What are the different adhesive tape types?

There are three main types of adhesive tape constructions: transfer tapes, single sided tapes, and double sided tapes. Each tape type varies in application and typical materials to help tailor the tape for a specific purpose.

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 in application but do have a release liner to protect the adhesive pre-application. Adhesive Transfer Tapes are ideal for bonding, mounting, splicing, laminating, and closure due to their conformability and fast adhesion. Transfer tapes also demonstrate good adhesive wet out, shear strength, and holding power at elevated temperatures.

Adhesive Transfer Tapes can also be further classified by what they are used for:

Laminating Adhesive Transfer Tapes bond two surfaces that need conformability and flexibility during utilization. Boyd leverages these transfer tapes for advanced multifunctional laminated engineered material solutions.

Bonding Adhesive Transfer Tapes are the most commonly used transfer tapes which hold two different materials together. Examples of bonding adhesive transfer tape applications include metal nameplate application to plastic housings, adhering graphic overlays, or for foam gaskets.

Sealing Tape Adhesive Transfer Tapes are used for box and bag sealing, especially in the direct and indirect food contact industry.

Adhesive Transfer Tapes are not ideal for applications that need stability, strict dimensional tolerance control during fabrication and assembly, and ease of installation.

Single-Sided Adhesive Tape

Single Sided Tapes feature a backing film or carrier material that is coated on one side with adhesive. Single Sided Tape can bond, seal, and splice components together or protect, mask, or identify a surface.

Common types of single-sided adhesive tapes

Medical Tapes are designed for use on medical equipment or stick-to-skin applications. Traditional applications include advanced wound care like hydrocolloid dressings and medical disposables. Transdermal patches are a specialized version of medical tape with a pharmaceutical compound embedded within the adhesive to deliver a prescription drug over a set time period.

Electrical Tape or Electrically Isolating Adhesive Tapes are used to electrically isolate wires, cables, or electronic devices from other components or users for increased safety and reliability. Electrical tapes commonly leverage vinyl or PVC carriers for their insulating properties.

Masking Tapes or Protective Tapes are paper or thin film based tapes with low adhesive strength. Masking tapes protect specific areas from paint, especially during spray painting processes. Protective tapes protect a surface during manufacturing processes or shipping.

Packaging Tape or Strapping Tape is used to seal packages or boxes and commonly leverage polypropylene carriers for its high adhesive strength.

Aluminum Foil Tape is commonly used for HVAC and insulation applications. Other metal foils can be used to help spread heat from heat sources.

For heavy-duty applications, duct tape is a common adhesive tape especially for HVAC repairs and sealing, but not leveraged widely within precision converting applications.

What are Single-Sided Adhesive Tapes?

Double Sided Tapes or Double Coated Tapes have adhesive on both sides of the carrier material. Double Sided Adhesive Tapes are used for bonding, mounting, splicing, packaging, and medical applications, especially medical wearable devices.

Medical wearables like continuous glucose monitors are rapidly increasing in adoption and leverage the latest innovations in double sided medical adhesive tapes.

Double sided adhesive foam tapes help bond two surfaces together but still enable compressibility and conformability between the two surfaces. Foam adhesives are ideal in applications with high vibration or shock environments.

Boyd’s 7 Decade Expertise in Adhesive Precision Converting

Boyd has innovated adhesive selection and converting for over 70 years and has built world class expertise in designing, handling, and processing adhesive materials while choosing the best technologies for unique applications Leverage our knowledge for your most challenging and innovative application by  reaching out to our team.