When affixing two different materials together or adding a layer of lamination or other finishing options, pressure sensitive adhesives (PSAs) are the most effective method. However, there are a great number of options to choose from – so how do you know which one is the best for your application?
Use our PSA selection guide to explore the different options available.
What are Pressure Sensitive Adhesives (PSAs) and How Do They Work?
Pressure sensitive adhesives are tapes with permanent tack that adheres when pressure is applied. These come in many different varieties and options as we’ll explore below more in-depth.
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Pressure-sensitive adhesives come in several different construction styles – single-sided, double-sided, printable films or transfer tape – as well as in different thicknesses. No matter the type of PSA, they all share the same benefits:
- Easy application
- Immediate results (no additional curing needed)
- Precise application
- Can bond dissimilar materials together (such as plastics and metal)
Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Selection Guide
ICP partners with the world leader of PSAs, adhesives and tapes: 3M. There are several core types of PSAs that 3M creates and ICP uses in our fabrication process.
1. Acrylic Adhesive Tape
Description:
Acrylic tapes are the workhorse of industrial bonding. The ever-evolving capabilities of acrylic chemistry allow formulations to provide high or low temperature performance, adhesion to High, Medium, and Low Surface Energy (HSE, MSE, LSE) materials, or even unique properties such as flame retardancy. Acrylic tapes are provided in various thicknesses with and without carriers and functional foam cores. Functional foam cores of acrylic foam tapes offer specific performance benefits including strength and dynamic stress absorption. Acrylic tapes are found in nearly every industry. – 3M
Advantages vs. Disadvantages
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
Ability to bond to the widest range of materials |
Not as high temperature resistance as silicone, although very high temperature acrylics are available |
Widest variety of mechanical performance capability |
Longer time to full strength than rubber, although handling strength is typically immediate after pressure and final strength is typically higher |
Good resistance to aging and environmental conditions |
|
Functional acrylic foam cores available for dynamic stress and vibration absorption |
2. Silicone Adhesive Tape
Description:
Silicone-containing polymers can be used to create tape release liners due to their incredibly low surface energy but are also used to formulate the very adhesive itself. Silicone tapes are best known for their ability to bond to silicone and to tolerate a very wide range of temperatures – from -40 °F (-40 °C) to over 500 °F (260 °C). – 3M
Advantages vs. Disadvantages
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
Ability to bond to silicone materials |
Relatively low strength |
High temperature resistance |
Low bond strength on non-silicone materials, although double coated tapes are available with silicone on one side and acrylic on the other to allow bonding silicone to non-silicone |
Relatively resistant to mold and fungi |
3. Rubber Adhesive Tape
Description:
Rubber adhesives build the bond faster than other chemistries, they can bond to most surfaces including LSE and are relatively lost cost. They are a versatile option for many applications, however their final bond strength is lower than acrylic PSAs and they are more vulnerable to the effects of aging (sunlight and oxidation). – 3M
Advantages vs. Disadvantages
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
Fast initial bond (high tack) |
Lower ultimate strength compared to acrylic PSAs |
Adhesion to low surface energy substrates |
Lower resistance to environmental conditions (e.g. UV, temperature) |
Relatively low-cost solutions |
Choose the Right Pressure Sensitive Adhesive with ICP
ICP Laminates PSAs to many different types of flexible materials to make installation seamless for our OEM customers. For recommendations for your project, contact us and speak with an engineer at (612) 781-2255, or request a quote online. You will receive a prompt response.
Industrial Custom Products is a one-stop-shop for custom manufacturing and plastic fabrication, including: prototyping and product development, die cutting and dieless knife cutting, thermoforming and vacuum forming, large part thermoforming, CNC plastic routing, fabrication and assembly and drape forming.
Reference: Common Chemistry of PSA Tapes – 3M