Tape cutting apparatus

A tape printer for printing images onto a multi-layer tape comprising:

• a zone for holding a supply of multi-layer tape that has a plurality of layers;
• a printing mechanism for printing images onto said multi-layer tape;
• and
• a tab cut mechanism for cutting through some but not all of the layers of the tape, the tab cut mechanism having a blade assembly which comprises:
• a cutting blade having two sides and a cutting tip;
• and
• a holder for the cutting blade, the holder having first surfaces extending outwardly from the blade in a plane substantially parallel to the tape to be cut, through which the blade protrudes, and having supporting surfaces disposed on opposite sides of the cutting tip of the blade and fixed with respect to the blade, said supporting surfaces extending beyond the first surfaces but not beyond the cutting tip of the blade for preventing the blade from piercing all the layers of the tape, wherein the first surfaces are recessed from the cutting blade and supporting surfaces by a distance sufficient to form grooves that receive adhesive buildup during use to ensure cutting of the tape to the predetermined depth, and wherein the grooves include a third surface extending between the first surface and the supporting surface that is substantially perpendicular to the first surface and the supporting surface.