CROWN PET tape for foam lamination

    It is now the most growing demand that the industries should mend their manufacturing methods in the greener and environmentally friendly ways. As the environmental awareness is increasing day by day, also the effects of global warming can now easily be seen, so there is a need to reduce the carbon footprint, for doing this there is a need to develop ecofriendly materials and recycle the used materials after they are discarded. In this article we will discus the advancement in the field of industrial tapes and sustainability in the advanced tapes, reducing the end waste and recycle what is available.Environmentally Friendly Materials in Tapes There are two parts of tapes, the backing material and the other is adhesives. The conservative adhesives that we usually use are man made polymers which are usually not biodegradable. But in recent advancements in the field of adhesives and polymers, some biodegradable adhesives which are derived from the plants have been developed. These are resins and starches which can be utilized by the environment with time. So, pollution is minimized along with the use of conservative petroleum-based adhesives. These biodegradable adhesives are not that efficient, but they fulfill some of the demands, like they can be used where short-term bond is sufficient, like in packaging and for labels etc. Now, the second part of the tapes is the backing material, these can be made using the recyclable materials like simple paper or cardboard, polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate also known as PET. We have recycling systems available at the moment that can easily recycle these materials. So, these tapes can be easily recycled. This will reduce the overall cost of the raw materials used and increases the overall profits. These recyclable tapes can be utilized as general purpose, for temporary masking, and also in electrical equipment.Materials Non-harmful to Environment Tapes are usually produced using petroleum solvents and chemical that are usually volatile and can cause harm to the environment. So solvent free and chemical free water-based adhesive are produced for the environment protection. This also prevents the worker from exposure from the harmful and toxic chemicals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are released during the production, along with the end users who uses these tapes and discard them in the end when these are no more usable. These tapes can be utilized as medical tapes where the toxicity is crucial to consider, also in other environments where the safety is crucial.Recycling of Industrial Tapes There are some recycling programs being developed by the companies which recycle the tapes after being used by the consumer, and also there are the processes which recycles the waste and discarded tapes and materials during the process, this process is also known as closed loop recycling system. In this the manufacturing scrap and side products are utilized and reduces the overall amount of virgin material used.Past consumer companies collect the discarded tapes from the consumers and the businesses and recycle them in the industry. So, with this one type of waste of all the others from landfills is eradicated and recycled making new products, which promotes circular economy. This whole recycling procedure can be facilitated by tape manufacturers partnering with other recycling facilities or making their extensions in the industry for the conversion of the waste to some useful product. So, we can see that this sustainable and eco and economic friendly way of manufacturing is beneficial for the industrialist and also for the environment. So, there is a need for educating people about this and increasing awareness of the benefits of recycling tapes and other similar products and disposing of them properly for the cause.ConclusionSustainability in industrial tape manufacture and usage is a developing field, with considerable developments in eco-friendly materials and recycling programs. By concentrating on recyclable backing materials, biodegradable adhesives, and non-toxic solvents and chemicals, the industry is making improvements reducing its environmental effect. Furthermore, recycling programs and awareness movements are critical in promoting the accountable use and disposal of industrial tapes. As the focus on sustainable systems keeps on increasing the industrial tape sector will continue to progress in the greener practices and will keep on contributing in the green and sustainable future free of conventional energies and materials.

