Double-sided adhesive tapes and die-cuts
Double-sided tapes and die-cuts made of them constitute the largest group of mounting tapes in terms of application and variety. In terms of structure, they are significantly different from the adhesive films I wrote about earlier [read the article about adhesive films]. This is due to the presence of the so-called carrier on the surface of which on both sides has been applied glue, which is protected with a backing material-liner
The features of the carrier and the properties of the adhesive are the basic parameters that determine the purpose and use of double-sided adhesive tapes.
Depending on the thickness and features of the carrier, we can divide adhesive tapes into thin ones, where the carrier is usually a thin film, and thick ones, where the carrier can be, for example, polyethylene foam with thickness of even several millimetres.
Double-sided tapes and die-cuts made of them constitute the largest group of mounting tapes in terms of application and variety. In terms of structure, they are significantly different from the adhesive films I wrote about earlier [link to the article about adhesive films]. This is due to the presence of the so-called carrier on both sides, to which the adhesive, protected with a liner, has been applied.
The features of the carrier and the properties of the adhesive are the basic parameters that determine the purpose and use of double-sided adhesive tapes.
Depending on the thickness and features of the carrier, we can divide adhesive tapes into thin ones, where the carrier is usually a thin film, and thick ones, where the carrier can be, for example, polyethylene foam with thickness of even several millimetres.
“Thin” double-sided adhesive tapes
Among them we distinguish those made on a film carrier, e.g., PET or PVC, or those with a paper or tissue carrier.
The thickness of tapes in this group ranges from 0.05 mm to around 0.35 mm (without liner).
The presence of the carrier in thin double-sided adhesive tapes provides an opportunity to use an adhesive of different parameters on its both sides. They are adjusted to the properties of materials being bonded or functions of the solution. It is another feature which distinguishes adhesive tapes from adhesive films. In the case of double-sided tapes used for permanent bonding we can come across tapes with different thickness of the same adhesive on each side of the carrier, or tapes with different adhesives. Then, for instance, one is dedicated to HSE substrates (easy bonding), and the other to LSE substrates (difficult bonding). Due to functionality of the bonding, the tape may have a permanent adhesive on one side and an easily removable adhesive on the other.
As a manufacturer of mounting die-cuts made of double-sided adhesive tapes and a converter of double-sided adhesive tapes we offer a wide range of tapes of renowned manufacturers. As I have already mentioned several times, there is no universal product when it comes bonding. That is why we approach each project individually by carrying out the right number of tests in our laboratory so that we can be 100% certain that what we have offered will meet the expectations of our customer.
Etisoft – the Official 3M preferred converter
3M, whose wide portfolio of adhesive products makes it possible to satisfy the needs of many customers from virtually all industries, is one of our major suppliers of consumables. Here are two noteworthy examples:
3M GPT-020 and GPT-020F are tapes with particularly good parameters and a wide range of applications. They are available on paper and foil liner respectively.
Basic properties:
- high tear and shear strength
- high initial adhesion
- high UV resistance
- high transparency
- perfect for HSE and LSE surfaces
- temperature range from -23oC to 148oC
- carrier – PET foil
- thickness of 0.200 mm – without liner
- solvent-free acrylic adhesive.
A wide range of applications in many industries:
- production of displays for electronic devices
- bonding of decorative or soundproofing elements in the automotive industry
- production of self-adhesive strips or feet in the furniture industry
- production of packaging
- production of metal nameplates and other information elements
- tacking of fabrics or leather materials
- lamination of various materials, polyethylene foams, felts.
3M 9629PC is a tape with remarkably high adhesion to many plastics with low energy properties such as ABS, polycarbonate, polypropylene, and powder coated surfaces. Die-cuts made of this tape are used where permanent bonding of plastic surfaces is required.
- household appliances – for bonding of plastic elements of a housing
- automotive industry – bonding of internal decorative elements
- electronics – bonding of plastic elements.
Basic properties:
- high tear and shear strength
- high initial adhesion
- high resistance to UV and solvents
- perfect for LSE surfaces
- resistant to high temperatures, temporarily up to 180oC
- carrier – PET foil
- thickness of 0.100 mm – without liner
- acrylic adhesive.
Why do we use adhesive tapes?
- an adhesive layer of equal thickness on the whole surface of the elements being bonded
- quick time of tape or die-cut application
- clean and aesthetic bonding through adjustment of the tape width or dimensions of the die-cut to the design
- immediate bonding of the adhesive
- possibility of bonding materials of different physical and chemical properties
- they form a tight bonding
- they prevent the moisture ingress – the bonding is made with the use of tapes with a synthetic carrier
- clean and aesthetic bonding
- clean working environment in comparison with the use of adhesives in the form of liquid or paste
- they reduce the weight of the product if screw joints can be replaced with tapes.
If double-sided adhesive tapes or die-cuts made of them are products that can be used in your company, contact us!
