Machine-rated hot melt tape for fast, uninterrupted case sealing
3M 3739 machine tape is a 35-micron tape with polypropylene backing for use in automatic and semi-automatic case-sealing machines, where consistent high-speed unwind and instant adhesion on recycled fibreboard are needed. The artificial hot melt rubber adhesive grips immediately on contact and is engineered for fast machine application speeds. Available in brown and transparent, 48mm wide on 990m rolls. Shelf life is 18 months from manufacture.
Sold in packs of 6 rolls, priced per roll.
Where does 3M 3739 machine tape work best?
It’s built for operations where tape is applied by machine rather than by hand, and ensures fast, consistent unwind and immediate adhesion at speed.
- Automatic and semi-automatic case-sealing machines in fulfilment, manufacturing and distribution operations where consistent throughput at speed is required.
- Lines sealing on recycled or high-fibre carton board where the hot melt rubber adhesive provides strong immediate adhesion regardless of board surface variation.
- High-volume packing lines where the 990m roll reduces reel change frequency and machine downtime compared to standard 66m or 132m hand-application rolls.
- Operations already using the 3M Scotch 3739 hand grade and looking for a Scotch 3739 machine equivalent at the same 35 micron film thickness and film specification.
Not suitable for
- Hand or dispenser application: this tape is designed for machine use only; for hand and dispenser sealing at the same 35 micron weight use 3M Scotch 3739 heavy duty polypropylene tape.
- Operations requiring kerbside recyclability: polypropylene tape isn’t accepted in the kerbside paper stream.
How to use
Machine tape behaves differently from hand tape; the hot melt rubber adhesive is engineered for the tension and speed of a case-sealing machine, and applying it at incorrect machine settings can cause skipping, edge lift or inconsistent seals.
- Load and thread correctly: Follow the machine manufacturer's loading procedure for the 990m roll; the larger reel diameter compared to short-format rolls may require an adjustment to the reel holder or guide arm on some machines.
- Check carton flap condition: Machine-applied tape relies on consistent flap pressure from the machine head; damaged, uneven or overfilled carton flaps that prevent the machine from closing correctly will produce weak seals regardless of tape grade.
- Run a test seal before production: After loading a new reel, run several test cartons and inspect the seal edges for full adhesion contact before resuming full production speed.
- Store correctly: Store at 18–25°C, maximum. Shelf life is 18 months from manufacture; rotate stock on a first-in, first-out basis to avoid reels expiring before use.
Specifications
- Backing: Polypropylene (BOPP)
- Adhesive: Artificial hot melt rubber
- Film thickness: 35 micron
- Total thickness: 56 micron
- Width: 48mm
- Length per roll: 990m
- Weight capacity: <30kg
- UV resistance: No
- Shelf life: 18 months from manufacture
- Storage: 18-25°C
- Colour options: Brown, transparent
- Application method: Machine only
- Recyclability: Not recyclable at kerbside; polypropylene film isn’t accepted in the paper recycling stream
Choose the right tape
Product FAQs
Why is the roll 990m rather than 1,000m?
990m is a standard machine tape reel length for Scotch 3M products in this range; the length is determined by the reel winding specification rather than a round-number target. In practice the difference from a 1,000m reel is negligible in terms of changeover frequency on a production line.
Can this tape be applied by hand in an emergency if the machine is down?
This tape is recommended for machine use only. The tape isn’t rated for hand or dispenser application; using it manually may produce inconsistent adhesion.
Also useful
- Polypropylene tape: all grades from economy to reinforced filament covering a wide range of package weights.
- Cardboard boxes: robust corrugated cardboard, available in all grades, providing reliable protection across a variety of goods.
- Packaging labels: achieve everything from storage and successful item shipment with a comprehensive selection of labels.
