In today’s design landscape, engineers and manufacturers are constantly seeking innovative solutions to enhance product performance and aesthetics. One area that presents unique challenges is bonding low surface energy (LSE) materials. These materials, such as plastics and coated glass, often require specialized adhesive solutions to achieve optimal bonding. In this article, we will explore the capabilities and benefits of low surface energy acrylic foam tape, a versatile and high-performing bonding solution.
Understanding Low Surface Energy Materials
LSE materials, characterized by their low intermolecular forces and reduced affinity for adhesion, pose significant challenges for traditional bonding methods. Common examples of LSE materials include certain plastics, silicone, teflon, and polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) substrates. These materials are widely used in various industries due to their unique properties, but their low surface energy can make it difficult to achieve strong and durable bonds.
The Power of Low Surface Energy Acrylic Foam Tape
Low surface energy acrylic foam tape is specifically engineered to overcome the bonding challenges presented by LSE materials. This advanced tape offers a range of features and benefits that make it an ideal choice for a wide range of applications.
Superior Bonding Performance
One of the key advantages of low surface energy acrylic foam tape is its ability to adhere to difficult-to-bond substrates. Whether it’s powder-coated surfaces, plastics, coated glass, ceramics, silicone, teflon, or LSE materials like PP and PE, this tape provides exceptional bonding performance. Its acrylic adhesive is specially formulated to create a permanent bond that withstands environmental factors such as UV exposure, wind, weather, impact, and vibration.
Eliminating the Need for Primers
Unlike traditional bonding methods, low surface energy acrylic foam tape eliminates the need for primers. Primers are often used as an additional step in the bonding process to enhance adhesion. However, their use can add complexity and time to production. With low surface energy acrylic foam tape, you can simplify your manufacturing process and eliminate the need for primers, saving both time and resources.
Enhanced Aesthetics and Design Freedom
The use of low surface energy acrylic foam tape opens up new possibilities for product design. By eliminating visible mechanical fasteners, such as screws and rivets, you can achieve cleaner and more aesthetically pleasing designs. The tape’s ability to conform to rough or irregular surfaces allows for greater design freedom, enabling the creation of breakthrough products with unique shapes, material combinations, and textures.
Improved Durability and Environmental Resistance
Products bonded with low surface energy acrylic foam tape exhibit improved durability and resistance to environmental factors. The tape’s excellent plasticizer resistance ensures that the bond remains strong even when exposed to challenging conditions. This makes it an ideal choice for applications in industries such as transportation, appliances, and sporting equipment, where products need to withstand harsh environments and heavy loads.
Versatility in Applications
Low surface energy acrylic foam tape finds applications in a wide range of industries and sectors. From automotive manufacturing to construction, electronics, and signage, the tape’s versatility allows for a broad spectrum of bonding needs. Whether you’re mounting electronic components, sealing windows and doors, or attaching trim to commercial storefronts, low surface energy acrylic foam tape provides a reliable and efficient bonding solution.
Carolina Custom Products will highlight 3 of the many LSE acrylic foam tapes that are most popular in the industry. The Action Tape 4004, is a black 47mil acrylic foam tape coated with an LSE adhesive. This product is popular because of it’s middle of the road thickness and ability to bond to hard to stick to surfaces. The Action Tape 4004 sticks very well to powder coated, metal, glass and painted surfaces. The Action Tape 4005 is the 62mil version of our LSE line and the Action Tape 4012 is the 90mil version. The marine, automotive, building and construction and window and door industries have very high demand for these low surface energy line of acrylic foam tape.
Choosing the Right Low Surface Energy Acrylic Foam Tape
When selecting a low surface energy acrylic foam tape, it’s essential to consider the specific requirements of your application. Different tapes offer variations in thickness, adhesive properties, and temperature resistance. Here are some key tape series to consider:
General Purpose Series
The General Purpose series is the most popular choice for a wide range of applications. These tapes feature a strong bonding general purpose acrylic adhesive coated on both sides of the acrylic foam core. They offer excellent quick stick (tack) and high peel strength, making them suitable for bonding various substrates, including aluminum, glass, and composite panels. Examples of applications for the General Purpose series include trailer body assembly, glass muntin bar bonding, and solar panel junction box mounting.
Structural Glazing and Structural Cladding Series
For demanding structural glazing and cladding applications, the Structural Glazing and Structural Cladding series is the ideal choice. These tapes provide the highest tensile, elongation, shear, and peel values to withstand the stresses and forces of structural loads. They are often used to create clean glazing lines and hold structural spandrel or composite panels in curtain wall glazing.
Low Surface Energy Series
When bonding to low surface energy substrates, such as certain powder-coated aluminums or HDPE, the Low Surface Energy series offers excellent adhesion. These tapes feature an acrylic adhesive with superior low surface energy properties coated on both sides of the acrylic foam core. Applications include bonding to automotive finishes, powder-coated aluminum stiffeners, and painted trim for commercial storefronts.
Low Temperature Series
If your application requires bonding in low-temperature environments, the Low Temperature series is the ideal choice. These tapes feature a specially formulated modified acrylic adhesive that maintains excellent bonding properties even in cold ambient conditions. They offer better quick stick and peel values while retaining strong shear and tensile strength. Typical applications include trailer assembly, refrigerated and freezer section signage, and outdoor signs in colder weather conditions.
Ultra Thin Series
When a thin profile is crucial, the Ultra Thin series delivers. These tapes provide materials starting at 6 mils (0.006″) and are suitable for applications where a thin profile tape is required. Typical applications include electronics, cell phones, tablets, laptop computers, monitors, gaming monitors, signage, and any application where a thin profile is needed.
Automotive Series
For exterior automotive applications, the Automotive series offers the strongest bonds. These tapes are specifically designed for painted and clear-coated surfaces, ensuring excellent adhesion. In some cases, an LSE adhesive may be required for certain finishes like Kynar. Typical applications include roof ditch moldings, body side moldings, satellite antenna mounting, and spoiler mounting.
Heat Activated (HA) Series
The Heat Activated series is suitable for applications requiring ultimate bond strength. These tapes are heated during the application process, creating a “weld-like” bond between surfaces. They are often used in weatherstripping or seals for automotive, RV, truck, or marine applications. The heat-activated side bonds to EPDM sponge rubber, while the liner side offers various acrylic foam tape coated adhesive systems for bonding to different substrates.
Conclusion
Low surface energy acrylic foam tape offers a versatile and high-performing solution for bonding challenging materials. Its superior bonding performance, elimination of primers, enhanced aesthetics, and design freedom make it an excellent choice for various applications. By understanding the different tape series available and their specific features, you can select the right tape to meet your bonding requirements. Unlock the potential of low surface energy acrylic foam tape and take your product designs to new heights.
