Stationery 101: Tape Dispenser

A tape dispenser is an object that holds a roll of tape and has a mechanism on one end to shear the tape. Dispensers vary widely based on the tape they dispense. Abundant and most common, clear tape dispensers (like those used in an office or at home) are commonly made of plastic, and may be disposable. Other dispensers are stationary and may have sophisticated features to control tape usage and improve ergonomics.

Some dispensers are small enough so that the dispenser, with the tape in it, can be taken to the point of application. The dispenser allows for a convenient cut-off and helps the operator apply (and sometimes helps rub down) the tape. It allows the tape to be taken to the point of application for operator ease.

Table Top Dispensers
Table top or desk dispensers are frequently used to hold the tape and allow the operator to pull off the desired amount, tear the tape off, and take the tape to the job.

Table top dispensers are available with electrical assists to dispense and cut pressure sensitive tape to a predetermined length. They are often used in an industrial setting to increase productivity along manufacturing or assembly lines. They eliminate the need to manually measure and cut each individual piece of tape on high volumes of product or packaging. By automating this process, automatic tape dispensers reduce material waste caused by human error. They also reduce the time needed to cut each piece of tape, therefore reducing labor costs and increasing productivity.

Semi-automatic tape dispensers are often classified into 3 categories:

* Light-duty: For light, non-industrial use
* Industrial: A sturdier dispenser meant for use over one 8 hour shift per day
* Heavy-duty: The sturdiest of automatic tape dispensers, constructed to withstand 24/7 use in back to back shifts

Due to the varying attributes of pressure sensitive tape, there are many different features of automatic tape dispensers which vary from model to model:

Adjustable Pressure Feed
Allows the user to control the amount of pressure placed on the tape when it is fed through the advancement rollers. This feature is useful for more efficient dispensing of tapes of all different thicknesses.

Modified Advancement Rollers
Depending on the type of tape being dispensed, many automatic dispensers have modified advancement rollers in order to function better with extra narrow tapes, protective film, foam tapes, etc.

Photosensor
Many dispensers come equipped with photosensors in order to detect the presence or absence of a piece of tape and facilitate advancement. Dispensers can also be equipped with dual photosensors in order to dispense two rolls of tape at once.

Creaser
Creasers are installed on tape dispensers in order to reinforce tapes that are very thin or have the tendency to curl up (tapes made of Mylar and Kapton often have this tendency).

Safety Guard Cutting Head
With a safety guard cutting head, cutting blades cannot function if a foreign object is obstructing the cutting area (fingers, tools, etc.).

Programmable Memory
With a programmable memory, users have the option of saving any number of preset lengths, depending on the dispenser, for automatic feeding and cutting.
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