What is a carton sealer, and what does the CE-551TB do?

A carton sealer — also called a case sealer, case taper or box taping machine — is a machine that tapes cardboard boxes closed. Think of the shipping boxes that bottled water, canned goods, cereal or paper towels come in at the store, with a strip of packing tape across the top and bottom. A carton sealer puts that tape on for you. The Cleveland Equipment CE-551TB tapes the top and the bottom of a box in one pass. Here's how it works: Fold the box's top and bottom flaps closed. Push the box up to the machine's belts. Belts above and below the box grab it and pull it through. Tape heads on the top and bottom press tape along the seams and down the front and back of the box. A blade cuts the tape, and the sealed box comes out the other side.

Is there a machine that tapes boxes shut for you instead of using a tape gun?

Yes. A semi-automatic carton sealer like the CE-551TB replaces the handheld tape gun. With a tape gun, someone tapes the top of every box, flips it over and tapes the bottom, cutting the tape by hand each time. With the CE-551TB, the operator folds the flaps and pushes the box in. Belts running at 75 feet per minute carry it through, the machine tapes the top and bottom at the same time, and it cuts the tape on its own. It's called semi-automatic because a person still folds the flaps and feeds each box, while the machine does the taping. Every box gets the same straight, centered strip of tape, nobody has to flip heavy boxes, and it's an easy step up for a packing station that seals the same size box all day.

What does top and bottom belt drive mean on the CE-551TB?

It describes how the machine moves the box. The CE-551TB has one set of drive belts above the box and another below it, each driven by its own 120-watt motor. You raise or lower the top belts with a hand crank so they just touch the top of the box, which lets them hold the folded top flaps down while they pull the box through the tape heads. Instead of side belts, side compression rollers and width rails keep the box centered as it travels.

What size boxes can the CE-551TB seal?

The box size range depends on which tape head model you choose. There's no maximum box length, and both models handle cartons up to 75 lb. 2-inch tape model: boxes 6.3 to 19.7 in. wide (160–500 mm) and 4.3 to 19.7 in. tall (110–500 mm). 3-inch tape model: boxes 7.3 to 19.7 in. wide (185–500 mm) and 5.1 to 19.7 in. tall (130–500 mm).

What's the difference between the 2-inch and 3-inch CE-551TB, and how much do they cost?

The two models are the same machine with different tape heads. The CE-551TB with 2-inch tape heads is $2,925.00 and the 3-inch version is $3,215.00 from Cleveland Equipment, with shipping calculated at checkout. The 2-inch model runs the most common size of carton sealing tape and handles slightly smaller boxes, down to 6.3 in. wide and 4.3 in. tall. The 3-inch model lays a wider strip of tape over the seam, which suits bigger and heavier boxes; its smallest box is 7.3 in. wide and 5.1 in. tall.

Does the CE-551TB adjust itself to different box sizes?

No. The CE-551TB is a uniform case sealer: you set it for one box size and run that size until the job is done, which makes it a good fit for lines that ship the same carton over and over. To change to a new box size: Loosen knobs A on the side compression rollers and knobs B on the width rails. Set a box on the table in the center of the machine. Turn the hand crank on top of the vertical post until the top belts just touch the top of the box. Slide the width rails in to center the box, then bring the side compression rollers in against it. Tighten knobs A and B. If your line runs mixed box sizes back to back, a random case sealer such as the CE-655 adjusts to each box automatically.

What tape does the CE-551TB use, and how do you load it?

Use OPP (oriented polypropylene) carton sealing tape in the width that matches your tape heads, 2-inch or 3-inch. Avoid cloth tape, rolls with crushed cores or uneven winding, tape that varies in width or thickness, scratched tape, and tape more than about six months past its manufacture date. To load a roll: Put the roll on the tape head. Pull out the tape and wrap it around the one-way (irreversible) roller, then around the brass roller. Thread it through the front embossed roller, past the knife guard plate and over the front rubber roller. Keep the sticky side facing out, toward the tension spring, the whole way through. Then adjust the tension nut so the tape goes on firmly without wrinkles, and use the centering nuts if the tape isn't running down the middle of the box.

