6 Facts About Double Sided Tape

The many different types of double sided tape cater for all kinds of uses. Here are six facts you might not know about the amazing things it can do…

They offer damage free, load bearing bonding

Where conventional fastening methods require intrusive elements such as screws and nails, double sided tapes can offer strong bonding without causing any damage. While many double sided tapes are fantastic choices for affixing decorations or hanging pictures and posters, they’re also capable of bonding much heavier items, too, making them ideal solutions for professional and industrial purposes. And the huge advantage they offer for heavier bonding is that they avoid the single joint stress points of traditional methods – stress points that can eventually cause breakage and corrosion. This is because the tension is spread across the whole length of the joined surface.

Bonding with double sided tape can take time – and the right temperature

With some double sided tapes, bonding is not instantaneous. Many take up to 72 hours to form the maximum bond. In addition, temperature plays an important role in speeding up or slowing down this optimum bonding time, so it’s always worth checking out the guidelines for the specific type of double sided tape that you’re using.

You can achieve invisible bonding

The design of some double sided tapes has improved to the point where the tape appears to be essentially invisible without compromising on adhesive strength. This makes them ideal for decorative and handicraft purposes because it keeps surfaces looking smooth and clean.

They’re used in the manufacture of cars and electronic devices

Yes, seriously – and they hold parts in place for the entire lifespan of the product.

Some tapes are far stronger than you can imagine

If the last fact didn’t impress you enough, check this out – some industrial double sided tapes are so strong that they’re used in the building and construction industry to create modern buildings – including skyscrapers. The long-lasting, very permanent bonding power and incredible qualities – from viscoelastic behaviour, to resistance to UV radiation, oxidisation, chemicals, extreme temperatures and humidity – make them fantastic options for buildings across the globe.

‘Pressure Sensitive’ might not mean what you think it means

Many double sided tapes state that they’re ‘pressure sensitive’. This does not, however, mean that they’re susceptible to weakening under pressure. Instead it means that they need pressure to ensure effective bonding. Without this, the adhesive cannot necessarily attach itself onto the substrates closely enough, which prevents the bond from reaching full strength.
We offer a huge range of double sided tapes, from general all-purpose tape to a variety of polyester, foam and acrylic tapes that can meet tougher challenges. If you’re unsure as to which double sided tape is right for your application, get in touch with our team – they’ll be happy to advise you.