Nordson Closes the Case on Hot Melt Adhesive Sealing

The cost of different sealing methods can vary widely dependingupon the length of the case, line speed and the price chargedper pound of adhesive or roll of tape. While tape sealing may initially appear to be less expensive, hidden long-term costs canquickly erode any perceived savings.

The “hidden” costs of tape sealing■ Lost productivity and operator time replacing empty tape rolls.

■ Increased material costs due to unusable tape rolls thathave been damaged.

■ Increased equipment expense to purchase additional tapemachines in an effort to keep up with increasing line speeds.

■ Increased downtime and parts costs associated with frequent maintenance of tape heads.

Tape requires special storage and handling■ Tape cracks or loses adhesion properties in cold, hot or

humid conditions.

■ Tape cores and edges can be easily damaged during transport.

Hot melt sealing keeps up with increased production, reducing investment costs Nordson® hot melt systems can easily accommodate anincrease in line speed without additional hot melt equipment.Sealing 40 cases a minute is as easy as sealing five cases aminute, and even random size cases can be sealed automaticallywithout additional expense.

Tape sealing systems are limited. As line speed increases, tension placed on tape cancause it to break and buckle, slowingproduction. Increasing speeds usuallyrequires more durable, more expensive tape and tape heads or additional tape systems.

Compared to Tape, Sealing with Hot MeltAdhesive Lowers Long-term Operational Costs

Converted tape system reduced product tampering dramatically.

Package sealing methods are all the same, right? Wrong!

While both hot melt adhesive and tape are capable of creating

a bond and sealing a case, only hot melt adhesive systems

deliver superior:

■ Cost Savings ■ Safety

■ Seal Quality ■ Operation

■ Structural Integrity ■ Ease of Maintenance

And only Nordson makes conversion from tape to hot melt

adhesive sealing cost-effective and seamless.

Adhesive = $4.00 per 1,000 cases*� �

Tape = $15.00 per 1,000 cases*

*based on mid-priced material costs

Hot Melt

Tape does not penetrate board fibersand only bonds the two external flaps,leaving the internal flaps loose. Thisweakens the load bearing capacity of the case, increasing the potential for costlyproduct damage during transport.

Hot Melt Adhesive Bonds Deliver Superior Structural Integrity and Seal Quality Getting products to market requires cases to withstand extreme temperatures and humidity changes, abusive

handling, potential tampering and rigid stacking and transportation requirements. Failure in one of these areas

could result in damaged products and subsequent credit claims.

Hot melt adhesive, which penetrates the fibers of most boardstock, is applied directly to case flaps, creating a strong, rigidbond resulting in a casethat remains squareand sturdy at alltimes.

Hot Melt Beads

Typical placement of hot melt adhesive.

Tape can be sliced with a knife. Theproducts can be tampered withand the case resealed withoutthe consumer’s knowledge. Tape provides inferiortamper-evidence andproduct protection.

Package AppearanceTape seals detract from and covercompany logos limiting the effectiveness of brand images and messages. Clear tapes aremore expensive.

Tape seals can produce a “flypaper” effect. Static inside thecase charges corrugated and dust particles which then attach to the adhesive backing on thetape seal. Retailers see this as“dirt” on the product inside and return the cases to the manufacturer.

Hot melt adhesive seals arehidden under the flaps andprovide a clear surface todisplay expensive companylogos and promote brandimages.

Structural Integrity

Tamper-evidenceHot melt adhesive seals will cause the fiber to tear if any attempt is made to open the case before it reaches its destination, providing superior tamper-evidence and product protection.

Advancements in adhesive formulation help reduce operational and material costsRecent breakthroughs in adhesive formulations by major adhesive suppliers deliver previously unheard of benefitsincluding: ■ Eliminated odors.

■ Reduced operating temperatures by 100 degrees.

■ Extended pot lives up to 500 hours from 100 hours.

■ Reduced equipment maintenance, increased production,reduced energy consumption and reduced spare parts, all due to improved adhesive thermal stability.

Hot Melt System Design Innovations Simplify Operation and MaintenanceNordson innovation makes using hot melt systems easier than ever

1. Tempus™ pattern controls detect changes in case size andadjust adhesive patterns automatically, maximizing productivity.

2. Saturn® nozzles deliver precise adhesive placement andclean material cut-off.

3. Easy to use electronic controls precisely maintain temperatures within ±1°F and large, bright LED displays provide visual indication of system status.

Optional onboard seven-day clock automates system start-up and shutdown eliminating “warm-up” time.