Many industries which include automotive, electronics, aerospace, construction, and manufacturing are utilizing industrial tapes for many different functions, which includes bonding, insulating, sealing and as protective layer. So, these tapes need to be durable for fulfilling the function for which they are used. As they play critical roles in these areas, their durability is of vital importance. So, the industrial tape durability testing process is also very necessary for maintaining the standard of the tapes being used. These tests ensure that the tape being used is suitable for the harsh environments and extreme conditions they must face during the operation.Benefits of Durability TestingAs the industries mentioned above like automotive or electronics etc. which use industrial tapes for critical applications need their operations to run smoothly and without any fall. So, the tapes being used should be tested properly for the extreme conditions it has to withstand. So that any stoppages due to the failure of the equipment which is bonded with the help of the industrial tapes can be avoided. The industries prefer only those items which are fully tested and of high quality. So, the tapes manufacturers must meet the standards of the industry and should provide products that meet the norms of the industry. So, the high-quality tapes with tested durability can enhance the customer satisfaction and can promote repeated business from the same industry. Another benefit of using durable and tested tape is that there will be less need for the replacement. So, the maintenance of the equipment and downtime of the industry or operation is reduced.Durability Tests Durability tests include high temperature testing, low temperature testing, moisture and humidity test, UV, chemical, and mechanical stress testing. The tapes are tested at high and low temperatures for the changes in the adhesiveness, and the change in the backing material physical strength, its flexibility, brittleness etc.In moisture and humidity testing, the industrial tapes are tested inside of water or in damp and dry areas for the strength of the bond they make with the other surface, and for how long these can maintain this stickiness, and what will happen to them when the tapes are submerged in water, for as there are rains and floods and at many places in construction industrial tapes are used for the sealing, bonding of flooring and roof, and insulating. Similarly, in UV and heat testing, tapes are tested for long term UV radiations exposure and heat exposure from the sun or other sources, that shows how long-term exposure will affect the tapes performance. As in solar panels and electrical equipment’s in the industries face a lot of such heat and radiation during the extreme weather conditions. At some places the chemical also can affect the durability of tapes. Oils, solvents, acids and other reactive chemicals can greatly reduce the adhesiveness of the tapes, and some can absorb the adhesive layers of the tapes and some more hazardous can even dissolve the tapes backing materials even. So chemical durability testing is also important. Mechanical stress testing is very critical for testing the durability of the industrial tapes. As in industries there are many kinds of tensile and shear stresses in moving equipment. So, the tapes used there should be tested for durability for better results. The last test, which also has some significance, is the aging test that shows the long-term durability of the tapes. That for how long you don’t have to consider that tapes to tear off, or to replace it. So, the study of long-term performance of the tapes is also crucial in meeting the standards of the industry.Benefits The benefits of durability test are that it improves the product standard and performance. The customer prefers the product, as it helps with the safety of the equipment from damage, processes, and reduces the cost by minimizing replacements of tapes and equipment on which these tapes have to be used. Every industry has some standards, so these tests make us fulfil their requirements and meet their standards, and along with it when our tested tapes meet the standards, the customer gets satisfied and keep on buying the same product from us which will be beneficial for the manufacturer and the industry both. So, we can conclude that industrial tapes durability testing is of vital importance to show that the tapes can perform according to standard, in the environment they are prepared for. By testing the tapes, the manufacturers can see the pros and cons of their product and can improve further if required. These tests ensure the better performance and also the safety of the industrial operation.

Industrial tapes are now a necessity in different types of industries and other relevant sectors which include automotive, electronics, manufacturing, warehousing and many others where there is a need for tapes. And as there are versatile applications for them so there is a need for these tapes to meet the specific requirements of the task at hand, for which the parameters like thickness, width, and adhesiveness of these tapes are tailored to get the most suitable product for the required tasks and increase the performance and enhance the end results which it provides to different industries.What are industrial tapes? It is a type of adhesive tape which is specifically designed for heavy duty applications required at different areas of industries. These tapes have a basic backing material with an adhesive layer coated on single side or both sides of them depending on their application. Their material can be heat sensitive, pressure sensitive, or water resistant so that they can be utilized at harsh environments with peeling off easily and providing the required results. So, the main material of the tapes, adhesive types, and some other reinforcement of them with reinforced fibers, release liners can be tailored for meeting the specific task requirements.Customizable Parameters Thickness, width and adhesiveness are the three parameters which can be adjusted to meet the specific requirements of the work. Thickness of the industrial tapes is very important parameter as it impacts the durability and flexibility of the tapes. Thicker the tape, more durable it will be. But the flexibility depends upon the backing material of the tape. Thinner tapes are more flexible and easier to apply and concealable, so these can be used in automotive and electronics industries. The adhesive layer thickness also improves the stickiness and durability of the joint. The width of the tape also plays an important role in the usability and end gain. Different width tapes can be used for covering the areas with ease and precision. If the width of the tape is accurate for our use, then it can easily be applied on that area and the bond made with single piece tapes will be more strong and long lasting. Adhesive strength is also a crucial parameter as it is the primary function of the tape. So, the manufacturers can play with this to give the desired bond on where it will be applied. As in industries there are harsh environments, vibration, heat, humidity, and pressure etc. so at different locations different strengths will be required of the tapes and its adhesion capability so that in the mid operation any fluctuations and obstacles can be avoided. Bonding or adhesion can be of two type, permanent and temporary. Permanent adhesion is for adhering heavy objects or in construction areas, and temporary adhesion is required in areas where there will be need to move the joined item in the future without leaving any marks or residue.Application of Industrial Tapes Customizing the industrial tapes will be helpful in utilizing them in different industries and areas. These tapes can be utilized in manufacturing and assembly industries for bonding components together, and for masking to protect the surfaces when some work must be done on them. In construction there are many functions of industrial tapes like sealing, bonding of insulation materials, and surface protection. In automotives these tapes can be tailored to fix parts, protect surfaces during coating, and from chemicals. In logistics and packaging industry there is a vast need of tapes and adhesives for concealing the packages, and to protect them from environment. In medical field there is also some application of tapes, like for containing the dressing, adhering the sensors, sealing the medical equipment, and many more. So, the customization of the industrial is of crucial importance for the business and for fulfilling the need of the many. By tailoring the thickness, width, and adhesive strengths of the tapes, manufacturers can produce tapes for meeting the specific needs, improving the performance, and their useable areas. So, with the increasing technology and more advancement in materials the industrial tapes can be improved and made more useful at different locations.

