Tag Results
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March 18, 2024
On Monday, August 8th, 2024, the moon will pass directly in front of the sun and create a total solar eclipse. Those in the path of totality for the so-called “Great North American Eclipse” will get to witness a potentially once-in-a-lifetime event:
Hopefully, you’ve already stocked up on CE and ISO-certified 12312-2 solar eclipse glasses that block harmful infrared and ultraviolet rays when you watch the eclipse. But there’s more to the eclipse than just what’s in the sky; in fact, there are plenty of phenomena happening all around that you can’t miss out on. With the help of our very own packaging supplies, here are three solar eclipse experiments you can perform to make the most of it.
Pinhole Projection
If you have a flat object with a pinhole cut out of it, you will see a perfectly circular dot of light in the shadow of the object. That is because both the top and bottom of the sun can beam through the pinhole and form the circular dot, as seen in the top half of the image below:
However, as the moon moves in front of the sun in a solar eclipse, it forms a solar crescent that projects a crescent shape through the pinhole, as seen in the bottom half of the above image.
This effect is best captured with a surface that is thin and sturdy, such as our rigid photo mailers. Get yourself an order of our rigid mailers and punch out any pattern of pinholes you desire. You can even spell out your name with pinholes and see how your name turns into little crescents as the eclipse approaches totality.
Sharp & Fuzzy Shadows
Immediately before and after totality, the crescent-shaped sun will impart a strange effect on shadows. In short, the sides of an object that are parallel to the shape of the crescent will retain some sharpness, while the sides that are perpendicular to the crescent shape will be significantly blurrier, as the image below demonstrates:
Normal sunlight acts as an extended source of light, meaning it is a wide light source that illuminates objects with all of its sides – top, middle, and bottom. The shadows we see every day look the way they do because of this extended light source.
When the moon passes in front of the sun and forms a solar crescent, it changes the sun into a linear source of light, a narrower and more concentrated beam of light. Sides of objects in line, or parallel, to this light source appear sharper while the perpendicular sides are much blurrier.
This effect works best with objects with perfect 90° angles. Our rigid photo mailers are once again ideal for this, but most of our mailing envelopes will work just as well.
For more information on this phenomenon, check out this article from the Astronomical Society of the Pacific.
Purkinje Effect
Have you ever noticed that colors in the evening look less…colorful? This is because when our eyes adapt to darker conditions, they become more sensitive to blue colors and less sensitive to reds and greens. This natural anomaly is known as the Purkinje Effect.
You are guaranteed to witness this effect occur during the solar eclipse. To make the most of it, stock up on some red and green tape and create a pattern or design to your heart’s content. Then, on the day of this eclipse, take your red and green creation outside and watch as the colors slowly but surely desaturate as the moon moves in front of the sun.
EclipseSuppliesByMail
Total solar eclipses are a rarity. The next time the path of totality will cross the contiguous United States won’t be until 2045, traveling from California and moving southeast into Alabama and Florida. The northeast, on the other hand, won’t see another total solar eclipse until 2099! Alongside your eclipse glasses, don’t forget to stock up on some of our rigid photo mailers and colored tape to try your hand at some solar eclipse experiments and maximize your once-in-a-lifetime experience.
At the same time, as we watch these gigantic cosmic bodies perform their celestial dance above us, we should take this moment to reflect. Despite our earthly burdens of bills and deadlines, the universe continues on its silent and graceful course. Let us, in this extraordinary moment, take a breath and embrace the feeling of being alive here and now. After all, “the cosmos,” as Carl Sagan has said, “is within us. We are made of star-tuff. We are a way for the universe to know itself.”
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November 27, 2023
When you hear the word “packaging”, what image comes to mind? More likely than not, it’s a corrugated cardboard box. A corrugated shipping carton is as standard as packaging supplies get, available in a wide variety of sizes and styles to serve a wide range of needs. Of course, in order to properly protect the items you’ve placed inside of them, these cartons need to be properly sealed with durable packing tape.
So you just need to put some tape on the box and you’re all set, right? Yes and no. Tape is an absolute necessity in shipping, but you also need to make sure that you’re applying it right. In this article, we will go over the types of tapes to use and, of course, how to tape a box in the first place so you can prevent product damage, delayed operations, and unhappy customers.
What Tape is Best for Sealing Cartons?
Not all tapes are up to the task. For instance, save your masking tape for the next painting job since it doesn’t have enough adhesive strength to keep your cartons sealed. And not even the world-famous duct tape can withstand all the handling, jostling, and exposure to the elements that come with shipping and storage.
