Double Sided tape structure

The Preferred Acrylic Foam Tape Specialist

If you want to mount a spoiler to a car or temporarily affix a sign to the wall for your pop-up store, if you need to increase production efficiency because costs are rising and skilled labor is becoming harder to find, or if you are designing new façade elements for that company building you’ve been dreaming of—one that will last for years without concerns about the latest surge in heavy storms—then double sided tapes are your only solution.

Double sided tapes are widely used by automotive companies and across various industrial applications. They are undeniably effective at what they are designed to do: bonding two substrates permanently and irreversibly or affixing them securely while still allowing for repositioning when needed. Depending on their composition, these tapes exhibit specific characteristics, making them incredibly versatile for a wide range of applications.

 

The Structure of Double Sided tapes

Double-sided adhesive tapes consist of multiple functional layers. While the adhesive layer is typically applied on both sides, some tapes may have adhesive on only one side, effectively making them single-sided tapes. The basic structure of our double-sided tape consists of a liner, coating, and core. The following illustration showcases a four-layer tape, one of the possible configurations of an Acrylic Foam Tape.

 

Liner

The liner covers the adhesive layer to prevent it from sticking to unwanted surfaces and to maintain its adhesive properties. Additionally, the liner plays a crucial role in application and removal processes. It is particularly important when creating die-cuts or kiss-cuts. Some industrial processes work better with certain types of liners, depending on factors such as liner thickness and temperature resistance. To avoid potential issues, always consult your local representative.

Release liners are essential for protecting the adhesive layer of acrylic foam tapes until they are applied. They consist of a substrate, such as paper or film, with a silicone coating that ensures controlled release of the tape. They are also available non-siliconised for added customisation.

Choosing the right release liner contributes to a more efficient production process and reliable adhesion in the final application.

 

What to look out for? 

Release force: The amount of force required to separate the liner from the adhesive layer.
Stability: The liner of the tape provides stability during automated application.
Compatibility: Suitability for different adhesives and applications.

 

Acrylic Core

The core of every AFTC SilverTape is made of acrylic foam. Its firmness or softness depends on the application you are using it for. In general, all these Arcylic cores are known for their:

This is in contrast to lower-quality double-sided tape alternatives. These tapes often lack one or more of the advantages that AFTC SilverTape offers. Such limitations result in reduced performance, more issues, and ultimately higher costs.

 

Coating

The coating is there to provide permanent tack. It assists the acrylic foam in ensuring that the positioning does not shift during application and eliminates the need for curing time. Over time, this layer integrates into the adhesive, allowing it to reach its final bonding strength after 24 hours.

There are many different coatings. The reason for this is that every substrate has its own properties, so you need to use the right coating to optimize adhesion to different substrates.

The main takeaway is that, with the coating in combination with the backing and possibly even a primer, this tape can adhere to any substrate.

 

Double Sided tape for Automotive Applications

In the automotive industry, double sided tape plays a critical role in bonding exterior and interior components. These tapes are commonly used for attaching emblems, trims, and spoilers, providing a seamless, durable bond without the need for mechanical fasteners. Acrylic foam tapes, in particular, offer excellent resistance to temperature variations, vibrations, and harsh weather conditions, ensuring long-term performance.

 

Double Sided tape for Industrial Applications

In many industries, double sided tape is a key element in production processes. It serves as a bonding solution that solves multiple challenges and simplifies manufacturing by eliminating unnecessary steps. One of its most common applications is in electronic devices. Due to its thinness, it helps reduce the weight of products while maintaining strong adhesion. Additionally, modern smartphones are designed to be waterproof, requiring high-performance double-sided tape to securely bond components throughout the device's lifecycle.

 

Double sided adhesive tapes are also widely used in home appliances such as ovens, refrigerators, and dishwashers, ensuring secure and durable bonding of internal components. Moreover, they are an essential component in solar panel manufacturing, where they contribute to the durability and longevity of solar modules.