How to Choose the Right Water-Activated Tape Dispenser

Water-activated tape (WAT), also known as gummed tape, kraft paper tape, or brown paper tape, provides a stronger and more secure seal for cartons, while also streamlining your packaging process.

Once you decide to use WAT, the next step is to choose the appropriate type of dispenser.

Should You Choose a Manual or Electric Water-Activated Tape Dispenser?

The first decision when selecting a WAT dispenser is whether to go with a manual or an electric model.

Several factors influence this choice, including:

1. Price & Efficiency:

If you have a moderate to high volume of packaging, we recommend our electric water-activated tape dispenser, KN-366H, which significantly boosts efficiency and supports infrared sensor-based tape dispensing.

For smaller packaging needs, we suggest cost-effective manual or pull-type dispensers such as KN-266 and KN-166, both of which are compatible with WAT.

2. Ease of Maintenance:

Manual dispensers contain no electrical components, making them much easier to maintain.

3. Access to Power at the Packing Station:

Whether your packing station has a power supply is clearly a key factor. For environments without easy access to electricity, we offer the KN-366BHP, a model equipped with a lithium battery.

4. Tape Size:

If you require large tape rolls, consider our KN-366HL, which supports a maximum tape roll diameter of 500mm (19.7 inches) and core diameters ranging from 38 to 76 mm (1.5 to 3 inches). This reduces the frequency of tape replacement and enhances packaging efficiency.

Features of JL3’s Various Water-Activated Tape Dispenser Models:

Electric Water-Activated Tape Dispenser – KN-366H

1. IntelliSense Cutting Technology: Smart sensor-based cutting for increased precision and efficiency

2. 12 Preset Tape Lengths: Fully programmable for various packaging needs

3. Tape Length Accuracy ±5mm: Ensures consistency and minimizes waste

4. Total Box Count Setting: Helps track packaging progress

5. Auto Dispensing Every 3 Seconds (Programmable): Ideal for continuous packaging workflows

This model is designed for high-efficiency, high-demand packing environments.

Battery-Powered Electric WAT Dispenser – KN-366BHP

1. IntelliSense Cutting Technology: Smart sensor cutting for improved precision and speed

2. Faster Tape Dispensing Speed: Higher throughput than standard models

3. 12 Preset Tape Lengths: Fully programmable

4. Tape Length Accuracy ±5mm

5. Total Box Count Setting

6. Daily Tape Usage Log: Facilitates tracking and inventory management

7. Auto Dispensing Every 3 Seconds (Programmable)

This model is ideal for mobile or off-grid packaging stations, such as temporary setups or warehouse areas with limited access to power.

Large-Capacity Electric WAT Dispenser – KN-366HL

1. Supports Tape Widths from 36–76 mm: Compatible with various widths without adapters

2. Imperial/Metric Scales Included: For precise measuring

3. 25 Preset Tape Lengths in 1-Inch Increments: Reduces waste compared to the typical 2-inch steps

4. Simple Structure, Intuitive Operation: Pull-and-tear design, no power needed

5. Suitable for standard and high-humidity environments

This model is designed for high-efficiency environments, minimizing tape roll changes and maximizing productivity.

Manual WAT Dispenser – KN-266

1. Manual Pull-and-Tear Design: Simple operation with no power required

2. Compatible with WAT

3. Compact Structure: Ideal for basic sealing tasks

Compared to the KN-366HL, the KN-266 is a more basic option suited for occasional or low-demand environments such as offices, pilot lines, or light-use applications.

Manual WAT Dispenser – KN-166

1. Fits Tape Widths from 36–76 mm: Versatile and no need for part swaps

2. Includes Imperial/Metric Scales

3. 25 Preset Tape Lengths (1-Inch Increments): More economical than traditional 2-inch steps

4. Easy Operation: Larger design suitable for frequent use

5. Compatible with WAT

The KN-166 is an ideal choice for heavy-duty packaging where efficiency and tape length precision are critical.

JL3 WAT Dispensers Fit Every Shipping Environment

No matter what you're shipping or how frequently, JL3 offers a water-activated tape dispenser that fits your needs.

This guide covers some of our best-selling models only.

You can visit our website or click the link to see the full list of manual and electric dispensers.