Servicing Paper Tape Machines (Gum Tape Dispensers): What Goes Wrong & When to Call an Engineer
Paper tape machines — also known as gum tape machines or water-activated tape dispensers — are increasingly used in warehouses and packing operations where sustainability, carton strength and tamper evidence matter.
While these machines are generally robust, they operate in wet, adhesive-heavy environments, which means faults develop over time. When problems occur, they often lead to inconsistent sealing, downtime, or carton failures further down the supply chain.
This guide explains:
Common paper tape machine issues
Early warning signs operators often miss
Why many faults need professional servicing
How regular servicing reduces downtime and waste
What Is a Paper Tape (Gum Tape) Machine?
A paper tape machine dispenses water-activated paper tape, wetting the adhesive before cutting and applying it to cartons. Once applied, the adhesive bonds directly into the fibres of the box, creating a strong, tamper-evident seal.
These machines range from:
Manual or semi-automatic dispensers
Fully electric, high-output machines used in distribution centres
They’re commonly found alongside strappers, heat sealers and pallet wrapping equipment in modern packing lines.
Common Paper Tape Machine Problems We See in the Field
Most issues don’t start as total failures. They start as small inconsistencies that gradually affect packing quality and productivity.
1. Inconsistent Tape Adhesion
One of the earliest warning signs is tape that:
Lifts at the edges
Fails to bond properly to cartons
Loses tamper resistance
This is often caused by internal wetting components, water delivery systems, or adhesive build-up — issues that typically require proper inspection and cleaning by an engineer.
2. Tape Feeding & Jamming Issues
Paper tape is less forgiving than plastic tape. Common symptoms include:
Tape not feeding smoothly
Uneven tape lengths
Frequent jams during operation
These problems are often linked to worn feed wheels, alignment issues, or adhesive residue inside the machine — problems that tend to return quickly if not properly serviced.
3. Electrical or Control Faults
On electric gum tape machines, faults may include:
Machine not powering on
Intermittent operation
Incorrect tape length or delayed cutting
Electrical issues should never be treated as operator-level fixes. Misdiagnosis can lead to repeat breakdowns or permanent damage.
4. Gradual Performance Decline
One of the most costly problems is a machine that still “works” — but:
Slows packing lines
Wastes tape
Produces inconsistent seals
These gradual declines are often missed internally but are easily identified during professional servicing.
Why Paper Tape Machines Need Professional Servicing
Unlike simple dispensers, gum tape machines combine:
Water systems
Adhesive contact points
Mechanical feed components
Electrical controls
That combination means faults often overlap. Treating one symptom without inspecting the full system usually leads to repeat failures.
Professional servicing helps to:
Identify early component wear
Prevent unexpected downtime
Maintain consistent carton sealing
Extend machine lifespan
Protect downstream packing quality
When to Call a Service Engineer
You should strongly consider professional servicing if:
Tape adhesion has become inconsistent
Jamming or feeding issues are recurring
Electrical faults appear intermittently
Output speed has dropped without explanation
The machine hasn’t been serviced in 12 months
Waiting until complete failure often results in longer downtime and higher repair costs.
Servicing Paper Tape Machines with Excelerate
At Excelerate, our engineers service paper tape machines, strappers, heat sealers, pallet wrappers and wider packaging machinery across the UK.
We support:
Preventative servicing plans
Emergency breakdown call-outs
Electrical and mechanical fault diagnosis
OEM-compatible replacement parts
Multi-machine service contracts
Whether your gum tape machine is part of a standalone packing bench or an integrated line, our team helps keep it running efficiently and reliably.
👉 Learn more about our UK-wide machinery servicing
