The entry-level manual water-activated tape machine for Gummed Tape
The BP222 Curby Mini-Taper is a manual water-activated tape dispenser for sealing cartons with gummed paper tape. The lever-action dispense delivers 254mm (10 inches) of moistened, cut tape across the full tape width on each push; push again for longer lengths. Integrated water brushes activate the starch adhesive consistently across the tape width, and a self-contained cutter trims cleanly without a separate blade. Weighing only 2.72kg (6 lbs) with a 358 x 203 x 184mm footprint, the BP222 is suitable for small workspaces, retail outlets and low-volume shipping environments where workspace is limited and electronic dispensing isn't justified by throughput.
No power required. Sold individually.
What is the BP222 Curby Mini-Taper best for?
It's the right choice for gummed tape sealing where workspace, throughput or budget rules out an electronic dispenser, and a basic water-reservoir unit is too slow.
- Small workspaces, retail outlets and low-volume shipping environments where workspace is limited and the 358 x 203 x 184mm footprint matters.
- Operations switching from self-adhesive tape to reinforced gummed for the first time and learning the application process before scaling up to electronic dispensing.
- Multi-bench setups where a 2.72kg unit needs to move between stations, since there is no power lead.
- Sealing cartons with gummed paper tape, where tamper evidence and full corrugated-board recyclability are required.
Not for
- High-volume packing lines: above small-office throughput, use the Optimax OM700 for programmable cut lengths and 60m/min output.
- Multi-shift e-commerce fulfilment: use the VARIO 555E Electronic Water Activated Tape Dispenser for heated tank consistency and 14 pre-set length keys.
- Applications needing programmable tape lengths: each lever push delivers a fixed 254mm increment, so non-standard lengths require operator counting.
- Tape rolls wider than 70mm or longer than 100m: maximum roll capacity is fixed by the loading slot.
How to use
Lever action draws the tape across the water brushes; firm carton seam contact then drives starch penetration into the corrugated board fibres.
- Fill the water tank: Eject the 237ml tank from the front, fill at the sink, reseat. One full tank activates approximately one full 100m roll of 70mm reinforced tape.
- Load the tape: Remove the cover, insert a reinforced 70mm roll with the gum side facing inwards (gum-in feed), feed the leader through the slot.
- Push the lever to dispense: Each push delivers 254mm (10 inches) of activated tape. For longer lengths, push the lever again before cutting.
- Cut and apply: Push the cutter down to trim. Apply to the carton seam with firm, even pressure across the full 70mm width to drive fibre penetration; partial contact at the seam is a common cause of seal failure on any gummed paper tape.
- Maintain water level: A near-empty reservoir is the most common cause of seal failure on any gummed tape dispenser, since the adhesive appears activated but lacks the moisture to penetrate the corrugated board fully. Top up at shift start and at roll change.
- Store correctly: If the unit is to be unused for an extended period, empty the tank to prevent residue build-up at the brushes. Keep tape rolls cool, dry and out of direct sunlight; gummed paper tape shelf life is 12 months from manufacture.
Specifications
- Model: BP222
- Type: Manual lever-action water-activated tape dispenser
- Dispense length per push: 254mm (10 inches), repeatable for longer lengths
- Maximum tape width: 70mm
- Maximum roll capacity: 100m
- Water tank: 237ml (8 fl oz), refillable, spill-resistant, eject-and-fill front loading
- Cutter: Self-contained, integrated, rated for standard and reinforced kraft water-activated tape
- Tape feed: Gum-in
- Compatible tape: standard and reinforced kraft water-activated tape
- Dimensions: 358 x 203 x 184mm (14.1" L x 8" W x 7.25" H)
- Weight: 2.72kg (6 lbs)
- Power: None required
- Warranty: 12 months parts and materials, 6 months labour
Choose the right gummed tape dispenser
Right for low-volume manual gummed tape application. If throughput requires programmable cut lengths, multi-shift consistency, a sibling unit in the range is the better fit.
- Choose the BP222 Curby Mini-Taper when low-volume gummed tape sealing is needed and a self-contained, portable manual unit fits the workspace.
- Choose the basic manual gummed paper tape dispenser when running standard 70gsm tape, when budget is the primary driver, or when dispense speed isn't critical; the basic dispenser is a simple water reservoir with hand-drawn tape and manual cutting at the bench.
- Choose the Optimax OM700 when programmable cut lengths from 150mm to 1,450mm, 60m/min throughput and a 2L water bottle for reduced refill frequency are needed.
- Choose the VARIO 555E Electronic Water Activated Tape Dispenser when high-volume e-commerce fulfilment requires a heated water tank, 14 colour-coded pre-set length keys, 1.5mm increment programming and optional infra-red carton measurement.
Frequently asked questions
Which tapes do the BP222 dispenser work with??
The BP222 cutter is specified for all of the gummed tapes in our range, RAJA Gummed Paper Tape 70gs, Reinforced Gummed Paper Tape 125 gsm and RAJA FRAGILE Gummed Paper Tape 70 gsm
Will the BP222 dispense Reinforced Gummed Paper Tape 125gsm?
Yes. The BP222 is rated for reinforced kraft water-activated tape up to 70mm wide and 100m per roll. Reinforced tape needs firm application pressure to the carton seam to achieve full fibre penetration into the board.
How long is each piece of tape dispensed?
Each push of the lever dispenses 254mm (10 inches) of moistened and cut tape. For longer lengths, push the lever a second or third time before cutting. There is no programmable length setting on the BP222: programmable cut lengths are the feature that distinguishes the electronic ranges.
What is the difference between the BP222 tape machine and the basic manual gummed paper tape dispenser?
The BP222 has a mechanical lever-action dispense, a self-contained cutter and integrated water brushes that activate the adhesive consistently across the full tape width on every push. The basic manual dispenser is a simpler water reservoir where the tape is drawn through by hand and cut at the bench, and it handles standard 70gsm tape. The BP222 reduces operator handling variability and increases dispense speed; the basic dispenser is cheaper and works with standard grades.
How often does the water tank need refilling?
One full 237ml tank activates approximately one full roll of 70mm x 100m reinforced gummed paper tape. Refill at roll change or at shift start; a near-empty reservoir produces a surface bond that fails under transit load.
Why does my gummed tape keep failing on the BP222?
Two field causes account for almost all reported failures: a near-empty water tank delivers insufficient moisture for the starch adhesive to penetrate the corrugated board fibres, and insufficient pressure on application leaves a surface bond that fails under transit load. Top up the tank at shift start and press firmly across the full 70mm width on every seam.
Does the BP222 tape machine need electricity?
No. The BP222 is fully manual with lever-action dispense. There is no power lead, no programming and no electrical components, which is why the 2.72kg unit is portable across packing stations and suitable for sites without dedicated bench power.
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