What if we told you that there is tape out there specifically made to seal cartons? Well, it’s real and it’s called carton sealing tape (go figure). These pressure-sensitive tapes are typically made from a plastic backing that is coated on one side with either an acrylic or rubber-based adhesive. Carton sealing tapes are tested and approved to withstand all the rigors of shipping.
But can you do better? You can! Introducing kraft paper tape, a super strong water-activated tape that keeps your goods inside and intruders out. These gummed tapes require a specialized dispenser that brushes the adhesive coating with a thin layer of water to activate it. The water-activated adhesive is so powerful that it penetrates the fibers of the carton; this means that the tapes cannot be removed without damaging the tape and/or the package underneath, making it an effective means of preventing tampering and pilferage.
For more reading on the differences between pressure-sensitive and water-activated tapes, take a look at our article comparing these types of tape side-by-side.
I Have My Tape, Now How Do I Use It?
When it comes to sealing cartons, the trick is to use the minimum tape necessary to properly seal them. This increases the efficiency of your shipping operations and keeps your material costs low. We have a short video on how to seal cartons that you can follow along to:
If you’re using carton sealing tape with a tape dispenser, you want to make sure that the end of the tape extends 2 to 3 inches past the roll so that the tape can effectively stick to the box. First, seal the two flaps together. Stick your tape 2 to 3 inches near the top of the box and extend it across the box, keeping it centered and finishing with 2 to 3 inches on the other side. Next, form an H-shape with your tape by sealing the perpendicular sides of the flaps so that all openings on the carton are sealed up. For extra support, tape across the middle perpendicularly.
If you’re using kraft tape with a water-activating dispenser, you first want to set the dispenser so that it dispenses the adequate lengths of tape. Then seal your carton as you would with carton sealing tape, first sealing the flaps across the middle, then sealing the flaps perpendicularly. An additional strip can be applied across the middle for added support.
All Sealed Up
Sealing cartons may seem like a straightforward affair, but even in this, there is technique. When you seal your boxes and cartons, think like an engineer: use the right tape for the job and use the least amount necessary to form proper seals. This way, you not only prevent damage and dissatisfaction, but you can also save hundreds to thousands of dollars in the long run with efficient carton-sealing.
While you’re still here, be sure to check out our wide selection of tape products, including carton sealing tapes and kraft tapes. All of our tapes come with free shipping, so you can start practicing your proper carton-sealing technique right away. When the right tape is applied to cartons correctly, the elements don’t stand a chance against your packaging.
If you’re interested in learning more about carton sealing, Packaging Digest has a great article about sealing adhesives and how they’re used.
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September 22, 2023
What is Kraft Tape?
Kraft Tape, also known as gummed tape, is made from a kraft paper backing, a high-strength paper derived from chemically-treated wood pulp. The roll of kraft paper is coated on one side with a starch-based adhesive that requires water activation to become sticky. Kraft tape dispensers are equipped with sponges and/or moistening brushes that apply a thin layer of water to the tape to activate it. The kraft paper backing is durable and resistant to tearing, splitting, moisture, and common contaminants like dust and dirt. The water-activated adhesive is so strong that it penetrates the fibers of cardboard and paper packaging, creating a powerful and tamper-proof seal.
Our Kraft Tapes
Product
Image
Mil
Benefits
5 - 6.9 Mil
Guards packages, prevents damage, and eliminates theft and vandalism
6.7 Mil
No fiberglass reinforcement, more flexible and easier to handle; best used as an inner carton liner or for lightweight loads
4.8 - 5.9 Mil
Pressure sensitive tape that resists curling, abrasion, water, and breakage; no water activation
6.3 Mil
Strong and secure seal; high resistance to extreme temperatures and humidity
5.9 Mil
Durable water-activated adhesion; high-strength kraft paper backing
5.7 Mil
Stronger-than-average water-activated adhesive; best used for heavy-duty and important loads
5.5 - 6.3 Mil
Seals cartons, resists contamination, deters tampering and pilferage
What is Mil Thickness?
A mil is one-thousandth of an inch. Also known as a thou or a point, mil is the standard unit for measuring thickness in tape. As a point of reference, an average human hair is roughly 4 mil thick.
Kraft tapes are typically available in the 5-7 mil range, with 6 mil being the average.
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September 12, 2023
What is Carton Sealing Tape?
Carton Sealing Tape is a standard type of tape that is primarily used to seal packages for handling, shipping, and storage. Also known as packing tape or box sealing tape, this tape is highly versatile because it generally sticks well to most surfaces and is strong enough for most applications.
