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Below, I would like to delete quite a few words about the adhesive tapes.
ADHESIVE TAPES
Now that we know little about the adhesive and its properties, we can ask ourselves why we need the tape? What marks out them from the adhesive itself?
The tape is a specific modification of the adhesive and, unlike in it:
ADHESIVE TAPES
Now that we know little about the adhesive and its properties, we can ask ourselves why we need the tape? What marks out them from the adhesive itself?
The tape is a specific modification of the adhesive and, unlike in it:
- usually has a shape (thickness, width)
- allows for virtually instantaneous bonding (which is not obvious in case of adhesive only)
- provides a clean connection (no drips or dribbles)
Adhesive tapes (in the context of the application) can generally be divided into two groups:
- double-coated tape (used as adhesives to combine elements). These are thin strips, adhesive films and thick tapes,
- single-coated tape that can be used for many activities (mainly support).
ADHESIVE OR ADHESIVE TAPES - PRELIMINARY SELECTION
In fact, the decision of what to choose when we want to use tape or adhesive (and also if bonding should be used at all) is affected by many factors:
Materials:
In fact, the decision of what to choose when we want to use tape or adhesive (and also if bonding should be used at all) is affected by many factors:
Materials:
- the properties of materials *
- a mismatch between the surface
- pollution,
Structural issues:
- designing a connection
- the load to which it is exposed (fixed, variable, vibrations - the type, value, etc.).
Technology issues (production), eg:
- the time of the operation,
- of equipment owned,
- the application temperature,
- OSH,
Environmental conditions:
- of atmospheric or other
- of temperature (volume, change)
Additional requirements such as:
- aesthetics,
- non-flammable,
- contact with food,
- price
When we know what is the final product and what is its use (to understand how and under what circumstances the item will then work) - many of issues mentioned above become apparent.
When you decide to combine / glue, then you should think about this at the design stage of this element, to take into account the requirements that the use of glue or tape gives. A common mistake is to set down the selection of solutions to the very end of the decision-making process ("it somehow clog") and then we begin to grapple with the problems that would not exist, if we predicted way of adhesion, taking into account both its advantages and limitations.
Putting the question of where and when to apply adhesives and tapes, immediately, they can be grouped into those to connect (double-coated adhesives and tapes) and those for other tasks (usually single-coated tape).
CONNECTING ELEMENTS
(Double-coated adhesives and tapes)
In the first case - combining of elements – adhesives are often used (appropriately selected according to the guidelines above). Tapes are mostly used in applications where combination is required as fast (which sometimes can be accomplished with the use of adhesive eg cyanoacrylic or melt), clean (one of the main advantages of tape) or a previously prepared (by applying the tape to one side - and the process of combination of elements takes place in a different places and is done by individuals often without adequate preparation or knowledge).
Tapes are generally used for connections that are not extremely strong, but as I mentioned earlier it is not always what we should strive to. Tapes (especially acrylic foam tape VHB ™) often have properties that exceed the properties of adhesives:
- very high strength and durability,
- homogeneity of the material (in terms of loads passing)
- energy absorption capability (in case of dynamic loads)
- long-term relaxation of static stress (no stress in combination)
- simultaneous bonding and sealing,
- the ability for large deformations,
- damping (mute)
Thanks to it, the tapes can be used in a wide range of applications - from the packaging, printing, advertising for construction, household appliances and electronics to automotive and even aviation.
OTHER TASKS
OTHER TASKS
(single-coated tapes)
The second group – single-coated tape can be applied to the other solutions (usually unrelated to the details’ combining). These are:
- packing - popular tapes and tapes reinforced with glass fibers,
- securing surface e.g. temporary protective film for displays or plate surfaces, permanent preservation in the automotive and aviation
- mask - a typical masking tapes to ensure equal cut of colors (like straight lines and curves) and the high temperature tapes used in powder coating or electrochemical processes,
- marking (labels and tapes themselves),
- electrical and thermal insulation (PVC tape, fiberglass)
- mounting light elements (DUCT tape - the third hand),
- moisture barrier, heat and light reflection, heat conduction, slip improvement and many others (tape, aluminum, UHMW PE, teflon).
In a sense, single-coated adhesive tape also connects - but only the surface of the substrate with a second surface (which is, however, tape carrier, not a foreign surface).
CONCLUSION
The use of adhesives and adhesive tapes is a wide field (talking about the number of possible products), not even a crossbow to be exhausted. When asked - which solution - glue or tape - is better, there is no really one right answer. It depends on many factors, partly dependent and partly independent from us.
However, we need to be aware that it is difficult to find the area of industry which dispenses with adhesive. Let us therefore learn more about this matter.
*- Some materials do not stick at all or very little – this issue will be mentioned in one of the next editions of the newsletter
More information
gzabek@etisoft.com.pl
Developed based on materials from 3M.
CONCLUSION
The use of adhesives and adhesive tapes is a wide field (talking about the number of possible products), not even a crossbow to be exhausted. When asked - which solution - glue or tape - is better, there is no really one right answer. It depends on many factors, partly dependent and partly independent from us.
However, we need to be aware that it is difficult to find the area of industry which dispenses with adhesive. Let us therefore learn more about this matter.
*- Some materials do not stick at all or very little – this issue will be mentioned in one of the next editions of the newsletter
More information
gzabek@etisoft.com.pl
Developed based on materials from 3M.
