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Tape Terminology

ABRASION RESISTANCE:

The ability to withstand rubbing and friction without disintegrating.

ACETATE FILM:

Chemically treated cellulose. This transparent film provides moisture resistance and ageing characteristics of a superior quality.

ACRYLIC ADHESIVE:

An adhesive, which is pressure-sensitive, formed by the polymerization of acrylic ester monomers. These adhesives exhibiting clarity and good ageing and weathering characteristics.

ADHESION:

Adhesion is expressed as units to measure the ability to adhere to a substrate under specific conditions of application and removal. The unit is force per area and can be either imperial or metric. The method of measurement is usually the force required to remove a piece of tape from a polished steel surface by removing the tape at a 180 degree angle at the rate of 300 mm/min.

To determine the bonding qualities of a tape, adhesion is one of the factors.

Others are:

-Feel: By touching the adhesive with ones fingers one can determine the degree of stickiness, however, this is often a misleading test of adhesion..

-Finger-stick: See - Feel.

-Holding Power: This refers to the ability of the tapes to resist slippage for a period of time, whilst under specified amounts of stress. By applying a small area of tape to a specific surface and hanging a weight to the free end of the tape, the hold is then measured. Hold values are shown as the time taken between application of the tape and its failure to hold the weight. The test angle may be at 0 degree pull-off or is sometimes 20 or 90 degree pull-off. These values are particularly important when constant stress on the tape is applied during its application.

-Peel: This is the force required to pull a strip of tape from a surface at a specified angle and speed. Usually expressed in kg/625mm2, and measured under specified standard conditions.

-Quick-Stick: This refers to the ability to adhere, after a very brief contact at a very low pressure, to a specified surface.

-Shear Adhesion: This is the cohesion strength of a bonding tape when pulled at a 0 degree angle.

-Specific Adhesion: This refers to the ratio of adhesion to a particular surface compared with any other surface as a standard.

-Tack: This refers to the sticky feel of the adhesive and is measured either by Loop tack, 90 deg angle or a rolling ball tack test.

ADHESION TO BACKING:

The force required to remove a tape (in the same manner as peel adhesion) from its own backing to which it has been (re) applied at a specific pressure on removal from the roll.

ADHESION TO STEEL TEST:

This is the force required to remove pressure-sensitive taped from a steel panel.

ADHESIVE:

This refers to the pressure-sensitive layer applied on a tape. The most common of type of adhesive is a combination of rubber and resin. To produce pressure-sensitivity natural and/or synthetic rubbers are combined with resins. Other adhesives are: acrylic adhesives, which are synthetic polymers exhibiting the tack without resins being added and silicone adhesives, which are silicone gums and resins, portraying the highest service temperature capability of the common pressure-sensitive adhesive types along with excellent ageing and weathering characteristics.

ADHESIVE DEPOSIT:

This is adhesive that remains on the surface after the tape is pulled from the substrate and removed.

ADHESIVE SPLITTING:

This is also known as cohesive failure when the adhesive layer remains on both substrate or test surface and on the tape itself when the tape was removed from the substrate/test panel.

ADHESIVE TRANSFER:

This is the deposit of the adhesive from its normal position on the tape to the surface of which of the tape was in contact with, either during unwind or removal. SEE ANCHORAGE

AMBIENT TEMPERATURE:

This referst to the uncontrolled, temperature of air or other media in a designated area, particularly the area surrounding equipment. It is usually considered to be room temperature.

ANCHORAGE:

This is the level of adhesion that the adhesive has on its carrier/backing. If there is insufficient anchorage then this results in a unintendent transfer of the adhesive to the substrate. The difference between this and splitting is that only a part of the adhesive layer is transferred. See - Adhesive Splitting

ANTIOXIDANT:

Thses are chemicasl added to the tape constituents taht protect them against oxygen deterioration to extend the technical life of the tape.

BACKING:

Thses are the flexible supporting films, fabrics, foils or papers, or other materials for a single coated tape to which a pressure-sensitive adhesive is applied. The backing is a functional part of the tape.

BACKSIDE:

This is the opposite side on which the adhesive is coated.

BACKSIZE: (See also- Release Coating)

This refers to the special treatment usually applied to the backside of the tape, which benefits the tape as follows:

- Controls the level of force needed to unwind a roll of tape.

- Increases the resistance to moisture and solvents.

- Provides properties such as gloss, smoothness and colour.

