Overview
This article explains how to correctly thread tape through a BestPack tapehead. Follow these steps any time a new tape roll is loaded, after a tape break, or when the tapehead is reassembled after maintenance. Correct threading ensures reliable tape application and prevents jams, misfeeds, and adhesive-side contact with rollers.
Step 1 — Place the Tape Roll onto the Mandrel
Insert the tape roll onto the mandrel, ensuring it is oriented in the correct direction for your tapehead configuration. The sticky (adhesive) side must face up when the roll is seated. The tape should unwind from the correct side based on the application arm position.
Step 2 — Route Over the Optimizing Arm Roller
Pull the tape lead end up and over the optimizing arm roller. Keep tension light and consistent as you route the tape to avoid misalignment.
Step 3 — Route Non-Adhesive Side Over the Idle Roller
Continue routing the tape so the non-adhesive side wraps over the optimizing arm, behind the brass roller, and over the idle roller. The tape path runs across the front of the tapehead toward the tape erect plate.
Step 4 — Route Adhesive Side Under the One-Way and Knurled Rollers
From the idle roller, route the tape so the adhesive side faces down and passes under the one-way roller and under the knurled roller located on the front application arm.
Step 5 — Seat Tape Between the Erect Plate and Side Fingers
Guide the tape lead end so it rests between the tape erect plate and the two side fingers on the front application roller. The tape must sit flat and centered within this channel.
Step 6 — Hook Tape Over the Black Rollers and Pull for Slack
Hook the tape over the black roller and the black roller (inside) at the base of the application arm. Pull the tape lead end until you have enough slack to cut it cleanly. This ensures the tape is primed and ready for the first application cycle.
tape erect plate before the first seal cycle begins.Confirm Tape Alignment and Upright Position
Visually inspect the full tape path from the mandrel through to the front application roller. Confirm the following:
- The tape is held upright by the
tape erect plate - The tape is not wrapped around any roller it should not contact
- The adhesive side is correctly oriented throughout the path
- The tape sits freely between the
side fingerswithout binding - Sufficient slack is pulled past the
black rollersfor the first cut
Common Mistakes
| Mistake | Consequence | Correct Action |
|---|---|---|
| Using the wrong tape roll width | Tape will not seat correctly between the side fingers and may cause jams or misfeeds | Verify the tape roll width matches the tapehead specification before loading |
| Tape routed on wrong side (adhesive vs. non-adhesive) | Tape sticks to rollers — including the brass roller — causing jams and tape breaks | Confirm adhesive side orientation before routing at each roller stage |
| Tape not seated between erect plate and side fingers | Tape will not stand upright and will fail to apply correctly to carton | Rethread and ensure tape is fully seated in the channel between the tape erect plate and side fingers |
| Tape wrapped around a roller it should not contact | Causes drag, tape breaks, or adhesive buildup on rollers | Follow the threading path exactly — only contact specified rollers at each step |
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