Our Carton Sealing Tapes
Tape
Image
Adhesive
Color
Best Used For
Acrylic Emulsion
Clear/Brown
Packages that will be in long-term storage and/or exposed to the elements
Synthetic Rubber
Clear/Brown
Heavy-duty and irregularly shaped packages
Hot Melt - Acrylic Hybrid
Clear
Heavy-duty packages that will be exposed to the elements
Natural Rubber
Clear
Heavy-duty and important packages
Natural Rubber
Clear/Brown/Red
Heavy-duty and important packages
Synthetic Rubber
Clear
Recycled packaging
Synthetic Rubber
Clear
Cold storage
Acrylic Emulsion
Many
Color coding, branding, organizing
Acrylic Emulsion
Clear
Protecting external labels
What is Mil Thickness?
The thickness of tape is typically measured in mil. Also known as a thou or a point, a mil is one-thousandth of an inch. As a point of reference, an average human hair is roughly 4 mil thick.
Carton sealing tapes are typically available in the 1.6-3.0 mil range, with 2.0 mil being the average. Acrylic tapes tend to be thinner, while hot melt tapes are usually thicker.
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August 06, 2018
Strapping tapes are packing tapes that have heavily reinforced filaments. These are known to possess high tensile strength and therefore are conveniently used for bundling yard equipment, fishing rods, curtains and other tools. The filament strapping tapes are great options to repair damaged book spines.
Most often, the strapping tapes are found with athletes who are involved in sporting activities. Athletes undergo constant training and physical exercise which makes them more prone to accidents and injuries. It is important for them to take precautionary measures to avoid injuries and stay fit. The Filament Strapping Tapes are their best companion when it comes to protecting their weak joints and muscles.
Let's understand how to apply strapping tape correctly.
Locate the area of pain: Athletes need to have a complete understanding of injuries and must be able to accurately locate the pain area of the joint in order to tape accordingly for quick and better recovery.
Understand the aim: Strapping tape is used to avoid injury, not cure it. So, it must be applied correctly before playing a sport to protect weakened muscles in the ankle or wrist.
Apply in one direction: The strapping tape must always be wrapped in a single direction and start from far above the actual area of the joint to secure it properly.
Avoid over-tightening: Remember not to apply the tape too tight as it may then restrict blood flow. Sports trainers are usually knowledgeable about the working of muscles and joints and provide for controlled movements of the joint even when the tape is applied.
Use the basket-weave technique: The basket weave technique involves wrapping the tape about the same thickness above and over just like we write the number "8".
The strapping tapes are also an excellent solution to make packages stable during the rough handling during shipping as they go through twisting, throwing and tossing. The PackagingSuppliesByMail.com store is the perfect place to order reliable and durable quality packaging material at the most reasonable prices. If you are looking for stable taping solutions or need to wrap your injured muscle before heading out for a sports activity, our filament strapping tapes are the best choice.
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June 11, 2018
Packaging supplies by mail.com is a market leader in the field of industrial packaging materials and supplies and has deservingly gained a lot of trust in the wholesale packaging supplies market since 2009.
We strive hard to provide our customers with:
- Quality packaging material
- Wide variety of supplies
- Affordable pricing range in wholesale as well as retail sales
The wide range of inventory is designed in such a way that all packing supplies accessories and materials that customers may need should be available for sale in wholesale as well as retail quantities.
Even though fair pricing for all customers is the motto, certain restrictions and factors allow bulk pricing for pallet orders to be set lower than the market rates for retail sale. Larger orders directly mean that even with a lower profit margin, as compared to retail rates, manufacturers and resellers can gain solid profits. Also, large orders directly imply that expenses that will be incurred if the same amount of goods are sent to retail order customers will be saved, making it possible for the resellers to provide lowers prices for bulk orders without bearing any losses on their side.
The wide range of products that are available with PackagingSuppliesByMail.com's quality rich inventory includes:
- Color Machine Wrap
- Color Machine Tinted Wrap
- Hand Wrap Down Gauge
- Pre-Stretch Hand Wrap
- Pre-Stretch Color Hand Wrap
- Color Pipe Wrap
- Color Hand Wrap Tinted
- Machine Stretch Wrap
- Blown Hand Stretch Wrap
- Color Stretch Wrap
Gauges
- Narrow Banding Down Gauge
- Extended Core Down Gauge
- Pipe Wrap Down Gauge
- Down Gauge Hand Film
- Clear Packing Tape
- Tan/Brown Hot Melt Packing Tape
- Clear Hot Melt Packing Tape
- Economy Filament Tape
- Filament Tape
- Do Not Break Load Narrow Banding
- Tan/Brown Packing Tape
- Packing List Pouches
- Blue Painters Masking Tape
- Fragile Printed Tape
- White Stop Signed Printed Tape
- Direct Thermal Label Desktop Roll
- Masking Tape
- Gummed Tape
- Duct Tape
- Industrial Grade Filament Tape
- Specialty Stretch Wrap
- Coreless Stretch Wrap
- Cast Hand Stretch Wrap
- Economy Poly Mailers
- Medium Duty Poly Mailer
- Poly Mailers
- Poly Mailer Heavy Duty
- Vinyl Powder Free
The list may appear to be a long one, but it is just a tip of the iceberg when it comes to the stocked products we offer. PackagingSuppliesByMail.com provides the lowest bulk pricing for pallet orders, as well as for retail - smaller orders on all kinds of the best quality packaging supplies and accessories.