Are there boxes the CE-551TB can't seal?

Yes. Tape needs a clean, dry, flat cardboard surface to stick to, so the CE-551TB isn't meant for: Boxes with a plastic coating on the outside Wet or damp boxes Boxes with dust or dirt on the surface Crushed or misshapen boxes, especially ones with wavy, curled flaps The top and bottom flaps also have to be folded closed before the box goes in. The CE-551TB tapes the flaps shut, but it doesn't fold them. If you'd like a machine to fold most of the flaps for you, look at a flap-folding sealer such as the CE-653.

How big is the CE-551TB, and will it fit into my packing line?

The CE-551TB takes up about 42.2 × 29.7 in. of floor space (1,073 × 755 mm), stands 36.6 to 56.5 in. tall (930–1,435 mm) depending on how it's set, and weighs about 249 lb (113 kg). It runs on standard 110V, 60 Hz power. To fit it into your line: Set the table height anywhere from about 22.8 to 30.7 in. (580–780 mm) by sliding the four legs in or out, so it lines up with your packing table or conveyor. Attach the infeed and outfeed conveyors to each end of the machine. Roll it into place on its four casters, then lock the caster brakes to hold it steady.

How do you fix tape problems on the CE-551TB?

Most tape problems come down to the knife, the springs, or adhesive building up on the rollers. Switch the machine off before you adjust anything. Tape won't cut: the knife is dull or gummed with adhesive. Clean it with alcohol or solvent, or replace it. A tail of tape hangs off after the cut: the knife holder isn't moving freely. Check for loose knife holder screws, lubricate it, and replace the knife holder spring if it's worn out. Tape doesn't stick firmly: the main spring is too loose, the roller shafts are gummed with adhesive, or the tape wheel nut is too tight. Tighten the main spring, lubricate the roller shafts and loosen the tape wheel nut. Tape doesn't feed smoothly: check that the tape is loaded correctly, lubricate the roller shafts, and try a new roll if the adhesive is uneven. A worn one-way roller needs to be replaced. Tape wrinkles at the end of the box: the tape wheel is set too tight. Loosen it, keep it clean and greased, and reset the main tension spring. Tape breaks on the box: the knife sticks out too far. Reset the knife position. Tape runs off center: the two guide wheels are pressing unevenly. Reset the distance between them. Boxes jam: the top belts are set to the wrong height, or the main spring on the tape head is too tight. Reset the height and loosen the main spring.

What maintenance does the CE-551TB need, and what safety features does it have?

Maintenance is simple: Every two months, lubricate all the moving parts on the tape heads with light oil or grease. Every two months, check all bolts, nuts and belts, and tighten anything that's loose. Keep the cutting blade clean and lubricated. After the machine has run for a while, tighten the drive belts if needed. If you hear an unusual noise while sealing, clean and lubricate the bearings, since dust is the usual cause. For safety, the CE-551TB has a breaker switch and an emergency stop. Always switch it off before adjusting or repairing it, and follow the keep-hands-out warning labels, because the tape heads carry sharp cutting blades.

What warranty comes with the CE-551TB, and how do I get parts or support?

The CE-551TB comes with a one-year parts warranty from the ship date. It doesn't cover wear items such as belts, springs and cutting blades, and the buyer is responsible for shipping the machine to and from Cleveland Equipment for any repair. For replacement parts, setup help or technical support, contact Cleveland Equipment at 540 Tasman Street, Madison, WI 53714. Call 866-888-6327 or email sales@clevelandequipment.com.

CE-551TB Semi-Automatic Top & Bottom Carton Sealer*

CE-551TB semi-automatic uniform carton sealer applies tape to the top and bottom of folded cartons. Choose 2-inch (45 mm) or 3-inch (78 mm) tape heads; manually adjust carton width and height for each run.

