A device and a method for applying tape to one or more sheets of material in a moving line-up. The device can include a tape applicator, a sensor, a tape cutter, a tape gripper, an engagement-initiation press, and a hold-down portion. During intermittent operation, the tape applicator is moved away from the sheets of material causing an unattached tape portion to extend from the tape applicator to a final connection point on the sheets of material. The tape cutter and the tape gripper are configured to cut and grip the unattached tape portion. As tape application is restarted, the engagement-initiation press is lowered to hold the end of the tape in place. The hold-down portion prevents the sheets of material from shifting out of alignment as tape is applied by the tape applicator. The sensor can be used, for example, to detect gaps between the sheets of material.