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March 12, 2018
Why Packaging Tapes for Business...
Industrial tape fulfils a wide range of business needs and applications. Whether it's packing tape or one for packaging (overlapping terms and functions, actually), industrial tapes are used extensively for packaging goods and binding different materials together. The tapes are indispensable for any business that is involved in manufacturing and/or supplying of goods for dealers, customers or anyone the businessman trades with.
Good quality industrial tapes of various types help businesses achieve their manufacturing purposes as they are used for a variety of functions such as packaging, wrapping, masking, adhesive bonding, thread sealing and several specialized tasks besides securing goods. Industrial tapes play several important roles for packaging that include: protective, storing and loading functions for transportation. In addition, it also plays an important part in supporting business-related functions like promotions, sales and others, as attractive packaging can also enhance aesthetic appeal when a product is showcased or presented to potential clients and customers.
Packaging and Packing Tapes- the Key to Efficiency in Business
The term Packaging Tape encompasses different types of industrial tapes such as masking tape, filament tape, duct tape and carpet/ surface protection tape.The tapes may be of different sizes, widths and diameters. It also includes double coated, foils, paper tapes, carton sealing tapes and many more that meet the needs of various applications. It is crucial that goods remain secure within and not just at the surface so their quality and durability remain intact. Good packaging tape is useful for sealing all types of cartons and boxes for delivery. Dealers receiving your shipment must find products in a good condition, otherwise, the whole purpose, including maintaining and building business relations may be affected if product complaints are raised. If your package is going to undertake a long journey, it will encounter heavy duty moving and transporting right at the port. Personnel handling packages may not always be gentle, so good packaging job is what would come to your rescue.
PackagingSuppliesByMail.com offers best quality industrial tapes at guaranteed low price and excellent standard services that match the best.
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January 08, 2018
Packing tapes are ultimate packaging accessories that are essentially required to secure the open ends of cartons for spill-proof and safe shipping. Among the various types of industrial tapes available on the market, the debate between water-based acrylic and hot-melt adhesive carton sealing tapes persists.
While both the varieties have separate features and a list of benefits, both can be used for carton sealing at room temperature. The difference occurs when the conditions feature a wide range of extreme temperatures and very rigid corrugated flaps.
Let's look at the advantages & applications of both the types of packing tapes:
WATER-BASED ACRYLIC CARTON SEALING TAPES
Advantages:
- Functional in a wide temperature range - Acrylic tapes feature a service temperature of -10°F to 200°F vs. 30°F to 122°F of hot melt.
- Extended shelf life - Acrylic is known to have a longer shelf life without compromising on performance.
- Resistant to UV light sources - The material will not allow yellowing on exposure to direct sunlight or UV sources.
- Enhanced seal strength - Acrylic adhesive tends to absorb deeply into the corrugated flaps over time.
- Economically priced - The Acrylic sealing tapes are comparatively more affordable than the hot melt varieties.
Application:
- General purpose carton sealing
- Display boxes (as they do not yellow)
- Hot as well as cold applications
Advantages:
- High sheer - A greater sheer allows better adherence to corrugated boxes and to under-filled/overstuffed boxes.
- Improved quick initial tack - Hot melt ensures quick tack property that adheres easily to dusty, dirty and soiled substrates or plastics.
- Performance consistency - Hot melt packing tapes have a release coat that allows the tape to dispense with consistence throughout the entire tape length.
Application:
- General purpose carton sealing
- Overfilled or under-filled cartons
- Double-walled and thick corrugated boxes
- Dusty, dirty and soiled substrates application
Now that you know when it is better to use acrylic or hot melt adhesive tape, visit www.packagingsuppliesbymail.com/tape to order your stock of industrial tapes now. The PackagingSuppliesByMail.com store is full of good quality, affordably priced tapes for use in industrial as well as domestic applications.