Choosing Custom Adhesive Material for Better Performance 

A label, which is peeled off too early, can cause more than one issue. It can ruin the packaging, confuse customers or even lead to parts coming off during use. The same is the case for tape, which fails under pressure, heat or moisture.

This is why a custom adhesive material is created depending on the tasks it has to complete. The surface, temperature, bonding strength and the lifetime of the label determine the adhesive material. Instead of choosing a universal adhesive, companies can opt for a special solution that better suits their needs.

Where Tailored Adhesives Excel

Custom adhesive can be used in many fields such as labels, protective films, mounts, industrial tapes, electronics, packaging, etc. Its main quality is the ability to adapt and offer flexibility in production.

A manufacturer can choose various characteristics for the adhesive such as a backing material, adhesive construction, thickness, liner and bonding strength.

A few examples of such qualities are:

• Better surface contact: Some adhesives are better at contacting glass, metal, plastics, papers or painted surfaces.
• Bonding strength: A product can either have a removable or a permanent adhesive depending on its needs.
• Wider range of environments: Some materials are more resistant to moisture, heat, cold or aging.
• Easier dimensions: A custom width of the construction tape or sheets can be chosen based on the needs of a producer.

There are also a few disadvantages to creating a product with special adhesive material. A high-specialised construction is a more complicated one and it might require additional time before production. Wrong chemistry can also lead to delamination or peeling.

For example, an adhesive material for metals may not work for a rough cardboard. It is better to test it with the surface it will stick to rather than try to analyse its qualities.

What Causes Issues With Adhesive Products

Most mistakes with adhesive materials stem from ignoring the working environment.

Things such as dust, grease, humidity and loose particles on the surface can prevent good contact. It is necessary to clean and prepare the surface for application. A proper adhesive preparation can make the difference between a strong bond and a failed one.

It is also important to remember that some materials behave differently at low or high temperatures. A good adhesive might become rigid at low temperatures or melt under high ones. If a finished product is stored in a warehouse, a freezer, inside a vehicle or outside on a construction site, these factors need to be discussed before choosing the adhesive.

It is also a mistake to focus only on the initial quality of a bond. A few hours or days after the production, a strong tape can fail because of its’ nature.

Practical Tips For Choosing A Custom Adhesive Material

First of all, it is important to define the surface that will be bonded. It is necessary to be as specific as possible: not only plastic or metal but also what qualities it has.

Then, it is important to define if the bond should be removable or permanent. A removable label and a permanent mounting tape have different requirements. Other factors include temperatures that a future product may experience, being inside or outside, contacting water, the roughness of the surface, the thickness of the tape, its’ removal qualities, potential storage time or pressures that the bond will be exposed to.

Product characteristics from companies such as www.crownadhesivetape.com can help to choose the necessary characteristics and see the adhesive construction. Comparing qualities such as thickness, adhesive type and more will also aid in determining if the product is right for a specific purpose.

A sample request is also important, especially if there is an option of testing. It is necessary to see how a sample works with a real surface and with the conditions that it will be exposed to. If a sample was only opened at a room temperature, it may behave differently in a warehouse or near a heating system.

Small Details That Make A Difference

Application is as important as the material characteristics. Apply adhesive on a clean and dry surface and avoid touching the sticky side if possible. The oils from a person’s skin can ruin a bond on sensitive surfaces.

A proper pressure after the adhesive is placed on a surface is also important. It ensures good contact by filling the spaces between rough surfaces. This allows the adhesive to spread and create a strong bond.

Avoid rushing the process of testing. See how the adhesive will perform in various time frames rather than looking at its qualities straight after installation. If a product will be exposed to water, heat, movements or other conditions, test a sample under these conditions.

It is also necessary to see if a permanent adhesive will be easily removed and if it leaves behind residues. It may harm delicate surfaces that require a repeated application.

Key Takeaways

Choose a custom adhesive material based on the surface and conditions it will be exposed to rather than focus on its initial qualities. Test a sample before ordering a full construction. Consider the risks of heat, moisture, pressure and dirt. Define if a permanent or a removable bond is necessary. Pay attention to the details of an application to enhance the qualities of a bond.