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If you run an automotive, aerospace, or industrial business, you are no stranger to the power of adhesive tape. Various adhesive tapes offer distinct benefits and purposes, so you need the right adhesive tape to do each job properly. Keep reading to learn everything about adhesive tapes, applications and tape adhesion strength.
What Is Adhesive Tape
In basic terms, adhesive tape is a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) applied to a backing material such as paper, film, or foil.
The tape features a rear carrier usually made of cloth, paper, or film. The adhesive is then laminated to the backing to create the adhesive tape.
The two main types of adhesive used in industrial tapes include water-based and solvent-based. Water-based adhesives come from acrylics, natural rubber, or other synthetic materials. In contrast, solvent-based adhesives come from rubber, vinyl, or other synthetic materials that dissolve in solvents such as alcohols, ketones, and esters.
Types of Adhesive Tape
There are various types of adhesive tape, each with unique benefits and applications.
Single-Coated Adhesive Tape
As the name suggests, the single-coated adhesive tape features a backing with adhesive on one side. This type of adhesive tape is ideal for general-purpose applications such as packaging, holding, and bundling. Single-coated adhesive tapes may feature various materials, including paper, cloth, film, and adhesive foil tape.
Double-Coated Adhesive Tape
The double-coated adhesive tape features an adhesive on both sides of the backing. This feature is perfect for applications where adhesive applies to both surfaces, for example in the automotive and aerospace industries.
Transfer Adhesive Tape
Transfer adhesive tape is a double-coated tape with a release liner on one side. The release liner gets removed before the adhesive tape is applied, making it ideal for applications where only one adhesive surface is needed. Transfer adhesive tapes are often used in the electronics industry.
What Is Adhesive Tape Used For?
Adhesive tape has various uses, both in the home and in businesses. This guide focuses on the industrial applications of adhesive tapes.
Construction Industry
Adhesive tape plays a vital role in the construction industry, from masking off areas during painting and decorating to holding pipes and cables in place. In addition, adhesive tapes seal joints and seams and protect surfaces from moisture and dirt.
Adhesive tapes are a critical component during building, bonding, and designing. For example, adhesive tapes attach metal panels and other materials without welding or riveting. As a result, it creates a stronger, more durable bond.
Packaging Industry
The packaging industry uses adhesive tape for various applications, from sealing boxes and packages to labeling products. Adhesive tapes also secure straps and handles and provide reinforcement.
Adhesive film tape plays a crucial role in the packaging industry by providing a physical barrier between the contents of a package and the environment. As a result, they protect products from damage during transit.
Automotive Sector
Adhesive tape is handy in the automotive sector, from holding parts together during assembly to protecting surfaces during painting and coating. In addition, adhesive tapes come in handy during hole drilling, grasping screws, and other small parts.
Adhesive tapes also help during the painting and coating processes by providing a physical barrier between the substrate and the environment. As a result, it prevents contamination and ensures a consistent finish.
Electronics Industry
Adhesive tape is necessary in various electronics industry applications, from holding parts together during assembly to protecting surfaces from moisture and dirt. In addition, adhesive tapes protect surfaces from contamination.
Adhesive tapes play a crucial role in the electronics industry by providing a physical barrier between electronic components and the environment. As a result, they prevent damage and ensure a consistent finish.
Household Appliances
The home goods industry relies heavily on adhesive tape to hold parts together during assembly. For example, traditional adhesive tapes help integrate the inner tub with the adhesive in washing machines. This step ensures a watertight seal and prevents leaks.
Waterproof adhesive tape is excellent for manufacturing other household appliances such as dishwashers, dryers, and refrigerators. Adhesive tapes have an acrylic adhesive density that helps hold parts together during assembly and prevent leaks.
What Are the Benefits of Adhesive Tape?
Adhesive tape offers several benefits, from its versatility to ease of use. In addition, adhesive tape is a cost-effective solution for various applications and different surfaces.
Adhesive tape is also a convenient way to temporarily hold parts together during assembly or repair. Adhesive tape can be easily removed when no longer needed and leaves no residue. Other pros of adhesive tapes are:
- They seal out moisture.
- Tapes withstand extreme temperatures.
- Eliminates the need for surface refinishing.
- There is no need for visible fasteners.
- Tapes can replace bolts and rivets.
- Tape is aesthetically pleasing.
- Tape is extremely lightweight.
What Tape Is the Strongest?
There are various adhesive tapes on the market, each with unique properties. The strength of an adhesive tape depends on its adhesive properties, the type of backing material, and the thickness of the adhesive layer.
The strongest adhesive tapes are industrial adhesives. Industrial adhesive and extreme force adhesive tape typically have high adhesion and strong backing material. As a result, industrial tapes and adhesives come in handy in heavy-duty applications, such as industrial and construction applications.
What Does Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive Mean?
Pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) is a type of adhesive that becomes activated upon the application of pressure. This type of adhesive is highly effective in tape, because it allows the adhesive to bond to various surfaces.
PSA tapes are available in various strengths, from low-tack to high-tack. Low-tack adhesive tapes are typically used for temporary applications, while high-tack adhesive tapes are for permanent bonding.
Final Thoughts
Adhesive tapes serve multiple purposes across industries, from holding parts together during assembly to protecting surfaces from moisture and dirt. In addition, many adhesive tape types are available in various strengths and configurations, making them suitable for multiple applications.
When selecting an adhesive tape, it is vital to consider the desired outcome and the type of surface that will be adhered to. There are various adhesive tapes on the market, each with unique properties. The strength of an adhesive tape depends on its adhesive properties, the type of backing material, and the thickness of the adhesive layer.
With numerous options in the market, you may have difficulty selecting the best adhesive tape manufacturer. Thats why we encourage you to connect with the experts at Lamart. Check out our products for various tapes, or contact us for guidance.