2-inch model: 150 mm+ length × 160–500 mm width × 110–500 mm height. 3-inch model: 150 mm+ length × 185–500 mm width × 130–500 mm height. Adjustable table height: 580–780 mm.

SKU#: CE-551TB-2

$2,925.00

Shipping calculated at checkout.

Model: 2" Tape Heads

2" Tape Heads 3" Tape Heads

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866-888-6327

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Machine comes with a 1 year limited part warranty and tech support.

CE-551TB semi-automatic top and bottom box taping machine

The CE-551TB is a semi-automatic carton sealer that applies tape to the top and bottom of boxes. Use it to tape the bottom of a new box before packing, or to tape shut a box that already contains product. Also called a case taper or box taping machine, it is a practical fit for packing lines handling repeated runs of the same carton size.

An operator folds the carton flaps, manually adjusts the machine for the carton height and width, and presents the box to the belts. The machine then carries the carton through the tape heads. Changeovers require manual height and width adjustment; this is a uniform carton sealer, not an automatic random-size box sealer.

Two everyday packing uses

Prepare a new box for packing: fold the bottom flaps and use the machine to tape the bottom before adding product.
Close a packed box: fold the top flaps of a box containing product and feed it through the machine to tape it shut. The machine can apply tape to the top and bottom in one pass.

Why choose this case sealer?

Applies tape to the top and bottom of a carton in one pass.
Adjust the top assembly with the hand crank and center cartons using the width rails and side compression rollers.
Choose a model configured for 2-inch (45 mm) or 3-inch (78 mm) tape.
Adjustable working height of 580–780 mm; brake casters help position and secure the machine.
Infeed and outfeed conveyors attach at each end. Breaker switch and emergency stop are listed in the manual.

Carton capacity by tape-head model

2-inch tape-head model: carton length 150 mm or longer; width 160–500 mm; height 110–500 mm.
3-inch tape-head model: carton length 150 mm or longer; width 185–500 mm; height 130–500 mm.

The manual specifies a machine footprint of 1,073 × 755 mm, overall height of 930–1,435 mm and machine weight of 113 kg. These are machine measurements, not packed shipping dimensions.

Before you seal

Use OPP adhesive tape. Fold the flaps on the seams being taped before feeding; the machine applies tape rather than folding the flaps for you. Cartons should be dry, clean and properly formed; the manual warns against plastic-coated, wet, dusty or deformed cartons. Tape tension and centering can be adjusted at the tape head for a cleaner application.

Common questions

Does the CE-551TB tape the top and bottom of boxes?
Yes. Its top and bottom tape heads apply tape to both carton seams in one pass.

Can I tape the bottom of an empty box before filling it?
Yes. You can use the CE-551TB to tape the bottom of a new box before packing product into it.

Can I use it to close a box with product inside?
Yes. Fold the top flaps of the packed box and feed it through the machine to tape it shut.

Does it adjust automatically for different box sizes?
No. The operator manually adjusts the height and width when changing carton sizes.

Warranty details: The manual states one year from shipment for parts only, excluding wear items such as belts, springs and cutting blades. The buyer is responsible for shipping to and from Cleveland Equipment for repair. Contact us for the current warranty and technical-support terms.

Specifications

Model: CE-551TB; semi-automatic uniform top-and-bottom carton sealer.

2-inch tape-head model: 45 mm tape; carton length 150 mm minimum, width 160–500 mm, height 110–500 mm.

3-inch tape-head model: 78 mm tape; carton length 150 mm minimum, width 185–500 mm, height 130–500 mm.

Machine dimensions (L × W × H): 1,073 × 755 × 930–1,435 mm. Adjustable table height: 580–780 mm. Machine weight: 113 kg.

Tape: OPP adhesive tape. Operation: pre-fold top and bottom flaps; manually adjust height and width before feeding cartons. Brake casters, breaker switch and emergency stop are described in the manual.

Manual warranty: one year from ship date, parts only; wear items excluded. Buyer pays shipping to and from repair.

