Pressure-sensitive tapes offer a host of benefits in the development of products and assemblies. They cost less than mechanical fasteners, are easier to apply, and typically don't require specialized tools during application. Bonding surfaces can also occur at different times and locations.
Perhaps the most important advantage of using adhesive tapes and materials is the ability to bond dissimilar surfaces together, including:
- Wood
- Metal
- Foam
- Plastic
- Glass
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The challenges in bonding different materials together arise from its surrounding elements and a change in the coefficient of thermal expansion, meaning surfaces and materials could expand and contract at different rates. Pressure-sensitive tapes are visco-elastic, so they provide a more flexible bond. Unlike a rigid mechanical fastener bond, the adhesive bond moves with the different substrates, while temperature often causes them to expand and contract. Visco-elastic is also able to absorb and dissipate stress, which further protects and strengthens the bond.
Photo Credit: 3M
One major benefit of using adhesive tapes and materials occurs while attaching metal to metal. In this application, the adhesive material acts as an insulator and prevents galvanic corrosion from occurring. Dissimilar metals and alloys have different electrode potentials. The reactive difference between the electrodes is the driving force for an accelerated attack on the anode metal, which leads to the metal corroding more quickly than it otherwise would. Adhesive materials provide a barrier to prevent this reaction from occurring.
Photo Credit: 3M
Adhesive tapes and materials can also provide insulation and a barrier of thickness between parts. Insulating tapes combine different types of materials, such as foam, film, paper, or cloth with rubber, acrylic, or silicone adhesives. The adhesives can also be formulated to provide resistance to extreme temperatures and abrupt temperature shifts. Insulating tapes and adhesive materials are ideal for projects that require electrical or thermal insulation.