Standard Security Tape: Hot Melt Adhesive

Sealing Disposable Packaging or Reusable Container

When removed, these security tapes transfer all of the adhesive to the surface. For disposable packaging (such as shipping cartons) the amount of adhesive residue left on the surface is usually not an issue. If the container or surface will be re-used, cleaning up the adhesive residue will be more difficult and time consuming for tape with a high residue formula. See the "Ease of Clean Up" recommendations (see below). Consider our partial transfer tapes (PST and EST series), which leave less adhesive residue on the surface.

Multiple Security Features

In addition to the tamper evident feature, you can choose tapes with addtional security features. Choose the features that are important to your application:

• Printed Serial Numbers: A unique number improves security. Record the number as needed for added security.
• Plain Tape: No obvious signs that the tape is tamper evident minimizes attention to a package during shipping.
• Printed Instructions on the Tape: Additional printing can serve as a deterrent to tampering.
• Custom Printed Tape: Customizations improve security.
• Tape Width: Using 1 inch and 3 inch wide tapes make it easier to detect tampered cartons that are resealed with conventional 2 inch wide tape.

Maximum Compatibility and Versatility

Our PFT and EFT series tapes are suitable for most applications. We recommend testing tape samples in actual conditions before product is ordered. We offer free samples so you can test and verify the selected tape will meet your specific needs.

• Surface Compatibility: Based on our lab tests and customer feedback, our tape performs on a wide range of material surfaces including many difficult surfaces such as recycled cardboard (without tearing the surface), pallet films, plastic surfaces and textured surfaces.
• Refrigeration and Freezer Applications: Our PFT and EFT tapes require a minimum application temperature of +50°F.
• Service Temperature: After application, our PFT and EFT tapes are suitable for service temperatures ranging from -50°F to +140°F.
• Perforated Tape: Some tapes are perforated and can be used as individual seals. If you prefer individual security seals, also see our security labels for more options.
• Standard Sizes: We have a large selection of 2 in wide tape, the most common size used on shipping cartons. We also have 1 inch wide, 3 inch wide and 4 inch wide tapes.
• Thicker Film: Our PFT and EFT tapes are constructed of thicker film (2 mil polyester) than many competitive tapes. The thicker film provides additional strength during shipping and handling.
• Pricing: The Standard Hot Melt Tapes (on this page) are medium priced. Our Premium Tapes (PVT/EVT) are about 5% more expensive. Our Economy Tapes are about 25% less expensive.

Roll Length

Stock tapes are offered in lengths of 164, 180, and 250 feet, which will fit a standard tape dispenser. Longer roll lengths save time because of fewer roll changes.

We also offer larger rolls for machine application — up to a maximum of 2000 feet in length for EFT and PFT tapes. We can make any roll length for custom tape. Please call if you have a special roll length requirement.

Rolls over 250 feet in length have splices; the splice includes the tamper evident feature.

Application Rates - Manual and Automated

A typical application rate for tamper evident tape is 12 inches per second, which is usually slower than security packing tape or other standard tapes. Dispensing the tape at faster speeds may cause the hidden message to show before it is affixed onto the surface.

If you are applying tape using an automated tape machine, we recommend testing a sample roll (minimum 180 LF) of EVT/PVT tape before placing an order. Since our tapes are designed to easily show tamper evidence, the rollers on your tape machine may need to be modified to prevent the rollers from triggering the hidden security message (also it is possible that adhesive will accumulate on the rollers which contact the tape adhesive). Please contact us if your machine rolls have these issues and we will provide details on modifying the machine rollers.

Our PVT and EVT tapes are NOT recommended for machine application. If you have an automated tape application, we recommend our Standard Acrylic Tapes (PST or EST) or our Standard Hot Melt Tapes (PFT or EFT).

Tape Conformity to Complex Shapes

Our PFT and EVT tapes on this page are designed for flat surfaces and to be applied around corners, as typically used on a box, crate, envelope, etc. The thicker film used with our PFT and EFT tapes may not be suitable if the tape must conform to surfaces with multiple contours. Narrower tape widths conform better to contoured shapes. If the tape does not conform sufficiently to seal your container, we recommend a tape made of thinner film (see our PST and EST tapes which are made with 1 mil thick film).

Quantity Discounts

We offer pricing discounts for higher quantity orders. For the best value, we recommend purchasing at least 1 year's supply. When stored properly, our tapes have a minimum 2 year shelf life.

Low Minimum Order Quantities for Custom Printed Tape

Custom printed tape offers more security. We offer custom printed tape in low order quantities (minimum 80 rolls, 2 inch x 180 feet with a 10% quantity tolerance). For smaller custom orders of tamper evident tape (less than 80 rolls), please see our Security Tape on a Liner.

Fast and Friendly Customer Service

If you are unsure which tape best fits your needs, please send us an email or give us a call (see the contact info at the bottom of this page).

Click Here For CCSF Applications

Features

Hidden Message: OPENED (May vary from graphic shown)

Printed Instructions on tape reminds receiver of security features:

• "IF WORD 'OPENED' APPEARS, CHECK CONTENTS"
• Unique Serial Number
• If resealed, printed text and/or diagonal lines may be misaligned

Pre-assigned Serial Number — improves security; for added security record the serial number on the bill of lading.

Diagonal alignment lines (in or around the words SECURITY TAPE) are designed to show misalignment if the carton seal is slit and resealed.

Adhesive residue: Typically 50% or more of the adhesive remains on the surface. Those tapes marked "HIGH RESIDUE" will leave about 90% adhesive residue.

After application, when removed the security tape will self destruct, leaving words or symbols on the package and in the security tape itself.

Benefits

• Protects your products and equipment
• Controls access to shipping cartons, pallets, and other containers
• Indicates tampering or pilfering

If the tamper evident feature is not working to your satisfaction, please review the Troubleshooting Guide for suggestions, or give us a call.

Specifications and Intended Use

Please see the Specifications and Intended Use for more details.

Installation Instructions

For installation instructions, see the Installation Guide.

Product Returns and Claims

See Ordering Info for more details.