4. Hot melt applicators with Vista™ electronic controls provide superior electrical noise immunity.

5. Teflon®-coated hot melt tanks promote adhesive flow andhelp prevent charring.

6. Many gun configurations are available to meet your application requirements.

Nordson Produces the Safest Hot Melt Systems Available Today

Majority of Nordson equipment has been approved or designed for regulatory approval.

H-400 H-400 low-profile H-104 RC mini

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■ Lower long-term operating costs■ Accommodates increased line speeds

without additional systems and with less personnel

■ Penetrates fibers on board stock creatingsuperior seals that retain adhesion properties in cold, hot or humid conditions

■ Applied to all flaps for square and sturdysupport at all times

■ Superior tamper-evidence due to visiblefiber tear if attempt is made to open case

■ Most Nordson systems meet worldwide regulatory approvals (UL, CE, CUL, TUV)

■ Automatic adhesive refilling capabilityreduces need for lifting

■ Equipment manufactured in line with CE guidelines at ISO 9001 facilities

■ Nordson hot melt adhesive systems withVista™ controls provide superior electricalnoise immunity

■ High-performance Saturn® nozzles improveadhesive cut-off and eliminate clogging

■ Extended pot lives and automatic refillingcapability provide continuous operation

■ Tempus™ pattern controls enable quick, easy pattern changeovers

■ Hidden seals provide clean surface to promote graphics and brand image on the case

■ Provides attractive, display-ready cases

■ Solid adhesive is 100% usable■ Dry adhesive is easy to store ■ Requires minimal storage space on per

case basis

Nordson Hot Melt System Sealing

■ Higher long-term operating costs due to“hidden” expenses

■ Increased line speeds usually require additional equipment and personnel

■ Can lose adhesion properties in cold, hot or humid conditions

■ Attaches only to external flaps, leavinginside flaps loose reducing load bearingcapacity of case

■ Inferior tamper-evidence as tape can besliced and resealed without visual knowledge

■ Operators contend with compressionrollers, sharp blades/knives and awkwardlifting positions when changing rolls increasing potential for injuries

■ Tape heads need routine realignment, maintenance and replacement

■ Tension rollers need frequent adjusting■ Roll changes minimize system and operator

productivity and require additional personnel

■ Faster line speeds increase tension causingtape to break or buckle, slowing production

■ Visible tape seals hide expensive graphics andbrand image on the case

■ Tape seals can produce a “fly paper” effect

■ Tape is useless if edges or cores are damaged, or tape breaks close to its core

■ Must be stored in controlled environment toprotect against moisture, dust, dirt and temperature changes

■ Requires significant storage space on percase basis

Cost

Seal Quality/Structural Integrity

Tamper-evidence

Safety

PackageAppearance

Material Waste/StorageRequirements

Operation/Maintenance

Issue Hot Melt Adhesive Sealing Tape Sealing

CASE CLOSED!

www.nordson.com

When you expect more.®

For more information, talk with your Nordson representative or contact your Nordson regional office.United States Canada Europe Japan Asia/AustraliaDuluth, Georgia Markham, Ontario Lüneburg, Germany Tokyo, Japan Latin AmericaTelephone: (800) 683-2314 Telephone: (800) 463-3200 Telephone: (49) 4131-894-0 Telephone: (81) 3-5762-2700 Amherst, OhioToll-free Facsimile: Facsimile: (905) 475-8821 Facsimile: (49) 4131-894-149 Facsimile: (81) 3-5762-2701 Telephone: (440) 985-4496

(866) 667-3329 Facsimile: (440) 985-1096

© 2000 Nordson Corporation PKL-00-1780All Rights Reserved. Issued 10/00Nordson reserves the right to make Printed in U.S.A.design changes between printings.

For more than 35 years, Nordson has been a leader in the design and manufacture of adhesive dispensing systems for packaging operationsworldwide. We have continually provided advanced solutions that integrateeasily with our customers’ operations.

Whether you need to convert or replace an existing tape sealer or discuss how hot melt adhesive sealing can benefit your operation, callNordson today at 800-683-2314.

Our qualified, experienced technicians and sales professionals will behappy to assist you with a quick, personalized cost comparison and provide conversion information. We have converted and installed production lines around the world, and we can help you quickly assesswhy hot melt adhesive sealing may be best for your operation.

Use Nordson Experience and Equipment to Your Advantage

Converted tape system enabled packages to meet mandatory structural requirements.

Teflon® is a registered trademark of E.I. DuPont de Nemours & Co.