Proper surface preparation is critical for industrial tape bonding because it provides stable, unified, clean, and dry substrate surface which ensures optimum adhesion of the industrial tape with the substrate material. The proper surface preparation optimizes the performance of the substrate and without a standard surface preparation, the industrial tapes will have a poor adhesion with the substrate which can lead to the potential products failures, safety hazards and increased cost due to the rework and replacement procedures. Moreover, industrial tape technology is used in various environmental conditions from high temperatures to extreme hazardous and sometime under high number of stresses. In this regard, proper surface preparation is used to provide a clean and uniform surface, which promotes a stronger and more durable bond over time. The surface preparation methods include surface cleaning, removal of grease and loose surface deposits such as in case of metals rust from the surface of metals needs to be abrade or solvent cleaned to enhance adhesion. Moreover, to achieve the high bond strength chemical pretreatment is also carried out to remove contaminations that can interfere during bonding leading to poor adhesive strength.It is noticed that in general, before employing the industrial tapes the substrate surface is prepared usually by cleaning with a mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water as shown in Figure.1. (Steps A and B). In this mixture the concertation of iso-propyl alcohol is almost 50 to 70 percent. Furthermore, industrial tape is considered as one of the pressure-sensitive adhesives. In this regard, the bond strength of industrial tapes is dependent on the adhesive contact developed between the substrate and the industrial tape. Thus, after the solvent cleaning pressure is applied which develops better adhesive contact and helps improve bond strength. In general, it is considered that the industrial tape should undergo a pressure greater than 15psi which is applied by the rollers or platens to ensure optimum bonding as shown in Figure.1. (Step C and D). The application of pressure onto the industrial tape usually increases its bond strength because in response to this the adhesive will flows onto the substrate surface leading to higher adhesion. Furthermore, it is noticed that almost 50 percent of the bond strength is achieved after a time of 20 minutes and 90 percent of the bond strength is achieved after one day and 100 percent of the bond strength is achieved after 3 days completion. However, handling Strength is typically achieved right after pressure is applied onto the surface bonded components. Whereas in various cases, bond strength can be enhanced, and highest bond strength can be achieved more quickly by exposure of the bond to elevated temperatures. Figure.1. Surface preparation of industrial tape bondingHowever, except this most of the time special surface preparations are required which include the cleaning of heavy oils from the surface. For instance, different types of degreasers or solvent based cleaner are required to remove the heavy oils or grease from the surface of the substrate and followed by cleaning with IPA/water.Moreover, there are substrate surfaces that contain thick dirt, dust contaminations in such cases the substrate surfaces are abraded and then cleaned by Iso-propyl alcohol and water mixture. Surface abrasion can serve to remove heavy levels of dirt or oxide from metals or paints and develops additional surface area to improve adhesive bonding of the industrial tape with substrate material. Furthermore, abrading is carried out to have a textured surface to obtain more flatness, allowing improved contact area and adhesion. A fine abraded surface can help adhesion to many paints and plastics. In addition to this, fine scratches on the surface, generated with circular motion rather than straight-line motion, are most desirable such as micro-scratches on a surface increases the available surface area to bond to resulting in greater initial adhesion and achieving higher bond strength. During abrasion it is a precaution to avoid grinding a surface with coarse abrasive materials, as they can create too much texture for the adhesive to adequately flow into the surface. In addition to this adhesion promotors are also used to enhance the adhesion of the substrate with industrial tapes. This surface preparation includes the application of a primer on the substrate surface which can efficiently enhance the initial and ultimate adhesion of tape to number of materials which include polymers and paints etc. Furthermore, the materials such as wood, particleboard etc. have rough, porous surfaces and due to this these materials require a prior sealing before the application of industrial tape to have a smooth and unified surface for industrial tape bonding. The most common sealing materials used are the paints, varnishes, and special coatings etc. On the other hand, there are some other materials that require a special surface preparation before industrial tape application. For instance, such material includes glass and glass-like materials and metallic materials such as copper and copper and plastics or rubber that contain components that migrate (e.g., plasticizers).