Do you know which type of adhesive to use in your project?
Two of todays most popular are adhesive tape and liquid adhesive. Adhesive tape and liquid adhesives have advantages that make them well-suited for different purposes.
Although Strouse specializes in cutting adhesive tape and other flexible materials, were also well-versed in liquid adhesives. If youre working on a project, you should also understand the differences to make the best adhesive choice.
Today, we will review the difference between adhesive tape and liquid adhesive and discuss which one you should use. Youll learn about their pros and cons and understand the differences well enough to decide.
Adhesive Tape vs. Liquid Adhesives Dividing Factors
While adhesive tape and liquids are powerful and effective bonding solutions in their own right, they each have their respective applications.
- Adhesive tape consists of a pressure-sensitive adhesive often attached to a paper or film backing.
- Liquid adhesive encompasses a wide variety of epoxies, glues, and resins.
Looking at either product from the perspective of the following factors will allow you to make an informed choice about your adhesive bonding solution.
#1: STRENGTH
When it comes to bonding effectiveness, strength is an essential factor to consider. Bonding strength can quickly determine whether an adhesive fails and can fluctuate based on the need for a short or long-term solution.
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LIQUID ADHESIVE
Traditionally, liquid adhesive has been thought to provide a stronger bond than adhesive tape due to its long-term reliability.
For instance, epoxies one of the oldest synthetic adhesive chemistries have a very high ultimate strength, are resistant to temperature and environmental factors, and have a long shelf-life, depending on the formulation.
Many liquid adhesives are used for structural applications, especially when the load is high and the bond area is small.
ADHESIVE TAPE
With adhesive tape, the bond is distributed over the entire adhesion surface. A uniform thickness provides a consistent coverage that also spreads out any physical impacts or bumps, lessening their impact.
Additionally, the backing of some adhesive tape helps balance different degrees of expansion of certain materials in heat or cold.
Certain adhesive tapes can match liquid adhesives bonding capabilities (one example is 3M VHB [Very High Bonding] tape), while others don't perform at the same strength level.
#2: CURING
One of the primary differences between adhesive tape and liquid adhesives is the need for curing. Ordinary glue might require time to dry and harden, but other liquid adhesives, such as epoxy, could require a chemical reaction or other external factors like heat to cure.
LIQUID ADHESIVE
Liquid adhesive must dry and harden to make a bond. The adhesives are mixed with a solvent, keeping them in liquid form until applied to a surface, which is when the solvent evaporates. The adhesive then hardens and forms a bond, which can take anywhere from a few seconds to a few hours.
ADHESIVE TAPE
Known for being always sticky; adhesive tape holds immediately upon contact. There is no need for a chemical reaction or time for drying. Pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes are always ready to use; just remove the protective liner and apply pressure. However, adhesive tape does require some time to reach its ultimate strength.
#3: APPLICATION
Applying liquids can be a very different experience than applying adhesive tape. Depending on the application process you have planned, you might accidentally run into serious issues down the road if youre not properly prepared with the suitable adhesive and equipment.
LIQUID ADHESIVE
When joining two pieces, you may want to move a piece into place or adjust it. Liquid adhesives are positionable following adhesion because they don't immediately cure, but the application process is messy.
A liquid adhesive may be easier to automate (no liner to remove, no pressure to apply). Still, it requires specialized equipment, including an applicator and additional training to get the mixing right. A liquid adhesive can drip, splash, or overflow, resulting in a sticky mess and expensive waste. Lastly, liquid adhesives dont always consistently cover the bond site.
ADHESIVE TAPE
Flexible yet easy to handle, adhesive tape can accelerate the application processes due to no drying time needed. There are no air quality concerns because theres no poisonous evaporation (some liquid primers expose employees to harsh chemicals).
Adhesive tape has a clean application, and no follow-up work is needed to remove any remains of the adhesive. With die-cut adhesive tape, shapes are cut to the parts exact dimensions (more on this below).
#4: VERSATILITY
Material versatility can affect its abilities within a single project. For instance, adhesive conductive materials can bond while transferring heat or electricity.
LIQUID ADHESIVE
Regarding versatility, many liquid adhesives are conductive and can transfer heat or electricity while maintaining an adhesive bond. Yet, this is the same as adhesive tape, and for many assemblies, either will function. Its also worth noting that liquid adhesive is not the proper joining method for all joint types.
While liquid adhesives are limited to one adhesive type for two surfaces, adhesive tapes can be laminated with other adhesives to make customized double-sided tape.
ADHESIVE TAPE
Adhesive tape can create long-lasting bonds between materials with different surface characteristics. It can be bonded to both low-surface-energy (LSE) and or high-surface-energy (HSE) substrates depending on the materials and adhesive used.
When temperatures change, a bond of other materials may experience different elongations. Over time, static and dynamic forces act on the bond and must be dissipated, which adhesive tape does.
The construction of adhesive tape allows it to be converted. Die-cutting adhesive tape into complex shapes and exact dimensions allows for accurate application and minimizes waste. Not only does this provide long-term and reliable bonding, but it also enhances sealing and dampens vibrations.
Final Thoughts
As you can tell, there are many reasons why you might choose either liquid adhesive or adhesive tape. Still, hopefully these factors have given you a better idea of which suits your current application.
Deciding between liquid or tape is only the first step of your material selection process. If youre interested in finding a low-profile adhesive to create a high-strength bond in your project, consider contacting a flexible material converter for a consultation on your application.
A converter can help with nearly any bonding challenge because they can help determine the best adhesive tape and source suitable materials for whats needed.
Consider reaching out, or you can continue learning about adhesive bonding and find more answers in our Learning Center.
Originally published: May 20,
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Tapes And Adhesives Converting Equipment. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.