Glossary of Terms
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| Many people think tape is tape, but there are many different types of tapes depending on the application. It can be made using many materials, adhesives and coatings. Some tapes are designed for specific uses and industries while others are for more general fastening.
This is a glossary of terms that you may come across on The Supplies Shops. We’ve put this together to help you find the best type of tape for your business. Please click a topic below to jump to that definition or simply browse down the page. If you still have questions about commercial tape, you can call The Supplies Shops at 855-632-8520 or email [email protected] for personalized service. |
Abrasion Resistance is the ability of a tape to withstand rubbing or wearing away by friction and still function satisfactorily.
Acrylic Adhesive is very clear and won’t age or yellow even after exposure to the sun and elements. This adhesive holds up well at extremely low temperatures.
ATG Tape (Adhesive Transfer Tape) is a permanent all-purpose transfer tape that offers excellent adhesion to most paper stocks. It is most commonly used in picture framing and can also bond a wide variety of materials such as: metal, wood, glass, paper, paint, and plastic. ATG Tape is reverse wound on the roll so it is designed to be used in an ATG dispenser or tape gun.
Bi-Directional is related to strapping tapes, in which the reinforcing materials consists of filaments in both the length and the cross directions. This filament is usually made of woven cloth.
Biaxially (BOPP Film) is a result of orienting the molecular structure of polypropylene in two uniform directions. Biaxially oriented tape provides higher tensile strength while being waterproof and can be used in commercial, household, and industrial applications.
Conformability is the ability of tape to fit snugly or make essentially complete contact with a curved or rough surface and/or of an irregularly shaped object without creasing or folding.
Crepe is paper with crinkled or puckered textures. This allows the paper to stretch or elongate. Crepe masking tape is useful because it curves and conforms to irregular surfaces better than flat paper.
Die-cutting is a process by which any shape, pattern or design can be cut out of various pressure-sensitive tapes, utilizing customer-made dies.
Electroplating is a process where electrochemical reaction is used to put a fine metallic coating on an object. Electroplating has important uses in the automotive industry for chrome plating and in the electronics industry for optics and sensors.
Flatback Paper tapes are used for packaging, box sealing, splicing, and temporary holding. They are more heavy-duty than basic masking tapes.
Flexographic A system of printing on a rotary press employing water-based ink. It’s used especially for printing on plastic, paper or cardboard.
Hot Melt (rubber adhesive) is a pressure sensitive adhesive applied to the backing in a hot molten form, that cools to form a conventional sensitive adhesive.
HVAC (tape) stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning. It combines the sealing and protective benefits of aluminum with the ease and use of tape.
Kraft is a sulfate wood pulp paper often used for flatback tape.
Low-tack is where the tape’s instant stick is not high and is designed to be removed. It usually appears on tapes designed for masking applications.
Mylar is a polyester made in extremely thin sheets of great tensile strength and used for recording tapes, insulating film, fabrics, etc.
Opaguing is to cover flaws in negative with tape. It describes a material or substance which will not transmit light.
Polyester is a strong film having good resistance to moisture, solvents, oils and many other chemicals. It is usually transparent, although it is available with a metalized finish.
Polyethylene is any of the various lightweight thermoplastics that are resistant to chemicals and moisture. Polyethylene tape is used for packaging, pipes and tubing, insulation, textiles, and coatings on metal.
Polypropylene is a very light, highly resistant, thermoplastic resin used to make coatings, plastic pipes, packaging materials and fibers for clothing fabrics.
Powder Coating is the process of coating a surface in which a powder material is applied using an electrostatic or compressed air method. The applied powder is then heated to its melting point, after which it flows to form a smooth film which dries to form a firm, durable finish very resistant to scratches, cracking, peeling, UV rays, and rust.
Removability is the ability to remove the tape from the substrate without damaging or contaminating the substrate under specified conditions, usually after a long period of time.
Repulpable tape means that it can be recycled.
Rubber Adhesive A pressure sensitive blend of rubber-based materials and tackifying resin. Typically, rubber adhesives have a high initial bond and adhere to a wide variety of surfaces.
Shear Strength is the ability of the adhesive to resist force applied across the tape, forcing the substrates to slide over each other.
Solvent-Resistant (tapes) are made of two components: a carrier and an adhesive. Solvent resistant tapes are used in applications such as coils, harnesses and capacitors that undergo extreme temperature variations.
Splice is a junction where two things such as paper, film or tape have been joined together.
Synthetic Adhesive is a chemically manufactured adhesive derived from either thermoplastics or thermosets.
Tensile Strength is a measure of the ability of a material to resist a force that tends to pull it apart horizontally.
Thermoformable is having the ability to be shaped using heat and pressure.
UPVC (Unplasticized Vinyl) tape is a tough, durable plastic film. It can be used for making window frames and other parts of buildings.
UV Resistant is the ability of any material to withstand extended exposure to ultra-violet rays without degradation, hardening or excessive discoloration.
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