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What are the different types of tape construction? There are three main types of tape construction: transfer tapes, single-sided tapes and double-sided tapes. Each tape type has different applications and typical materials, which helps to tailor the tape for specific applications.

What are the different types of tape construction?

There are three main types of tape construction: transfer tapes, single-sided tapes and double-sided tapes. Each tape type has different applications and typical materials, which helps to tailor the tape for specific applications.

Adhesive transfer tapes

Adhesive transfer tapes, unsupported tapes or free film tapes are pressure-sensitive adhesives that do not have a carrier to support the adhesive during application, but have a peel-off liner to protect the adhesive prior to application. Adhesive transfer tapes are ideal for gluing, mounting, splicing, laminating and closing due to their lamination and fast bonding properties. Transfer tapes also exhibit good adhesive wetting, shear strength and holding power at high temperatures.

Bonding transfer tapes can be further classified according to their application:

Laminated transfer tapes bond two surfaces that require compliance and flexibility during use. boyd uses these transfer tapes to achieve advanced and versatile laminated engineering material solutions.

Adhesive transfer tapes are the most common type of transfer tape and allow two different materials to be bonded together. Examples of adhesive transfer tape applications include the application of metal nameplates to plastic housings, bonding graphic overlays or for foam gaskets.

Sealing tapes Transfer tapes are used for sealing cases and bags, especially in industries with direct and indirect contact with foodstuffs. Tapes are not suitable for applications where stability, tight dimensional tolerance control during manufacture and assembly and easy installation are required.

What is single-sided tape?

Single-sided tapes are characterised by a backing film or carrier material with an adhesive applied to one side. Single-sided tapes can bond, seal and splice components together, or protect, cover or identify surfaces.

Common types of single-sided tapes:

Medical tapes are designed for use with medical devices or for applying skin applications. Traditional applications include advanced wound care, such as hydrocolloid dressings and medical disposables. Transdermal patches are specialised medical tapes with a pharmaceutical compound embedded in an adhesive that delivers prescribed medication for a set period of time.

Medical tapes are designed for use with medical devices or for applying skin applications. Traditional applications include advanced wound care, such as hydrocolloid dressings and medical disposables. Transdermal patches are specialised medical tapes with a pharmaceutical compound embedded in an adhesive that delivers the prescribed medication for a set period of time.

Insulating or electrically insulating tapes are used to electrically isolate wires, cables or electronic equipment from other components or users to improve safety and reliability. Insulating tapes typically utilise a vinyl or PVC carrier to achieve insulating properties.

Masking or protective tapes are paper or film tapes with low adhesive strength. Masking tapes protect specific areas from paint contamination, especially during the painting process. Protective tapes protect surfaces during the manufacturing process or during transport.

Packaging or strapping tapes are used to seal packages or boxes, often using a polypropylene carrier to obtain high adhesive strength.

Aluminium foil tapes are often used for HVAC and insulation applications. Other metal foils can be used to help dissipate heat from a heat source. For heavy-duty applications, duct tape is a common tape, particularly for HVAC repairs and sealing, but is not widely used in precision conversion applications.

What is double-sided tape?

Double-sided tape or double-sided tape has an adhesive on both sides of the carrier material. Double-sided tape is used for bonding, mounting, splicing, packaging and medical applications, especially medical wearables. Medical wearable devices like continuous glucose monitors are rapidly gaining in popularity and take advantage of the latest innovations in double-sided medical tapes. Double-sided adhesive foam tapes help to bond two surfaces together but still allow for compressibility and fit between the two surfaces. Foam adhesives are ideal for applications in high vibration or shock environments.