BAKE RESISTANCE:

This is the level level of resistance that a tape meets when applied to a substrate during heat treatment

BANDOLIERING:

This referst to the taping of components for automatic sequencing equipment such as with screws, rivets electronic components or other small parts.

BEAMS:

These are large reels on which rayon or other yarns are wound and are also used in the manufacturing of strapping tapes.

BIAXIAL-ORIENTATION:

This is a technique to organize the molecular structure in order to increase the tensile strength of films in both machine (longitudinal) and cross-machine (transverse) directions. After orientation the material is then stretched and heat-set.

BI-DIRECTIONAL:

Cross-directional yarns are incorporated to provide increased strength and resistance.

BLEEDING:

This occurs where substances penetrating through tape onto surfaces to the which the tape is

applied.

BLOCKING:

The occures where layers of tape stick together on a roll, preventing separation/unwinding without damage and usually occurs under pressure or during storage.

BLOWN MASS COAT:

A small elevation on the coating mass and resembles a blister.

BOND:

This refers to a substance or agent that causes two or more objects or parts to cohere. They are commonly used to refer to thermoplastic tapes.

BOND STRENGTH:

The amount of adhesion between bonded surfaces measured in terms of the stress required to separate a layer of material from the base to which it is bonded.

BOXBOARD WETTING:

This refers to the instant adhesion of a tape to a boxboard surface with little pressure applied.

FAILURE LOAD:

This is the force required to break a length of tape under prescribed conditions. This is usually measured in the lengthwise direction of the tape (machine direction).

BUCKLING:

See - Roll Deformation

BUNDLE ROLL:

This term refers to master rolls of coated tape from which slit rolls are produced.

BURSTING STRENGTH:

This refers to the ability of a tape to resist damage when force is applied perpendicularly to the surface of the tape.

BUTADIENE:

This ia a chemical building block from which many types of synthetic rubber are made. See - Styrene Butadiene.

BUTT SPLICE:

This refers to an end to end joining of tape, without overlapping. This type of splice can be made by using a thin tape .

CALENDER:

This is a machine with pressure rollers to make thin plastic webs or applies adhesive and coatings to substrates such as cloth.

CALENDER COATER:

This is a coating machine without solvents, used mainly for the application of adhesives to cloth and heavy substrates used for of tape backings.

CALIPER:

This is a device for measuring thicknesses that are normally in a range of one-thousandths of an inch or millimetres.

CASTING ROLL:

This a part of the reverse roll coating head that casts or applies adhesive to backing.

CELLULOSE:

This is the natural ingredient of a basic chemical building block for making paper fibre.

COATED CLOTH:

Thsi is a fabric on which a coating such as rubber or plastic to improve resistance to moisture.

COATER:

This referst to machine used for applying adhesive onto tape backings.

COATING:

This refers to the application of viscose materials to various types of backings and carriers by using reverse roll coating, air doctor, doctor roll and knife coating equipment. By applying these materials on to raw backings and carriers they are thus converted to pressure-sensitive.

COCKLING:

This term describes the absorption of moisture from the atmosphere into a paper liner that causes the liner to expand and subsequently ripple.

COHESIVE STRENGTH:

This is the internal strength of the adhesive and its ability to resist stresses caused by external loads.

COLD FLOW:

Cold flow is the creep or slow movement of a semi-solid substance when stress is involved. Pressure-sensitivity implies cold flow, accounting for increasing adhesion over time.This terms also relates also to the oozing of adhesive from roll edges and to the increase of adhesion on porous surfaces to the point of adhesive transfer. Terms used in describing effects of cold flow are:

-Firm: Resistance of adhesive to the flow or distortion.

-Mass Exudation: Condition of a roll side which is sticky due to the oozing out adhesives from th tape.

-Oozing: Similar to mass exudation again resulting in tackiness at sides of tape rolls.

-Plasticity: Level of resistance to flow.

COLOUR:

Colouring of the tape viewed from the backing side, irrespective of the colour of the adhesive or other components.

COLOUR STABILITY:

This term referst to teh rentention of the tape's colour when exposed to light.

COMPRESSION SET:

This is the deformation of rubber or plastic resulting from compression loads.

CONDUCTIVITY, SURFACE:

This is the ability to conduct electrical currents along its surface.

CONFORMABILITY:

This refers to the ability to fit an irregular surface without making total contact with the surface without creasing or folding.