Downloads

CE-551TB Semi Automatic Uniform Carton Sealer Brochure (Size: 340.2 KB)

CE-551TB Semi Automatic Uniform Carton Sealer Brochure
CE-551TB Semi Automatic Uniform Carton Sealer Operation Manual (Size: 2.3 MB)

CE-551TB Semi Automatic Uniform Carton Sealer Operation Manual

Videos

Semi-automated Case Taper for Uniform Size Cases | CE-551TB

CE-551TB Semi-Automatic Top & Bottom Carton Sealer*

$2,925.00

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

5 stars: 68 (47%)
4 stars: 76 (53%)
3 stars: 0 (0%)
2 stars: 0 (0%)
1 star: 0 (0%)

Excellent Service

I had a fantastic experience getting my order sorted out over the phone! The representative was super helpful and sent me a quote via email, complete with a link to make my purchase when I was ready. Everything went smoothly, and I truly appreciated how painless the whole process was. It felt effortless, and I’m really pleased with how it all turned out!

Best investment I have ever made

I bought my first CE-551TB Case sealer in 2018 and in 2022 I bought 2 more to set up for different box sizes. I recommend this product 100%.

Best Purchase Ever

I bought my machine 3 months ago and it has worked so well for the company that I ended up buying 2 more. I recommend this case taper to anyone. I was also happy to know we could test our boxes before confirming this machine worked for us. Thank you Cleveland Equipment!

Would definitely recommend these tapers

We have been very pleased with the equipment we have purchased from you. Everything has held up well, and they have represented the best value dollar-to-dollar when compared to 3 other brands of tapers we have purchased over the past 20 years or so. As contract packagers we might not run them every day, but when we do use them for a project they can be run for months at a time. They are mechanically solid, easy to setup, easy to use, easy to maintain, and are basically trouble free.

Beautiful machine

We have used many case tapers over the years and the CE-551TB is the best by far. Never gets stuck and is a great performer.

Great!

It has been a pleasure doing business with you! Don't know how we got by before without your case tapers.

Very Nice

Great service and machines. Best box sealers out there.

Game Changer!

Love it!

The best

Best carton sealers we've ever used.

Very Pleased

Working great with our application.

Fantastic!

Love how easy it is to set up and adjust. Have not had any issues.

Fantastic!

Love how easy it is to set up and adjust. Have not had any issues.

Great Customer Service and Support!

The Cleveland Equipment staff took very good care of us. Our carton sealers are working out perfectly. We appreciate the service and will be back.

Great Customer Service and Support!

The Cleveland Equipment staff took very good care of us. Our carton sealers are working out perfectly. We appreciate the service and will be back.

Excellent value

We are getting way more than we bargained for out of this machine.

Excellent value

We are getting way more than we bargained for out of this machine.

Fantastic

Love it. It's helping us out with a huge project. Not sure why we did not get it sooner.

Fantastic

Love it. It's helping us out with a huge project. Not sure why we did not get it sooner.

Reliable

A great machine. We have been running it every day for some time now. Occasionally we'll need new belts and CE makes ordering parts very easy.

Reliable

A great machine. We have been running it every day for some time now. Occasionally we'll need new belts and CE makes ordering parts very easy.

Very pelased

Absolutely impressive, strong and made to do it's job.

Very pelased

Absolutely impressive, strong and made to do it's job.

Excellent Company

We have been a longtime customer and all of the equipment we have purchased has been efficient, built to last and an unbelievable return on investment. The quality of their machines far exceed the cost. They also offer awesome technical support. Could not be happier with Cleveland Equipment.

Excellent Company

Great machine and service

High marks all around!

Great machine and service

High marks all around!

Very durable for it's relative light weight. Great model that is working out well for us.

Like it so much so much we bought another one as a backup.

Using it heavily and are very happy and pleased with it. The tape we got from you is also excellent.

CE-551TB Semi-Automatic Top & Bottom Carton Sealer*

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