Frequently asked Questions

What are Pressure Sensitive Tape?

Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Tape is a bonding solution in which the adhesive of the tape is extremely strong and tacky even at an ambient temperature. The strong adhesive of the tape helps it to adhere on a multitude of surfaces easily without applying extreme pressure.

There are a variety of PSA Tapes among which there are tapes that are non-sticky at an ambient temperature and need an activator such as heat, water or solvent, to facilitate the bonding of the tape to the surfaces.

Firm pressure must be applied when applying the tape to the surface as the pressure applied while sticking the tape decides the degree the contact between the adhesive and the surface, hence determining the strength the of the bond.

  1. The materials are lightweight and finer.
  2. Easy to bond different materials as they are highly compatible.
  3. Helps in reducing the assembling time.
  4. Eradicates the requirement of refinishing or refurnishing the surface.
  5. Ensures an esthetical look as it helps in eliminating the need for mechanical fasteners.
  6. Uniform thickness ensures stability and helps in filling the gaps efficiently.

It is suggested to consider various factors while choosing a tape for a particular application other than its ability to fulfill its purpose and avail various benefits while using a single product.

  1. Appearance or the esthetics of the product.
  2. The surface type on which the tape is to be used, for instance smoothness or high energy of the surfaces.
  3. The longevity of the bond.
  4. The tape’s bond – permanent or temporary.
  5. The tape’s ability to withstand harsh temperature, humidity, UV rays, etc. and the duration for which it can withstand these extreme conditions.
  6. Environmental conditions of the surface to which the tape must applied, for example presence of chemicals, plasticizers, etc.
  7. The  strength of the bond and the duration of the stress inflicted on the bond.
  8. Transparency.
  9.  Nature of use for the tapes’ bonding solution.
  10. Resistance to fire and flames.
  11. Price of the tape in comparison to its performance and importance.

Surface Preparation

All surfaces need to be prepared thoroughly before applying the adhesive tapes. The surface must be prepared by cleaning it from any kind of moisture, grease or dust particles using a cleaning solution or a cloth. If the surface has lint or any form of particle on it, the tape will bond itself to the contaminant and not the surface, reducing its effectiveness and strength of the bond. To avoid this, one must use cleaning solutions like Isopropanol alcohol IPA as it evaporates quickly and does not leave any kind of residue on the surface. Use a tissue paper or lint free cloth along with the cleaning solution. Wipe the surface in one direction only to avoid contamination by lint or particulate matter. It is recommended to apply the tapes on the surfaces at an ambient temperature in order to reduce the possibility of condensation and contamination so as to maintain a strong bond between the adhesive and the surface for a long period of time.

Application

It is important to apply pressure while bonding the tape to the surfaces ensuring a secure and strong bond as it increases the surface contact and molecular attraction between the surface and the tape. The time and temperature also impact the adhesion abilities of the tape, therefore the adhesive must be wetted out for a longer period of time for a stronger adhesion as the molecules gets more time to react and form a strong bond. The recommended wetting out period lasts between 24 to 72 hours, varying according to the adhesive technology used in the bonding solution.

Pressure adhesive tapes are recommended to be stored at ambient temperatures in order to maintain their tackiness and the bonding strength of the adhesive. Extremely high or low temperatures may lead to the deterioration of the adhesive solution or backing material affecting its strength and overall adhesion. The rolls of adhesives in their original packaging must be stored in a controlled environment at 72 °F/ 22 °C and 50% RH, away from direct sunlight.

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