When comparing tapes and adhesives, you may consider looking at the technical datasheet to review different attributes. Peel adhesion, elongation, maximum operating temperature… all of these can be necessary components of your adhesive selection process in a critical application.

We’ve partnered with the tape experts at tesa to identify and explain the most common tape tests and what they are used for.

Elongation: The percentage in which a tape can be stretched in the machine direction (unless otherwise specified) just before breaking.

Operating Temperature: This value can be shown in various ways, but the most common is an Operating Temperature range. This will show you the temperature scale where the tape is able to perform without failure. Example: 32°F – 200°F 

Peel Adhesion: Peel adhesion is defined as the force needed to “peel” an adhesive tape from any given surface, whether flexible, smooth, or rigid. This “peel” force is always and only measured across the width of the taped substrate, making it the more difficult separating force to resist.

Shear Resistance: Shear resistance is the ability of an adhesive to resist creep or slippage. This might happen when a force is affecting a tape parallel to its bonding surface, such as when mounting a picture frame or mirror on a wall. Static shear resistance has a constant load or force applied while dynamic resistance measurements have a changing force applied.

Thickness: This can be reported in several different ways, but the most common is mils. Backing, carrier, adhesive, and liner thickness are common inclusions on product datasheets.

Tensile Strength: Tensile strength is the force (or load) required to break a tape. This property is measured by taking a one-inch-wide piece of tape, grabbing it at both ends, and then pulling in opposite directions until the tape breaks.

Looking for a product with specific technical attributes? Our Application Specialists are here to help!

Resource: tesa Wikitapia