for strapping, palletizing, bundling, holding, attaching, reinforcing, securing and other general-purpose applications. In short, they are used with larger heavier jobs where extra tape strength is needed. Strapping tape is reinforced with various materials. They include:

• Plastic Strapping (Polyester or Polypropylene)
• Steel
• Woven Cord and Nylon

Considerations When Choosing Strapping Tape

Here are a few things you will want to think about when choosing your strapping tape:

Tensile Strength

As with packing tape, the tensile strength of your strapping tape is an important factor to think about. If you are working with heavy items, a higher tensile strength is non-negotiable. Lower tensile strength is easier to use but won't hold as much.

Adhesive Type

Some tapes use rubber-based adhesives, which are great for making a quick and secure bond to different surfaces. Others might use acrylics, which have great resistance and will work well in extreme temperatures.

Thickness

The thickness will impact the strength and durability. If you use a thicker strapping tape, it may damage lighter or more fragile items or boxes, so make sure that you are using an appropriate thickness for the application.

Flexibility

If you are strapping things that do not have consistent shapes, then a more flexible strapping tape may be a good consideration so that it has better contact. If you are strapping uniform shapes, then a tape with less flexibility may offer better tensile strength where you won't need to be using the tape at strange angles.

Resistance Properties

If you are using strapping tape for something that will be stored in a harsh environment, you will want to use a tape that has specific resistance to those conditions. Whether it's UV rays, extreme temperatures, or moisture, you don't want your strapping tape to fail when you need it most.

Ease of Application

Depending on the strength of the person who is going to be using the strapping tape, the ease of application is an important thing to consider. You will also need to make sure that the strapping tape you buy is compatible with the applicator that you have. You can look around at different dispensers to help you apply them with the most ease.

To learn more about strapping tape download BlackHawk Industrial’s Guide to Strapping Ebook, the packaging incorporated guide to strapping.

BlackHawk Industrial is a dedicated to working with our customers to find the best packing tape needed for the job. Our trained professionals are happy to help you with any of your questions. We welcome you to contact us here:  https://www.bhid.com/ContactUs or call us TOLL FREE at (855) 610-1001.