FAQ - tape

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What is the lead time for a printed tape order?

Lead time is dependant upon approval by you of the finished artwork. Once the artwork is approved we generally will print and ship the order within 3 weeks.

How am I sure the order will be printed correctly?

After we receive your artwork, we will make a “printers proof” and email it to you in a .pdf format. You would then print the proof and carefully check the accuracy, placement of text, spelling, tape width, ink color etc. Then you would sign your approval and fax it back to us at (973) 538-5502.

What are the standard tape colors?

Clear, White and Tan.

Are other tape colors available?

Other tape colors available are Yellow, Green, Blue, and Red for additional cost.

What are the standard ink colors?

We can print using any PMS color that is not a Flourescent or a Metallic.

What is repeat length?

Repeat length is the distance from the beginning of the impression (text, logo, etc.) to the beginning of the same impression. If the text you wanted to print measured 4” long and it was printed with a 6” repeat there would be 2” of space before the text printed again.

What repeat lengths are available?

Available repeat lengths are 6”, 8”, 10”, 12”, 14", 17" & 24"

What repeat length should I use?

Most companies use printed tape for security and advertising; we recommend that a repeat length that will give at least one full impression across the top of the average box being shipped. If the average box seal length is 12” we would recommend a 6” or 8” repeat.

How wide can my impression be?

We can print to 1/2 inch of the edge of the tape. On 2” tape the print can be 1 1/2 “ high and on 3” tape the print can be 2 1/2“ high.

What tape widths are available?

We print on 2” wide tape and 3” wide tape. Other tape widths are available by special quote.

What is the difference between pressure sensitive and water activated tape?

Answer: Each type of tape has certain advantages over the other, depending on the application:

Pressure Sensitive Tape Plain or Printed, commonly known as poly tape, provides a quick, easy, and inexpensive way to seal corrugated cartons. It can be applied without a dispenser, and is ideal for sealing light weight package goods that do not put stress on the box during shipping. The transparent nature of most pressure sensitive tapes allows it to be applied over pre-printed cartons and shipping labels without obscuring any important information. And because pressure sensitive tape does not form a permanent bond with the carton, it is preferred for storage applications where the contents of the carton will need to be accessed and re-taped.

Water Activated Tape/Gummed Tape Plain or Printed, creates a strong, permanent bond when applied to a corrugated carton. Because it cannot be removed without visibly marking the box, it also creates a very secure, tamper-evident package. By bonding to the carton, water activated tape actually strengthens the container, making it ideal for heavier items that may stress the carton during shipment. This bonding also means only one layer of tape is needed to seal the carton, resulting in less tape being used. Any carton that will experience extremes in temperature, humidity, or UV exposure will benefit from the seal durability of water activated tape. Dispensers for water activated tape can quickly output individual sections of tape at preset sizes, making it an ideal choice for industrial or high-volume applications. This consistency results in a uniform, attractive carton, suitable for display in a retail setting.

Please don't hesitate to call our Customer Service Department at 800-535-9550 for further information.

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What are the Artwork Requirement for Printed Tape?

Customer artwork requirements:

Camera-Ready Artwork Requirements: Camera-ready artwork refers to a computer generated (digital) file originally created within one of the software programs listed below. Scans and images taken from the Web are not usable for high-quality printing. Your camera-ready artwork should be the exact size you wish to have printed.

Adobe® Illustrator® 10.0 (.ai, .eps, .pdf)
Please convert all text to outlines (Select all text on page, go to menu bar, then select Text - Create Outlines).

QuarkXPress™ 4.1  (.qxd, .pdf)
All supporting graphic files, plus all printer and screen fonts, need to be included (make sure all graphic files are linked in document, go to menu bar, select File - Collect for Output). Please include a PDF of document.

Adobe® Acrobat®  (.pdf)
Only PDFs created from QuarkXPress using Acrobat Distiller, or PDFs created from Illustrator and InDesign can be used. Please make sure that all text/fonts have been embedded.

Adobe® InDesign®  (.ind, .pdf)
Please convert all text to outlines (select all text on page, go to menu bar, then select Text - Create Outlines). All supporting graphic files need to be included (make sure all graphic files are linked in document, go to menu bar, select File - Package).

Plus Packaging Inc's Art Department operates on PC computers, but we can work with Macintosh files as well. To ensure quality printing, files created on a PC need to have not only all of the graphic files, but also the printer and screen fonts included.

Additional artwork charges will apply for the following file types: .JPG, .GIF, .BMP, .EXE, .PUB, .WPD, .DOC, or Paint programs.

E-mail your digital file to packaging@pluspackaging.com . Please include the name of the customer service or sales representative you are working with in the subject line.

Mail your CD or DVD to:

Plus Packaging Inc.
10 Mt. Pleasant Rd.
Morristown, NJ 07960

Please don't hesitate to call our Customer Service Department at 800-535-9550 for further information.

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What stock prints do you carry for tape?

Please click on the link below to see the different stock prints we carry for tape:

http://www.pluspackaging.com/mydocuments/STOCK_PRINT_TAPES2.doc

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Can reinforced gum tape be printed and do you have stock prints?

Please click on the link below for the answers:

http://www.pluspackaging.com/mydocuments/reinforcedprintedpapertape.doc

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What is the difference between Security Tape and Tamper Evident Printed Tape?

Please click on the links below to get a full description of the following:

Security Tape:
http://www.pluspackaging.com/mydocuments/securityprinttape.doc

Tamper Evident Printed Tape:
http://www.pluspackaging.com/mydocuments/tamperevidentsecurityprintedtape.doc

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What is pallet tape?

Please click on the link below to get a full description of "Pallet Tape":

http://www.pluspackaging.com/mydocuments/pallettape.doc

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How to choose the best tape mil thickness for your package.

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How to choose the carton sealing tape adhesive that best meets your specific needs.

Below we've listed which of the 3 types of carton sealing tape adhesives are your best choice in specific performance categories.  Call 800-535-9550 with any other tape performance questions you may have.

Adhesive Performance	Natural Rubber	Acrylic	Hot Melt
Overall performance	Best	Better	Good
On over-stuffed cartons	Better	Good	Best
On printed/colored cartons	Best	Better	Good
On rough/recycled cartons	Best	Better	Good
On Poly film/wrap	Best	*	Better
Resistance to Dampness	Best	*	Better
Resistance to yellowing	*	Best	Better
Overall Clarity	Good	Best	Good
In cold temperatures	Best	Better	*
In hot temperatures	Best	Better	*
Application temperatures	32 - 150°F	32 - 140°F	35 - 120°F
Service temperatures	-40 to 170°F	- 30 to 200°F	- 40 to 140°F
*Not recommended for this application

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