Factors to consider for choosing right industrial tape for required application

There are numerous important factors that need to be considered while choosing the industrial adhesive tape for the specific application. For instance, adhesive strength is considered as one of critical factor while choosing the industrial tapes for an application. The adhesive tapes are needed that posses the high bond strength and can bonds to a numerous types of material surfaces which makes them a suitable candidate for joining and sealing in manufacturing and construction. The strength of the adhesive is an important consideration while packaging goods or securing items.  In general, thicker tape with high tensile strength is suitable for heavy-duty tasks, while thinner tapes may suffice for lighter applications. On the other hand, the other factor is the environmental condition. The tape used for the specific application must ensure higher environment resistance against extreme temperatures or moistures etc. The significance of using industrial tape is that they provide an environmentally friendly solution as compared to the conventional sealing materials. 

Now a days mostly, Eco-conscious options are considered such as paper-based tapes and water-activated tape. These alternatives are biodegradable and recyclable, making them more environmentally friendly choices. Furthermore, Cost consideration is another factor that must need to be consider when selecting adhesive tape. For instance, high-quality adhesive tape with optimum cost normally fulfills packaging requirements that can ultimately save business money in the long run by reducing waste and resealing costs. However, selecting a low-quality tape solely based on price can result in increased expenses due to lost or damaged shipments. To determine the best value, evaluate the cost per roll or per unit of length. In addition, substrate compatibility is also important such as the type of surface which you intend to apply tape to is important. It is necessary that the adhesive tape that is chosen must be compatible with the substrate, whether it’s cardboard, plastic, metal, or fabric. Incompatibility can result in weak bonds and potential damage. Most importantly, the surface to be bonded is also an important factor while choosing an industrial adhesive tape. The surfaces possess different features such as adhesive compatibility, anti-adhesive properties, surface tension wettability surface tension, permeability. All these parameters of the surface must need to be considered while looking for the surface that needs to be bonded. 

Additionally, the surface that needs to be bonded must be smooth corrugated and uneven. Moreover, surface energy of the substrate material must also consider important as different materials have unique surface energies, which can dictate adhesive decision. For instance, if a material has low surface energy, it is more difficult to apply adhesives. In this regard the surface energy should be an optimum value.

Figure.1. Different surfaces with their specific morphologies and surface energy

Subsequently, while choosing the adhesive tape consideration of application-specific requirements is also important because different applications demand for the different adhesive tape. For example, the application specification that must need to be considered includes the temperature resistance such as environmental parameters play a significant role in adhesive tape performance. For instance, if the application possesses extreme temperatures, like freezing cold or scorching heat, so it must be ensuring the tape can withstand these conditions. In this regard, temperature resistance tapes must be chosen of weather conditions and climate, as temperature-resistant tapes are critical to maintaining the integrity of seals and bonds. However, some indoor factors include storage conditions, humidity, chemicals, and dust. Some outdoor factors include UV rays, water, wind, ice, humidity, chemical and acid contact. Exposure to outdoor elements such as submersion under chlorine or salt water or air pressure during aviation can cause strain on the shelf-life of some tapes.

In addition, the chosen tapes must possess waterproofing characteristics because Waterproof adhesive tape is vital if the application with outdoor displays or require packaging for products that might meet moisture. It prevents water leakage, keeping packages and products safe. Moreover, the tape chosen must have UV resistance because these rays from the sun can weaken adhesive tape over time, causing them to lose their grip. UV-resistant tapes are essential for outdoor applications, such as signage or vehicle branding, to maintain longevity.

Figure2. Different environmental conditions faced by the industrial adhesive tape sealings

Other factors include the width of industrial adhesive tape can impact both its effectiveness and cost. For example, there is a standard tape width that varies from 1.5 to 3 inches. Thus, the wider the tape, the more coverage it provides, which can enhance the tape’s sealing ability. However, wider tape may result in higher material consumption. Moreover, the industrial tapes also need to have the high durability. Durable tape can withstand rough handling during shipping and prevent tampering.  There are numerous tapes that provides additional features like tear resistance, which can further enhance durability.