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On In By KeyPak

Closing the Gap!

Closing cartons in your packaging department? Having any tape issues? Chances are you are in the 1 in 10 category of tape users that run into packaging challenges when closing their cardboard cartons. If you are using polypropylene carton sealing tape (which the majority of users are), any issues with carton closing are focused on the tape. The reality is, 90% of so-called tape issues are proven to be caused by other factors, such as:

  1. Operator training and correct usage
  2. Environmental conditions (dust, dirt, dampness)
  3. Material content of the cartons

Recently a fourth has started showing itself – “the Gap”.

In the race to find cost-saving efficiencies, cardboard manufacturers have been shrinking the flaps on an RSC carton which to the casual observer, doesn’t mean anything. However, when these flaps are closed and the box about to be sealed, a gap that should be tight, or with a very small gap, is now up to ½” in width. If the operator is sealing the flaps with 2” width tape, this leaves only ¾” of tape on either side of the gap. On a large carton, the need to keep the tape straight on this narrow area is a challenge, and can mean that often there is even less than ¾” width on each side.

So what is the solution?

More tape?

No, wider tape!

Moving from a 2” (48mm) width tape to 3” (72mm) width will ensure that there is both extra tape to corrugated coverage, but also some “wiggle room” for the operator when applying the tape. And with 1 pass of the 3” tape, time & money are saved versus putting on several strips of 2” tape.

Keypak offers a wide selection of 3″ tape; from acrylic, hot melt, printed, and paper tape, you’re sure to find the perfect match for your application.

Not sure which tape is the best solution for you? Contact us to have one of our reps stop by!

1.866.566.2457  | sales@keypak.ca

On In By KeyPak

A safe alternative to steel strapping!

Steel strapping has long been used where strength is required to hold down or constrain heavy objects or shipments. This is due to the perception that “steel is strong” and the assumption that it is the only thing strong enough for those heavy loads.

If you are using steel strapping to secure your outgoing shipments or internal product transport and storage, it’s time to look at another option. Whether your loads are heavy, light, bulky and irregular or uniform there is a solution that will make using steel strap seem like an ancient method from the distant past. That solution is polyester strapping. Polyester strapping has been around since the 60’s but never really made it into the limelight until more recently. It is available in different styles to suit what you are using it for and out-performs steel at almost every turn. How does it out-perform?

  • SAFETY
    There are no sharp edges when Polyester strapping is cut, and it does not spring back like steel banding. This quality offers a safer user environment to employees, customers and machinery.
  • STRENGTH
    Polyester strapping is as strong as steel with comparable break strengths. Due to the elongation properties and it’s ability to absorb shock, Polyester strapping requires more energy to break. It is also five times lighter allowing for ease and flexibility of use.
  • PRODUCT PROTECTION
    The soft and flexible texture of the strapping protects the most sensitive products reducing the need for additional protective materials. It is safe on virtually all surfaces which minimizes waste and eliminates costly re-work. Polyester strapping does not corrode, rust, or stain your products.
  • COST EFFECTIVE
    Polyester strapping is a cost effective alternative to steel strapping and eliminates the “hidden costs” such as; damaged products,  worker injury and tooling repair costs. Polyester strapping tools are only a fraction of the cost to buy and maintain as well as having a longer use life. Only a single tool is needed to tension and secure Polyester strap and the wear and tear is minimal. Repair costs when required are also much lower than steel strapping tools.
  • ENVIRONMENTAL
    Polyester strapping is environmentally-friendly and disposal is hassle-free. Polyester strapping eliminates the need for any specialized disposal equipment and can be put with regular industrial waste or effectively recycled. It can also be re-tensioned if required and the strap and buckle can be re-used in some applications.
  • HIGH JOINT EFFICIENCY
    Polyester strapping uses a steel wire buckle to secure the ends creating the strongest joint available. Joint efficiency is the measurement that is calculated to determine what the actual strength of a strap is and at what point the band will fail. The joint itself is the weakest point of the strap applied to your load and is affected many factors like the tool used, condition of your banding tool, the banding itself, and seals. Polyester strap when installed correctly, can attain almost a 90% joint efficiency, which is 10 – 20% higher than steel.
  • CUSTOMIZABLE
    Your company name and/or logo can be printed directly on the strap for security or a cost effective brand building strategy.

KEYPAK stocks Polyester strapping in various sizes and types. If you want to see how this can make your workplace safer and more efficient, call us today!

TOLL FREE 866.566.2457

On In By KeyPak

Stretch wrapper maintenance?

Establishing a proper equipment maintenance program can be very important. Without a proper protocol to keep a stretch wrap machine (or any sort of machine for that matter) in perfect function, it can be very challenging to run a stable, consistent business. Certainly, having regular checkups and tests is a smart idea, however, it is far better to have an established checklist and specific protocol for which to diagnose and solve problems which can arise when a piece of machinery is being used constantly. COHS states that without regular maintenance of all machinery, the work environment is considered hazardous and dangerous.
Laying out a protocol for equipment maintenance sounds like quite the challenge, but in truth, it is fairly simple. Think of it like a checklist. A simple, yet static manner of diagnostics are perfect for a structure. Organizing everything in an “If, Then” manner, means that every possible problem that a machine can have must be checked before moving on to the next, or solving it. In this manner, you can ensure that maintenance is performed in the exact same manner each time, and fixing any common problems that may (and realistically eventually will) arise.

Of course, with a stretch wrap machine, there are only so many common problems that can arise. For this reason, each checklist based system must have a manner of freedom to it, once all the check points have been done. It’s very important to have a skilled, trained individual performing these programs, or at least doing the final check-over.

This maintenance program must be rigid. It must be performed at a set interval, for example once a week, at the end of the week. Having an actual, physical checklist is also important, not only does it make certain that the individual performing the check knows how to do their tasks, and in what order, but it also means that it is potentially possible to keep records of maintenance. This means that should a larger problem be diagnosed within a final, free form check over, logs of previous maintenance can be read and reviewed to try and pinpoint not only what the exact problem is, but figure out where it came from, so either the person who did the maintenance can be taught to do it better, or an error in the protocol can be corrected.

Machinery with moving parts (or really any sort of machinery), particularly stretch wrap machinery, are prone to various malfunctions. Things can get caught up, small parts can break, and overall function can be impaired. It is highly imperative therefore to create a specific, “If, Then” style checklist for regular equipment maintenance. Not only is it the safe thing to do, but it is the productive, and smart thing to do for any business which may be using a stretch wrap machine.

A large percentage of machine film malfunctions are results of the machine wrappers not being “married” to the appropriate stretch film. At KEYPAK, we are dedicated to making sure you receive the appropriate stretch film to wrap the right load application that marries with the right machine film wrapper. Our trained service personnel can assist with your ongoing maintenance requirements to keep everything running at peak performance.

To find out more about KEYPAK visit our website, www.keypak.ca.

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