Different Types of Adhesive Tapes: Key Features and Uses

What are Adhesive Tapes?

Adhesive tapes combine a sticky film (adhesive) to materials and are used to join surfaces together. Tools such as fasteners or screws, or welding machines can often harm the surface area when used for joining or sealing processes. Adhesive tapes are highly useful when it comes to protecting the surface area.  Here is a list of adhesive tapes and their advantages and disadvantages. 

If you run a business or you work in an industrial setting, you must already know how essential adhesive tapes are! Since the market is flooded with a large number of adhesive tapes, knowing about the features, advantages, and disadvantages each type has, will help you choose the appropriate ones for your business.  Read on and learn all about the types of adhesive tapes. 

Types of Adhesive Tapes

Based on their nature of use, various types of adhesive tapes available in the market include:

• Double-sided tapes
• Electrical Tapes
• Packaging Tapes
• Gaffer Tape
• Surgical Tape
• Duct Tape

1. Double-Sided Tapes

Double-sided tapes are used to stick two similar or different surfaces together. They can be made up of either of the following materials- paper, plastic, film, and tissues. They come with adhesives on both sides. They are widely used in craft projects and construction industries. 

Advantages: 

• They have high strength 
• They are cost-effective.
• They are easy to use.

Disadvantages:

• They can leave a sticky residue on the surface when removed
• They do not work well in high temperatures

Suitability: 

They are best for lightweight mounting in offices and commercial settings. 

2. Electrical Tapes

Electrical tapes insulate electrical wires and other electricity-generating materials. They are great for quick fixes and provide long-term insulation. They are a combination of PVC on one side and adhesive on the other side. They are made of various materials, including plastic, vinyl, rubber, and fiberglass cloth. 

Advantages: 

• They prevent electrical shocks
• They protect the wire from moisture.
• They are resistant to corrosion.

Disadvantages:

• They are not very durable.
• If not used properly, they can cut through the skin.

Suitability:

They are great for quick fixes along commercial spaces.

3. Packaging Tapes

Packaging tapes or box-selling tapes offer best packaging solutions and are used for packing boxes and more.  They are made with either polyester or polypropylene. These tapes are pressure-sensitive and used in many industries. 

Advantages:

• They are long-lasting
• They provide a consistent seal every time. 

Disadvantages:

• They are sensitive to high and low temperatures. 
• They can be torn or broken easily.

Suitability:

• They perform well in areas where the temperature is not extreme.

4. Gaffer Tapes

They are pressure sensitive tapes, cloth-backed and offer very strong bonds. They have the tendency to stick to any surface, including fabrics. They are used with wires together at one place in podiums and theatres.

Advantages:

• They can bear heavy equipment or foot traffic
• They can work well in an environment with high temperatures.

Disadvantages:

• They are more expensive than the other types of tapes.
• They offer a limited waterproofing solution

Suitability:

• They are best suited to be used in media industries where they provide a matte finish that does not reflect any light.

5. Surgical Tapes

Surgical tapes are used in medical spaces and are made up of anti-allergic substances to be used on wounds and injuries. They consist of hypoallergenic adhesive material that is not harmful to the skin. This type of tape works only when applied on the skin. 

Advantages:

• They are best for patients with sensitive skin.
• They can easily be removed without hurting the patient’s skin.
• They offer a reliable hold.

Disadvantages:

• They lost their adhesive properties in moist conditions
• Some surgical tapes are not as breathable as the other ones

Suitability:

They are ideal to be used in the medical field where they provide a good support to wounds.

6. Duct Tapes

Made with polyethylene and adhesive made up of rubber, duct tapes have strong strength and waterproofing features. This makes them perfect to be used indoors as well as outdoors. They can be used on plastic, metal and wood surfaces. 

Advantages:

• They can withstand high pressure with ease.
• They can be used on a variety of surfaces.

Disadvantages:

• At very low temperatures, they lose their sticking power. 

Suitability:

They are best for indoor use. They can also be used outside for a short duration. 

Conclusion

Adhesive tapes are essentials that are used in various industries due to their range of applications. Before you invest in adhesive tapes for your business, it would be helpful to know the advantages, disadvantages and suitability of the various types available in the market. If you are in an electrical business, electrical tapes are best for you. Others can go for packaging tapes or other types, depending on the requirement. Understanding these parameters will help you make an informed choice for efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness.

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