Clear polypropylene (PP) machine tape is available in two widths: 50 mm (2 in) in a case of 12 rolls, and 76 mm (3 in) in a case of 8 rolls. Both come in 910 m (1,000 yd) rolls and are designed specifically for use in automatic or semi-automatic carton sealing machines, not for manual use with a hand dispenser. The choice between the two widths depends on the size of the boxes you seal and on the model of your automatic carton sealer.
🎯 Choose your variant in 10 seconds
- If your case is a sealer with a 50 mm taping head or small and medium boxes: go to the 50 mm (2 in) width
- If your case is a sealer with a 76 mm taping head or large, heavy boxes: go to the 76 mm (3 in) width
What to consider before choosing a variant
Both variants share the same material (clear polypropylene) and length per roll (910 m), and both are designed for use in carton sealing machines. The difference lies in the tape width and the case format. These are the criteria for choosing well:
- Compatibility with your carton sealer: the taping head width of your machine determines the tape width you can use. Automatic carton sealers come with a 50 mm or a 76 mm taping head. Check your machine manufacturer's specification before ordering tape. Using the wrong width causes jams, uneven sealing and premature head wear.
- Size of the box to seal: 50 mm is the standard width for small and medium boxes (top up to 30 × 30 cm) and for light to medium loads. 76 mm provides a wider bonding surface and is the choice for large boxes (over 40 × 40 cm) or for heavy loads that require a more secure closure.
- Machine tapes vs hand tapes: both variants are machine-specific. They have a narrower core (72 mm or 3 in) than hand tapes (usually 76 mm or more) and come in much longer lengths (910 m per roll vs the typical 100 m of hand tape). They are NOT interchangeable with hand dispensers.
- Packaging volume: with 12 rolls per case and 910 m per roll, a 50 mm case provides 10,920 m of tape in total. With 8 rolls in the 76 mm case, it provides 7,280 m. Consider that yield when planning monthly consumption.
- Adhesion and clarity: high adhesion for secure box closure during transport. The clear film makes it possible to see labels, barcodes and brand markings under the tape without opening or repositioning.
50 mm (2 in) variant: the standard for small and medium boxes
- Market-standard width: 50 mm
- 910 m per roll (1,000 yd)
- Case of 12 rolls: 10,920 m in total
- 50 µm thickness (200 gauge)
- High adhesion, clear
- Not enough for very large boxes
- Only suitable for machines with a 50 mm taping head
- Do not use with a hand dispenser
The 50 mm tape is the standard width for automatic carton sealers in warehouses and mid-sized packing lines. Its 50 µm thickness (200 gauge), 72 mm core and high adhesion ensure reliable closure of boxes with light to medium loads. The 12-roll case covers operations with intermediate consumption and simplifies stock management. It is the standard choice for stores, distributors, retailers and companies with a packing line for small or medium boxes.
76 mm (3 in) variant: the wide one for large boxes and heavy loads
- Wider bonding surface: 76 mm
- More secure closure for heavy boxes
- 910 m per roll (1,000 yd)
- Case of 8 rolls: 7,280 m in total
- Clear polypropylene
- Oversized for small boxes
- Only suitable for machines with a 76 mm taping head
- Higher tape consumption per box
The 76 mm tape provides a wider bonding surface, indicated for export boxes, appliances, bulky electronic equipment or heavy loads that require maximum closure security. It is the typical format for industrial packing lines where a single pass of tape must seal the box for good, with no risk of peeling off during handling and transport. The 8-roll case optimizes warehouse space, since it is a consumable with a larger unit volume.
Variant comparison table
Both variants share the same material and length and are designed for automatic carton sealers. The difference lies in the tape width and the case format.
| Feature | 50 mm (2 in) | 76 mm (3 in) |
|---|---|---|
| Ideal use | Small and medium boxes | Large, heavy boxes |
| SKU | 523454 | 624345 |
| Width | 50 mm (2 in) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Length per roll | 910 m (1,000 yd) | 910 m (1,000 yd) |
| Format | Case of 12 rolls | Case of 8 rolls |
| Total meters per case | 10,920 m | 7,280 m |
| Material | Polypropylene (PP) | Polypropylene (PP) |
| Color | Clear | Clear |
| Thickness | 50 µm (200 gauge) | 50 µm (200 gauge) |
| Core diameter | 72 mm (3 in) | 72 mm (3 in) |
| Adhesion | High | High |
| Use | Automatic carton sealer | Automatic carton sealer |
Use case → recommended variant matrix
| If your case is… | Recommended variant |
|---|---|
| Standard packing line with boxes up to 30 × 30 cm | → 50 mm (2 in) |
| Store, retailer or distributor with medium boxes | → 50 mm (2 in) |
| Carton sealing machine with a 50 mm taping head | → 50 mm (2 in) |
| Exports with large boxes and heavy loads | → 76 mm (3 in) |
| Packing appliances or bulky equipment | → 76 mm (3 in) |
| Carton sealing machine with a 76 mm taping head | → 76 mm (3 in) |
Before ordering tape, check your carton sealer's data sheet to confirm the required taping head width. If your machine accepts both formats (some sealers have an interchangeable head), you can combine 50 mm for standard boxes and 76 mm for specific cases. Store the rolls upright on a flat surface, away from heat sources, in a dry, ventilated area. Keep the core from getting crushed, as this causes uneven unwinding and machine jams. An unopened case has a shelf life of approximately 12–18 months when stored correctly.
Do not use machine tape in a hand dispenser, or hand tape in an automatic carton sealer. Machine tapes are longer (910 m vs 100 m) and have a core sized to fit the machine's roller. In a hand dispenser the roll sits loose or does not fit, which leads to uncontrolled unwinding. Hand tapes, in turn, are too short for an automatic line and force frequent stops to change rolls. Use each tape for its specific purpose.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use this tape in a hand dispenser?
It is not recommended. Machine tapes have a narrower core (72 mm) and a much longer roll (910 m) than hand tapes (usually 100 m with a 76 mm core). In a hand dispenser, the roll does not fit properly or sits loose, which causes uneven unwinding and makes a clean cut difficult. For manual use, look for tapes designed specifically for hand dispensers.
What does 200 gauge or 50 µm thickness mean?
They are the same measurement expressed in different units: 200 gauge corresponds to a polypropylene film thickness of 50 microns (µm). It is a standard thickness for industrial packaging tape: enough to withstand tension during transport without being too stiff for the machine. Thinner films (150 gauge) are less resistant; thicker ones (250+ gauge) are for extreme loads.
Why clear instead of brown?
Clear tape lets you see labels, barcodes and brand markings under the tape without opening or repositioning. It is the preferred option when the box carries visible commercial printing (logo, brand, handling instructions) or when a barcode is applied before closing. Brown tape is used when the box is plain kraft and does not require visibility.