CONTAMINANT:

These are impurities, in trace amount, which often render a product unfit for its specified use.

CORROSION:

This is either electrolytic or chemical deterioration of a surface to which tape is applied.

CREEP:

This term refers to slow dimensional changes caused by continuation loading.

CREPE PAPER:

This is a paper, which has been crafted to give conformance and flexibility while retaining good tensile strength.

CROSS-LINK:

This is a method of increaseing the strength and heat resistance of an adhesive (and in some cases substrates) by forming by a chemical bridge between molecular chains.

CURING:

See - Heat Curing.

CURLING:

This term is used when a roll of tape is unwound and the free end of the tape curls back on itself.

CUT-THROUGH RESISTANCE:

This is the ability to withstand wire lead cuts or sharp edges of a package or part resulting in no tearing.

DEAD STRETCH:

This term means that after stretching no recovery or shrinkage back to initial length and is especially iImportant in crepe paper masking tapes.

DEFECT:

This term refers to the failure to meet design tape requirements.

DELAMINATION:

Delamination is the tearing or splitting of the back layer within a tape and width In laminated tapes the separation of the layers when unwinding. In paper tapes the delamination usually happens in the paper.

DENSITY:

Densitz is the mass per unit volume of a substance under specified conditions of pressure and temperature.

DICER:

This is a machine used to cut rubber compounds into specific sizes before making them into an adhesive.

DIELECTRIC STRENGTH:

This term describs the maximum electrical potential gradient that a material can withstand without rupture. It is usually specified in volts per millimeter of thickness and is also known as electric strength.

DIP IMPREGNATION:

This is the saturation of a web by dipping it in a latex or solution to unify and bond the fibres.

DIRECT COATING:

This applies where a solution is applied directly onto the web to be coated by an engraved roller of a print roll coating unit.

DISPERSION:

This refers to a mixture in which fine particles of one substance are scattered throughout another substance.

DOCTOR BAR OR BLADE:

This is the scraper mechanism used to regulate the amount of adhesive that is applied onto spreader rolls of a coater.

DOCTOR ROLL:

Roller mechanism that regulates the adhesive applied to the spreader roll of a Reverse Roll coater. Revolving at a different speed results in a wiping action.

DOUBLE-FACED TAPE:

This is an adhesive tape with coatings on both sides of its backing with a release liner. Also konw as double sided tape.

EDGE CURL:

This term refers to the pulling away and folding back from the tape along a sharp curve. The outside edge lifts or folds back due to tension which is the highest at that particular point.

ELASTIC MEMORY:

This is the opposite to Dead Stretch. The tapes ability to return to its original length after unloading. Elastic memory is especially important for tapes such as vinyl.

ELECTROLYTIC CORROSION FACTOR:

This is the corrosive effect of a tape on a bare copper conductor and is expressed as a ratio with 1.0 indicating no corrosion under test conditions, and ratios of less than 1.0 signifying degrees of corrosion.

ELASTOMER:

These are materials possessing rubber-like characteristics, which can have a natural or synthetic origin.

ELONGATION:

Elongation is the amount of stretch, usually expressed in percentage of its length under load, to its initial length.

ELONGATION AT FAILLURE/BREAK:

This is the percentage by which a tape has stretched lengthwise until the point of failure. It is expressed as a percentage in relation to its original length at zero loading.

ENCAPSULATING:

This term describes the embedding an electrical component in a casing of insulating material.

EPOXY:

These are any of various, usually thermosetting, resins capable of forming tight cross-linked polymer structures characterized by toughness, strong adhesion, and low shrinkage, used especially in surface coatings and adhesives.

EXTENDER:

These are substances added to an adhesive to reduce the cost but which have little effect on the functional characteristics.

EYE:

This is a sample of coated backing, used for in-process testing, taken from the centre of the web at the unwind end of the coater.

FACE SIDE:

This is the side of a double-faced tape that is unlined and sometimes called "open face".

FALL OFF:

This term referst to the complete failure or just dropping off from the surface to which the tape has been applied.

FEATHERING:

This term describes an irregular paint line caused by seepage underneath the edges of a masking tape during usage. It also can describe the untidy edges found on some tapes if there have been problems during the lathe slitting process.

FIBRE:

These are natural or synthetic filaments (e.g. from cotton or nylon) capable of being spun into yarn. Can also be compressed in to non-woven mats.

