Noisy or low-noise unwinding? For brown PP packing tape, the question first sounds like a minor detail. Anyone who seals parcels all day, however, hears the difference with every roll. Using three tapes from our range, this comparison shows what the product data says about noisy and low-noise tapes and what to look for when choosing one. You will find more tapes in the adhesive tapes category.
The three tapes at a glance
All three tapes are brown, 50 mm wide, 66 m long and have a core diameter of approx. 76 mm (3 inches). This means they fit the same hand dispensers and desktop dispensers. The values are taken from our product data.
| Criterion | PP loud unwinding 40my | PP silent unwinding 46my | PP silent unwinding 42my |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unwinding | loud | quiet | quiet |
| Total thickness | 40 µm ± 6% | 46 µm ± 6% | 42 µm ± 6% |
| Backing thickness | 25 µm | 28 µm | 25 µm ± 3% |
| Adhesion to steel | 220 g/cm ± 10% | 230 g/cm ± 10% | 220 g/cm ± 10% |
| Tear or tensile strength | 4.0 kg/cm ± 10% | 4.5 kg/cm ± 10% | 4.0 kg/cm ± 10% |
| Elongation | 150% ± 10% | 150% ± 10% | 150% ± 10% |
| Adhesive in product data | not specified | not specified | water-based acrylic |
The values are manufacturer specifications with the stated tolerances. The respective product page is authoritative.
What "loud" and "quiet" mean in practice
The terms refer to the sound made when the tape is pulled off the roll. A noisy tape makes a clearly audible sound while unwinding. A low-noise tape comes off the roll more quietly. With a single box, this hardly matters. At a packing station where several people close boxes for hours, however, it adds up.
When the noise matters
Unwinding noise mainly affects the workstation itself. In open warehouse and dispatch areas where people are talking or on the phone at the same time, a quiet tape can be more pleasant. In a hall that is loud anyway, the difference tends to fade into the background.
What the noise does not tell you
Whether a tape unwinds loudly or quietly says nothing about its holding power on its own. Values such as adhesion, tear strength and thickness are more meaningful here. So always compare the technical data rather than just the product name.
The tapes in detail
Noisy unwinding with 40 µm total thickness
The Adhesive tape PP loud unwinding 40my NN 50mmx66m Brown has a total thickness of 40 µm ± 6%, an adhesion to steel plates of 220 g/cm ± 10% and a tear strength of 4.0 kg/cm ± 10%. According to the product description, it is suitable for manual and machine packaging.
Low-noise unwinding with 46 µm total thickness
The Adhesive tape PP silent unwinding 46my NN 50mmx66m Brown is the thickest of the three tapes. It reaches 230 g/cm ± 10% adhesion and 4.5 kg/cm ± 10% tear strength. According to the product data, this tape is also intended for manual and machine packaging.
Low-noise unwinding with 42 µm and acrylic adhesive
The Adhesive tape PP silent unwinding 42my NN 50mmx66m Brown uses a water-based acrylic adhesive. At 220 g/cm and 4.0 kg/cm, its adhesion and tensile strength match the noisy tape. The product data gives temperatures of 18-25 °C for storage and processing.
Which tape for which job?
Dispatch area with several packers
Where several people pack side by side, a low-noise tape is worth considering. If you seal heavier boxes, also look at the higher tear strength of the 46my tape.
Warehouse with a steady room temperature
In heated warehouses, the 42my tape with acrylic adhesive can be a good fit. Keep an eye on the temperature range for storage and processing given in the product data.
Production with a carton sealing machine
For machine packaging, the product data explicitly states suitability for the noisy tape and the low-noise 46my tape. Check in advance whether width and core fit your machine.
Frequently asked questions
Does a low-noise tape hold less well?
That cannot be said in general. In our comparison, the low-noise 46my tape even has the highest values for adhesion and tear strength. What counts is the technical data of each individual tape.
Do all three tapes fit the same dispenser?
All three are 50 mm wide and have a core diameter of approx. 76 mm. So they fit dispensers designed for this width and core size.
What does "my" in the product name mean?
"my" stands for micrometres (µm) and refers to the total thickness of the tape. A 46my tape is therefore 46 µm thick.
How can I tell whether a tape unwinds loudly or quietly?
The version is stated in the product name and in the product data, for example "PP adhesive tape (loud)" or "PP adhesive tape (quiet)".
Summary and next steps
Loud or quiet is mainly a question of the workplace. For holding power, thickness, adhesion and tear strength are what matter. Compare the tapes according to your application, not just by their sound.
You will find all tapes under adhesive tapes. We are happy to advise you: +49 2237 628095-00, Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.