Frequently asked questions about strapping, case sealing, box taping, pallet wrapping, and industrial coding & marking equipment - answered by Cyklop Ireland's team based in Mullingar, Co. Westmeath. Can't find what you're looking for? Get in touch and we'll help.
FAQs Strapping Machines
What's the difference between PP and PET strapping?
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PP (polypropylene) strapping is the most common choice for light-to-medium loads such as cartons and small pallets, it's cost-effective and flexible. PET (polyester) strapping has much higher tensile strength and retained tension, making it better suited to heavy or rigid loads such as timber, bricks, and metal coils, and it's often used as a steel strapping alternative. Most strapping machines are configured for one or the other, so the right choice depends on your load weight and how much the load settles in transit.
Do I need a semi-automatic or fully automatic strapping machine?
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Semi-automatic strapping machines are ideal for low-to-moderate volumes. An operator places the strap manually and the machine tensions and seals it. Fully automatic strapping machines are designed for high-volume lines, integrating directly with conveyors and palletisers so loads are strapped with no manual handling. If you're strapping fewer than a few hundred items a day, semi-automatic is usually the more cost-effective starting point.
How much does a strapping machine cost in Ireland?
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Pricing depends heavily on the type: getting started with a quality handheld battery strapping tool and associated equipment, a semi-automatic table-top or pallet strappers typically run into the low thousands, and fully automatic in-line strapping systems are a larger capital investment that's usually quoted based on your specific line speed, load size and integration needs. Get in touch with Cyklop Ireland for a tailored quote based on your application.
FAQs Case Sealing Machines
What is a case sealing machine and do I need one?
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A case sealing machine (also called a case sealer or carton sealer) automatically folds and tapes the top and bottom flaps of a cardboard box. If your team is currently hand-taping boxes, a case sealer reduces labour time, gives a consistent seal every time, and reduces tape wastage from over-taping.
What's the difference between a random and a uniform case sealer?
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A uniform (or "regular") case sealer is set up for one box size and needs manual adjustment to change sizes. It's the most cost-effective option if you're mostly running one or two box sizes. A random case sealer automatically adjusts to different box heights and widths on the fly, which suits operations packing a wide variety of order sizes, such as e-commerce fulfilment.
Can a case sealer handle heavier or oversized boxes?
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Yes, case sealers are available in standard and heavy-duty configurations. Heavy-duty models use stronger drive belts and frames to handle boxes up to higher weight limits (often 30kg+), and oversized or low-profile models are available for unusually large or flat cartons. Tell us your typical box dimensions and weights and we'll recommend the right model.
FAQs Box Taping Dispensers
What's the difference between a manual and electric tape dispenser?
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A manual (hand-held) tape dispenser is the most basic option, the operator pulls tape across the box and cuts it with a built-in blade. An electric or pneumatic tape dispenser sits on a workstation and dispenses pre-cut lengths of tape at the push of a button or pedal, which is faster and reduces hand strain in high-repetition tasks.
What tape widths work with box taping dispensers?
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Most industrial tape dispensers are designed for either 2-inch (48–50mm) or 3-inch (72–75mm) tape, matching the standard widths used on automatic case sealers. The right width depends on your box size and the strength of seal required, heavier or larger boxes typically need wider tape for a secure seal across the flaps.
FAQs Industrial Coding, Marking & Printing (CIJ / TIJ / Laser)
What's the difference between CIJ, TIJ and laser coding?
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Continuous inkjet (CIJ) printers spray small, fast-drying ink droplets onto packaging and work well across a wide range of surfaces (cardboard, plastic, glass, metal) at high speed. Thermal inkjet (TIJ) printers use heat to deposit ink and produce higher-resolution print (good for barcodes and logos) but need to sit very close to the surface. Laser marking uses a focused laser beam to etch or mark the surface directly, it's contactless, has no consumable ink, and produces a permanent mark that won't smudge or wash off, which is valuable for traceability on metal, plastic, and some food packaging.
Do I need laser marking instead of an inkjet printer?
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Laser marking is generally the better choice when you need a permanent, tamper-resistant mark (for example, serial numbers on metal parts, or use-by dates that can't be altered), or when you want to eliminate ongoing ink/consumable costs. Inkjet (CIJ/TIJ) remains the better choice when you need to print variable, high-contrast information quickly across porous surfaces like cardboard cartons, where laser marking is less effective.
What information can these printers/marking systems print?
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Batch codes, best-before and expiry dates, lot numbers, barcodes (1D and 2D/QR), logos, and free text can all be printed or marked, with the print message usually set up in advance and triggered automatically as products pass the printer, important for traceability and compliance in food, drink and pharmaceutical production.
FAQs Consumables, Service & Support
Does Cyklop Ireland supply strapping, tape and ink consumables as well as machines?
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Yes, Cyklop Ireland supplies the consumables (strapping rolls, tape, inks and solvents) to match the machines it sells and services, so customers have a single point of contact for both equipment and ongoing supplies.
Does Cyklop Ireland service machines from other manufacturers?
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Cyklop Ireland have technical experience with 3rd party CIJ machines with many years of service carried out on out-of-warranty equipment. When a location is running multiple CIJs we carry out annual service and maintenance if required where our expertise is relevant. Please contact our office to discuss this in more detail.
Where is Cyklop Ireland based and what areas do you cover?
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Cyklop Ireland is based in Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, and serves manufacturers and producers across Ireland, with particular strength in the food, drink and manufacturing sectors.