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TAPES • Glossary of Taping Terms
Glossary of Taping Terms
ADHESIVE
The medium that allows the backing to be quickly, positively
and efficiently positioned to do its job.
ADHESION TO BACKING
The bond produced by contact between a pressure-sensitive
adhesive and the tape backing when one piece of tape is
applied to the back of another piece of the same tape.
BACKING
The material that performs the tape’s desired functions
(insulation, protection, identification, holding).
CONFORMABILITY
The ability of tape to fit snugly or make essentially complete
contact with the surface of an irregular object without creasing
or folding. Any tape can be applied to any surface, but it
may not conform.
DIELECTRIC STRENGTH
The voltage that a tape will withstand without allowing passage
of current through it.
ELASTIC MEMORY
A tendency of some tape backings to attempt to return
to their original length after being elongated.
ELECTROLYTIC CORROSION FACTOR
A measure of the tape’s corrosive effect on a copper conductor.
This is particularly important in the selection of tapes for use
as electrical insulation.
ELONGATION
The distance a tape will stretch lengthwise before breaking,
expressed in a percentage. Elongation is an indication
of conformability.
FLAGGING
When the end of a length of tape peels away from the surface
after the tape has been applied.
GAPPING
Openings between layers of tape within a roll.
HOLIDAY
A small defect that lowers the dielectric strength
at the point of the defect.
MIGRATION
The movement, over a long period of time, of an ingredient from
one surface to another when the two are in contact. This may
occur between tape components or between a tape and the
surface to which it is applied.
OOZING
A “squeezing out” of the adhesive from between the layers
of tape so that the sides of the roll are very tacky.
PEAKING
Large “upheavals” in the outer layers of a roll of tape,
when several layers bunch and protrude outward.
Creates gapping within the roll.
PEEL ADHESION
The force required to pull a strip of tape from a surface
at a specified angle and speed. Usually expressed in ounces
per inch width.
PRESSURE-SENSITIVE
A term commonly used to designate a category of adhesive
tapes that, in dry (solvent-free) form, are aggressively and
permanently tacky at room temperature. They also firmly
adhere to a variety of dissimilar surfaces upon contact without
the need of more than finger or hand pressure. Despite their
aggressive tackiness, however, these tapes can be handled
with the fingers and removed from smooth surfaces without
leaving a residue.
PRIMER
Material applied to the underside of the backing that prevents
the adhesive from adhering to both sides of the backing.
TACKY
A lab synonym for “sticky,” or highly adhesive. Sometimes
used to express the idea of pressure sensitivity.
TELESCOPING
A sliding of the tape layers one over the other until the
roll assumes a funnel shape.
THERMOSETTING
Adhesive that sets or hardens on first exposure to heat, and
remains set regardless of subsequent temperature cycles.