Six Advantages of Double-Sided Foam Tapes
Double-sided foam tapes are used for temporary or permanent fastening, packaging, acoustic dampening, thermal insulation, and gap filling. They are made of open cell or closed cell foams, coated with different types of pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs), and come in a variety of thicknesses. If needed, they can also be die cut, tabbed and/or delivered kiss-cut on rolls for ease of use.
The performance properties of double-sided foam tapes include shock absorption, vibration dampening, compensation for uneven surfaces, and thermal sealing between substrates with different temperatures. These tapes can also be used as seals to prevent the passage of air, gases, moisture, and humidity.
Here are some of the advantages of using double-sided foam tapes.
1 – Replace Mechanical Fasteners
Installers can use die cut double-sided foam tapes instead of mechanical fasteners. Applications include mounting or attaching panels, stands, signs, signals, mirrors, nameplates, and more.
2 – Speed Assembly Cycle Times
Panels and other large parts may require numerous screws or rivets to ensure reliable attachment. It takes time to drill holes and tighten fasteners – and that lengthens assembly times. The use of die cut double-sided foam tapes in lieu of mechanical fasteners eliminates time-consuming operations that require hand tools and leads to faster cycle times.
3 – Reduce Training Requirements and Risk of Injury
Applying double-sided foam tapes doesn’t require any special training or instruction. Workers don’t need personal protective equipment (PPE) either. By contrast, a worker who installs screws inside a utility trailer needs to know how to use a pneumatic drill properly. The worker also needs to wear hearing protection.
4 – Supports Thermal Expansion and Contraction
As the weather changes, double-sided foam tapes such as 3M™ VHB Tape flex with thermal expansion and contraction and maintain their bond -- unlike mechanical fasteners which may loosen under the same conditions.
5 – Reduce Rattling
Vibrations cause mechanical fasteners to loosen and rattle. That’s a big problem in the automotive industry where consumers want quieter cars. The core of a double-sided foam tape can dampen unwanted vibrations and won’t rattle.
6 – Provide a Smooth, Clean Appearance
Using double-sided foam tapes in lieu of mechanical fasteners also eliminates raised fastener heads, leading to cleaner end products that are free of drilled holes that can admit moisture that causes rust and surface discoloration. Read this case study for a practical application.
JBC Technologies Can Help
The JBC Team has decades of experience with double-sided foam tapes and offers both material conversion and precision die cutting. We can also help you with tape selection and work with a strategic supplier network that includes 3M™ and AFTC™. To learn more, contact us.
3M™ is a trademarks of the 3M Company.
AFTC™ is a trademark of the AFTC Group.
Related Reading
- Acrylic Foam Tapes: Top Suppliers and Trade Names
- Die Cut Acrylic Foam Tapes: Advantages and Applications
- Types of Pressure-Sensitive Adhesives
- Understanding Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive (PSA) Performance Properties
- How to Choose the Right PSA for Your Die Cut Components
- Six Ways Acrylic Foam Tapes Outperform Mechanical Fasteners