Making the Best Choice Between Adhesive Transfer Tapes and Double-Sided PSA Tapes
Whether you're in the automotive, aerospace, electronics, or any other industry, choosing the right pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) tape based on your specific bonding challenge means understanding the unique benefits each type of tape provides. Two similar but unique thin bonding PSA tape options are adhesive transfer tapes and double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes. What are their distinctive features, strengths, and ideal applications?
We can help you make the best decision for your application.
What are Adhesive Transfer Tapes and Double-Sided PSA Tapes?
Adhesive transfer tapes are a type of pressure sensitive adhesive tape used for attaching two substrates. Unlike traditional PSA tapes with an adhesive attached to carrier or backing, transfer tapes consist of a thin layer of adhesive coated on a paper or film liner that can be released on demand. This construction provides the ability to handle and apply the adhesive during application. Adhesive thicknesses will vary typically from 2 mils to 10 mils and liner thickness and stiffness can also vary depending on the needs of the application.
Adhesive transfer tapes also differ from thin double-sided tapes (also known as double coated tapes), which have a thin layer of adhesive coated on either side of a carrier (PET, polypropylene, paper, etc.). A release liner, which can be removed upon application, is also attached to one side of the adhesive. Carrier thicknesses start at 0.5 mils and can be thicker. Typical adhesive thicknesses laminated to either side start at just over 1 mil.
Both adhesive transfer tapes and double-sided tapes are known for their versatility and are widely used in the manufacturing of vehicles, electronics, and other products. These PSA tapes provide a reliable and permanent bond between surfaces while offering ease of application and a discreet finish. They can come coated with acrylic, rubber, silicone, or butyl adhesives.
Thin Double-Coated (DC) PSA Tapes vs. Adhesive Transfer Tapes
Should manufacturers and product designers use thin DC tapes or adhesive transfer tapes? Both types of PSA tapes have specific strengths that lend themselves to solving unique bonding challenges.
The benefits of using thin bonding PSA tapes include:
Clean appearance: the thin profile of these PSA tapes makes them less noticeable when applied, leading to a sleeker and often more aesthetically pleasing finish.
High strength: the varying adhesive options on these PSA tapes allow them to form a strong bond no matter the application.
Ease of application: there is less mess and material waste when applying these types of PSA tapes. This can speed up assembly times and reduce cleanup costs and labor time.
Temperature resistance: double-coated PSA tapes have temperature resistance that range from 150-350°F, and few options can resist as much as 400°F.
Quick bonding: the dwell time for these types of PSA tapes can be low, allowing for fast adhesion.
Minimal bond fracture: the viscoelasticity of these PSA tapes allows them to be malleable and resist becoming brittle or cracking.
Full customization: adhesive tapes can be die cut into customizable parts and shapes, allowing them to be quickly applied to complex products with little material waste.
Chemical and solvent resistances: from oils to common chemicals, these tapes have a wide range of resistances. They can be exposed to a lot during their lifetime without degradation.
Bond to many different types of surfaces: from metals to plastics, LSE and powder-coated surfaces, these PSA tapes bond well to all sorts of substrates. Because they are double-sided, bonds can also be easily made between different substrates.
Bond at different times: PSA tapes allow for attachment to one surface without removing the liner to expose the other side. Parts then may be staged or shipped with the liner in place to be removed and bonded at a later date.
The Benefits of Double Coated PSA Tapes
Dimensional stability in application: the carrier used in double coated tapes provides the tape the dimensional stability which can ease in handling the tape.
Stabilizes the substrate: double coated tapes provide added stability to the ultimate part. This can be critical with flexible materials like foam parts when stretching and distortion is unwanted.
Differential tape constructions: in applications where two different PSAs are required, only double coated tapes will fit the bill. Common constructions include permanent bonding adhesive with a removable adhesive like 3M™ 9425 Removable Repositionable Tape and a general-purpose adhesive with a silicone adhesive like 3M™ 9731 Double Coated Tape.
The Benefits of Using Adhesive Transfer Tapes
Even thinner profile: adhesive transfer tapes can be even thinner than double counted tapes, with some varieties being between 1-5 millimeters thick.
Better conformability: while double-sided PSA tapes can conform to complex surfaces, adhesive transfer tapes offer even more conformability, allowing them to adhere to surfaces with extremely complex structures. This also makes them ideal for rough, porous, or heavily contoured surfaces, as the adhesive can flow into small spaces.
Higher temperature resistance: silicone adhesive transfer tapes can resist temperatures up to 500°F, and acrylic transfer tapes, like 3M™ Ultra High Temperature Adhesive Transfer Tape 9085 which can resist temperatures of up to 550°F.
The Ideal Applications for Adhesive Transfer Tapes and Double-Sided Tapes
Mounting and bonding lightweight objects: their thin profile and clear or color-matched adhesive options make them suitable for applications where aesthetics matter, such as affixing signage, displays, or decorative elements where a clean bond line is needed.
Product assembly: these tapes provide efficient and reliable bonding solutions. They simplify the assembly process and contribute to lower lead and production run times.
Graphics: their ability to create a clean, virtually invisible bond ensures a professional and polished appearance in graphic applications like nameplates, emblems, and signage.
Medical devices: due to their biocompatibility and reliability, these tapes are used for attaching components in medical devices. They provide a safe and secure bonding solution without compromising the integrity of the materials.
Electronics: their ability to conform to intricate shapes contributes to the assembly and stability of electronics like circuit boards, phones, etc.
Automotive: these tapes provide a strong bond for trim components, badges, emblems, and other automotive parts, allowing them to resist vibrations that can loosen them over time.
Foam bonding for gasketing and sealing: double-sided tapes provide a tight seal between similar or dissimilar components, resisting environmental factors that can degrade the materials.
Paper and print: adhesive transfer tapes are utilized in the paper and print industry for bonding cardstocks and other paper materials. Their thin and clear adhesive characteristics allow for discreet bonding without compromising the appearance of printed materials.
Fabrics: adhesive transfer tapes find application in fabric bonding, serving as a strong and discreet solution for joining different fabric components. This is particularly valuable in textile and garment manufacturing.
Aerospace: these tapes are crucial for bonding and assembly applications where strength, reliability, and weight considerations are crucial.
Appliances: heat and vibration resistance and long-term bond strength make these tapes ideal for manufacturing appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, and washing machines.