What is the best tape machine?

Tape machines provide a superb solution for a busy workplace environment that needs to improve their performance. They offer a consistent and fast means to package a product with next to no wastage thanks to the specific lengths they can dispense. But with a fair few models on the market, selecting which is the best fit for your business can be a daunting prospect. That’s why we’ve put together this quick comparative product guide to help you to know what to look for when assessing a tape machine.

We’ve done a detailed comparison between two of our machines, the OM700 and the BP555 to help see what the pro’s and con’s are of each machine and to help you decide which is the best product for your business.

What is a Gummed Tape Dispenser?

Both the OM700 and BP555 are electronic water activated tape dispensers that can dispense gummed paper tape that is wetted and thus becomes adhesive. Both machines offer some similar features with the same capacity for tape (Up to 80 mm wide and up to 255 mm diameter), programmable options for length and the ability to use any gummed paper tape that is compatible with the machine. The gummed paper tape has no tack or adhesion before being brushed with water, which activates it, and allows it to form a bond with cardboard when pressed against it forming a tight seal. In terms of tape performance, both machines are again equally matched – but the differences begin to form when we ask for some specific measurements.

Which dispenses tape fastest?

Both machines dispense tape at a great speed but we do have a winner. The OM700 can dispense tape at an impressive 60 metres a minute but the BP555 has it beat with up to 68 metres a minute. While you’re unlikely to notice the difference for one or two boxes, the amount of time it takes to be given the tape to seal a box will become material over a long enough time frame. It’s up to you whether this speed difference is essential or not.

Which Gummed Tapes can the machines use?

Both machines will work with any gummed paper tape that fits within the machine however there is one thing that the OM700 can do that the BP555 isn’t able to when it comes to tape selection. The BP555 can only work with tape that has the gummed side in, GSI, while the OM700 is also able to operate with the gummed side out, GSO. A minor difference as the majority of tapes sold are GSI but the additional option gives users access to a wider range of tapes to choose from.

Which has more programmable options?

Both machines help to automate and optimise the measurement process, by dispensing tape in pre-selected lengths that will perfectly seal a box without any wastage. Both machines come with a number of preprogrammed lengths that can be adjusted by pressing a button multiple times to multiply (i.e. 15 twice means the length will be 30). They also both feature the ability to program a number of lengths to come out sequentially.

This is where OM700 gets another advantage, while the BP555 can accept up to 3 in sequence, the OM700 can handle 6. Much like with the dispensing speed, being able to automate the lengths as they come out may not seem like a large efficiency increase for a single box but over a longer period of time the savings add up considerably. Being able to programme 6 different lengths makes the OM700 significantly more versatile and makes up for the lower speed.

Which Machine has the best Warranty?

When it comes to warranties, both machines offer a similar experience – the BP555 offers parts coverage for two years as does the OM700. But the OM700 also offers a year of labour coverage while the BP555 only provides 6 months. In an ideal world, the length of the warranty won’t be a major deciding factor but when you’re using a machine daily at great volumes the little bit of extra coverage may prove essential.

BP555 Summary

The BP555 is an excellent machine with a great pedigree, it’s been one of the biggest names in the tape machine market for a long time and it’s easy to see why. Perfectly suited to a fast-paced environment with a lot of packages to deal with. The speed of dispensing and quality of the brand are its key selling points, however there are a few specific elements where the OM700 may provide a noticeable advantage. It’s heavier and holds less water but can also accommodate a few additional tools that can really improve the packing experience. The well known brand also adds confidence of providing a known quantity.

PROS

Price is £ 1,421.00
Fast paced packaging, 68 metres a minute
Programable for up to 3 lengths in sequence
Two years parts and materials / 6 months labour
Well established brand recognition.

CONS

Can only use GSI
Less programmable sequences
Heavier and holds less water
Less warranty coverage for Labour

OM700 Summary

The OM700 is a newer machine and lacks some of the brand recognition of the more established BP555 but it’s made up for with a few quality of life improvements that could be key to helping a workplace really excel. Lower weight, higher water storage, more programmable options in sequence and a longer warranty. The starting price for this machine is £929 ex. VAT but it’s currently on special offer down to £789.65 per machine. The slower speed of tape dispensing is something to be aware of and the brand is comparatively new to the market but with the additional features and greatly lower price, it could be well worth a consideration for a new machine.

PROS

Price is £789.65 [Special Offer]
Lighter and can hold more water
GSI and GSO options for tape used
Programmable for up to 6 lengths in sequence
2 years warranty on parts / 1 year on labour

CONS

Not as fast as BP555
Newer machine, less brand recognition

Which is the best tape machine?

Quite simply, there isn’t a correct answer to this. It’s all going to depend on what you and your business require, although we see an edge in the OM700 if speed is what you need then the BP555 could just be the machine for you.

Have other questions about these machines? Our sales team would be happy to talk you through either product to make sure you have all the facts you need to make a decision to purchase.