What Is the Difference Between Hot Melt & Acrylic Packing Tape?

Uses

• Use clear acrylic tape for retail packages with printed artwork or logos. Clear acrylic tape is transparent and will not obstruct the prints. Acrylic tape provides a strong bond, so it is suitable for home and warehouse packaging. Hot melt tape provides a stronger bond, seals faster and takes less time to apply than acrylic tape. It is also resistant to tears, scuffing and exposure to some chemicals. Use it for bulk packaging, rough surfaces and going over edges.

Appearance

• Hot melt and acrylic tapes are available in various colors, including clear and tan. Hot melt tape yellows with age, while acrylic tape does not. The appearance of acrylic tape does not visibly change with age or sun exposure.

Temperature

• Hot melt and acrylic tapes are functional in cold and hot temperatures. Hot melt tape works well in temperatures ranging from 45 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, while acrylic tape can be applied in temperatures ranging from 32 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. These tapes may not adhere to your packages outside of these temperatures.

Cost

• Acrylic tape is more affordable than hot melt tape. Economy-grade acrylic tape, which is thinner than other types, provides a strong, long-lasting seal and is cheaper than other types of acrylic tape. However, it may not perform as well as other tapes in environments with fluctuating temperatures and should not be used for heavy boxes. The price of hot melt tape depends on its thickness and size. Heavy-duty, or premium-grade, hot melt tape is suitable for sealing heavy loads and is more expensive than economy and general-grade tape.