Finidng the Right Tape

I am searching for the right product for my specific application. What are some of the things I need to consider to make sure I am choosing the right product?

There are a number of things to consider when choosing any adhesive product. Below is a list of some questions to aid in the decision making process.

What materials will I be bonding?
Is the surface I will adhere to rough or smooth?
Do I want the bond to be temporary or permanent?
Will the product be used outdoors or indoors?
What type of temperatures will the product be subjected to?
Do I need the product to be moisture or solvent resistant?
Do I need the product to be ultraviolet or chemical resistant?
Will the product be subject to any unusual loads or stresses?

Knowing the answers to these questions can help you make the right decision when choosing your tape product. If you are still lost, utilize the Internet. Visit tapeinfo.com and enter any of the information you can into their Find-A-Tape, Solve-A-Tape, Compare-A-Tape and Spec-A-Tape features. This is the largest adhesive product database available and if you still can't find it yourself, a TapeInfo representative can aid in your search.

Remember, every application is slightly different. You may have other concerns such as peel adhesion or custom converting. With that being said, make sure you do not settle for a product that partially works for you when you can contact an expert who can find you exactly what you need.

Avery Dennison's EcoFriendly Initiative

How can adhesive tape and the companies who
produce and sell adhesive tape help the world go “green”?

"Avery Dennison Specialty Tape Division is doing this in several ways including lowering our carbon footprint and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in our production process and creating tapes that do not contain specific hazardous chemicals. Examples of these types of tapes include our FT 1147, FT 1149, FT 8260, FT 9361 and FT 7951. In even smaller ways, not directly tied to tape manufacturing, is our Avery Dennison EcoFriendly initiative to utilize recycled wood or fiber in our print materials."

"These are only a few ways Avery Dennison Specialty Tape Division is working to help the world go "green". For your further review I have included the key steps Avery Dennison is taking from a corporate level to make the world a "greener" place for all of us.

• Activate more energy efficiency initiatives to lower our carbon footprint and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
• Manage waste reduction through regional assessments and identification of solutions
• Achieve responsible paper sourcing through supply chain collaboration, engagement with responsible
forestry organizations and third-party chain of custody certification of operations
• Develop and offer innovative eco-friendly products
• Promote fair labor and safe factory operations by implementing global labor standards
• Meet community needs as a socially responsible company"

This information was contributed by Mr. Ronald Cooper, Regional Market Manager-North America at Avery Dennison's Specialty Tape Division. Visit http://stus.averydennison.com for more information about Avery Dennison-Specialty Tape Division.

Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Magnetic Stripes

My company produces gift, loyalty, hotel and membership cards. What are the benefits to using a PSA magnetic stripe?

A PSA or pressure sensitive adhesive magnetic stripe can be used during the manufacturing process for various types of cards, rather than employing other heat laminating methods. Magnetic stripes are secured to cards often made of plastics; take for instance your credit card. However, these cards can also be made out of other materials like polyester, paper and wood. To help identify the benefits of utilizing a PSA magnetic stripe, I consulted an expert, Nick Helfrich of Budnick Converting, Inc.

“PSA magnetic stripes require less time to laminate, which will decrease your overall production time. PSA mag stripes can also lessen a company’s capital costs, due the ability to use standard labeling and laminating equipment across different applications. The easy switchover and set-up between an assortment of customers helps simplify production for multiple jobs. These stripes also adhere to a large variety of substrates, which would alleviate problems you may incur with traditional methods. With this in mind, some manufacturers are now moving towards producing wood cards (biodegradable) over their plastic adversaries as a “green” initiative. Although, additional benefits will arise that are specific to different customers, depending on their application.”

To recap, according to Helfrich, the benefits of PSA magnetic stripes are quickness, lower capital costs, ease in equipment switchover, and their ability to adhere to many surfaces. If you are interested in learning more about pressure sensitive magnetic stripes, please share your comments and they will be addressed at the earliest convenience.

Adhesive Tape Terminology

Where can I find definitions for some of the jargon used in the adhesive tape industry?

When you are purchasing an adhesive tape it is crucial you understand the terminology used by tape vendors, manufacturers and converters to ensure you are getting the right product for your specific application. However, some of the language used by these parties is not universal with those new to the adhesive tape industry. Furthermore, it is essential to understand what certain tape specifications for your product really mean. Terms like tensile strength and tackiness are very important when pairing a tape to a precise function. There are a few online resources that can help you define those words and help you choose the right tape. One of the best online is www.tapeinfo.com. If you go to their Adhesive Tape Terms and Definitions page, you'll see a large list of terms you need to know, along with an explanation of their meaning.