What are the Differences Between Metal Foil PSA Tapes?
Made specifically for harsh environments, foil tapes are a type of PSA (pressure sensitive adhesive) tape that allow engineers to mask, shield, conduct and reflect energy, and protect components in a variety of industrial applications. These high-performance tapes come in multiple widths and are available in both electrically conductive and thermally conductive options. From aluminum to copper and more, there are many different materials that are flexible, able to handle die-cutting, and are resistant to many industrial environments. Whatever your harsh-duty needs are, there is a reliable foil PSA tape option for your application.
Why Use Foil Tapes?
Engineers and product designers choose foil tapes when they need specific properties that thin single sided film adhesive tapes lack. Foil tapes are generally used in environments that require:
A wide range of temperature resistances
High durability
Moisture barrier and resistance
Excellent chemical solvent resistance
Stretch resistance
Temperature shielding or heat dissipation
Backing reflectivity
Much more
Since there are a wide range of applications, there are many different types of foil tapes that are suitable for specific environments. These are the major types of foil tapes that offer different benefits, changing the bonding applications where they are commonly used.
About Aluminum PSA Tapes
Aluminum foil tapes are high performance tapes commonly used in appliance, aerospace, and heating and cooling (HVAC) applications. From sealing duct seams, connection, and joints to protecting against exterior elements and harmful chemicals, aluminum foil tapes have a wide range of benefits and capabilities. Most have UL 723 rated and meet International Building Code standards so they can often be combined with high temperature insulation to deflect heat exposure.
Use aluminum foil tapes if your application requires:
High resistances to moisture and vapor
Resistance to extreme temperature ranges
Reflective surfaces
Heat dissipation
Flame resistance
More thermal efficiency (in applications like refrigeration & HVAC)
Resistance to weather and UV degradation
Chemical solvents resistance
About Copper PSA Tapes
Copper tapes are ideal for electrical applications that include circuits, wire wrapping, and appliance manufacturing. Their high levels of flame retardancy (UL 510) and electrostatic shielding make them ideal for many harsh environments. The material can also be soldered for simple grounding in automotive, aerospace, and other applications.
Copper is the ideal PSA tape material if your application requires:
High flame retardancy
EMI/RFI shielding
Foil Scrim Kraft (FSK) Tapes
FSK tapes are hybrid tapes made from aluminum, fiberglass scrim, and kraft paper. These tapes are ideally suited for use in conjunction with FSK insultation, FSK ductwork, and metal sheet ducts because of their strength, ratings, and the finished look they provide.
FSK tapes are known for their:
AL foil scrim and kraft laminate backing
Tri-directionally reinforced backing that is stable and resists wrinkles and tears
Conformability
Resistance to water vapor and smoke
Foil Damping Tapes
Foil damping tapes are dead soft aluminum foil tapes that combine with viscoelastic PSAs to offer Resonant vibration control and sound dampening capabilities, along with many other resistances. These types of tapes are often used in automotive, aerospace, and commercial vehicle applications because of their ability to resist constant vibration while reducing structure borne noises. Using these tapes helps eliminate noise, vibration, and harshness at its source.
Foil damping PSA tapes are also known for their:
Mold resistance
Cold temperature resistance
Ability to meet flame retardancy requirements of F.A.R. 25.853(a) and can pass ASTM E-162 and ASTM-E 662 for flammability and smoke generation
Resistance to weather and UV degradation
Lead Tapes
Lead tapes are common in medical settings because of their ability to act as x-ray shielding, as well as being thermally conductive. Lead tapes are conformable, malleable, and can be shaped into complex patterns or die cut into various shapes.
Lead tapes are ideally used in applications that require:
X-ray shielding (radiation barrier)
A shield against electromagnetic forces
Radio frequency shielding
Electroplating
A moisture barrier
Resistance to flame, weather, UV degradation, and many chemicals