FILAMENTS:

A fine or thinly spun thread, fibre, or wire. laminated to backings in order to produce very strong tapes.

FILLER:

Fillers are substances added to an adhesive to improve its strength, characteristics, or appearance.

FIRM:

This term refers to the resistance of an adhesive to flow.

FISH EYES:

These are air bubble like round abnormalities seen on a transparent adhesive and usually found in a newly produced rolsl of tape. They are caused by the entrapment of air between layers of the roll. Usually does not indicate poor quality. Fish eyes often disappear during storage.

FLAGGING:

This term applies when the end of a piece of tape comes loose from the object it was intended to adhere to. This is usually applicable to plastic tapes. See - Curling, Dead Stretch, Elastic Memory, Lifting. It can also

FLAKING:

This term refers to chipping or tearing of the paint from a masking tape backing during removal after using.

FLAME-RESISTANCE:

This term relates to the ability of a tape to withstand exposure to open fire. Fireproof materials will not burn when exposed to a flame andfFlame resistant (fire retardant, self-extinguishing) materials will burn when exposed to a flame but will not continue to burn after the flame is removed.

FLAME-RETARDANT:

This refers to materials that resist burning.

FLASH POINT:

The flash point is the lowest temperature at which the vapour of a combustible liquid can be made to ignite momentarily in air.

FLAT BACK PAPER:

This is a term used to describe a smooth paper backing for a tape to distinguish it from creped paper backings.

FLEXIBILITY:

This refers to the ability of a tape to be freely bent or flexed during application. It is particularly important for low temperature applications.

FLEXURAL STRENGTH:

This is the strength of a material in blending (i.e. its resistance to fracture).

FOAM:

These are materials formed by creating bubbles in a base material.

FOIL:

These are thin, flexible leaf or sheet of metal such as copper or aluminium.

GAUGE:

See Thickness

GHOSTING:

Thsi is a haze-like deposit of an adhesive component seen after removal of a tape.

GLOSS FINISH:

This is the measure of the reflectiveness of a tape backing and is generally expressed by terms like glossy, low gloss, dull, etc. A more specific definition is a measurement according the Gardner scale which measures absorption of light reflected from a beam having a specified angle of incidence.

GOVERNMENT SPECIFICATION:

This is a Government document spelling out requirements for a tape or group of tapes.

GRAVURE COATER: (also know as printer coater)

This coater applies a specific amount of adhesive by means of etched or engraved rolls to a substrate.

HAND:

This term refers to the fllexibility of a textile, tape or film.

HEAT CURING:

This refers to the application of heat to a tape that causes a chemical reaction forming cross-links, increasing the cohesive strength of the adhesive. This process usually creates an improved resistance to high temperatures and transgression of solvents.

HEAT RESISTANCE:

This is the ability of a tape to withstand exposure to specified temperatures after application onto a surface. Clean removal after exposure may be important to the user.

HIGHLIGHTING:

This occurs where the surface covered by the tape shows a visual contrast with the surrounding area. This can be caused by a change in surface gloss or by a difference in thickness of the finish under the tape.

HIGH-SPEED UNWIND ADHESION:

This is the required force to unwind a roll of tape at relatively high speeds of usually equal or higher than 15 meter/50 feet per minute (fpm).

HOLD TO BOXBOARD:

This is the ability to resist slippage when applied to boxboard during loading of a specified weight.

HOLD TO CHROME:

This is the ability to resist slippage when applied to a chrome-plated strip during loading of a specified weight. The load is usually applied at a 0 or 20 degrees angle with a 400-gram weight.

HOLDING POWER:

This is the ability to resist slippage under load. This is measured by applying a standard area of tape to a vertical test panel and fixing a standard weight on the free end of the tape.

HOMOGENISER:

This is a machine used for dispersing or dissolving materials under high speed or high shear.

HYDROCARBON:

These are any of numerous organic compounds, such as benzene and methane, that contain only carbon and hydrogen. They are often used as a solvent and originate from petroleum.

HYDROLYSIS:

Decomposition of a chemical compound by reaction with wate.

HYGROSCOPIC:

This term means readily absorbing moisture, normally from the atmosphere.

IMPACT RESISTANCE:

This is the resistance of a tape failing under high speed loading ( Shock).

IMPACT STRENGTH:

This is the load capacity at failure of a tape under high speed loading and differs from tensile strength in that that is measured at a slower rate with an equally applied load at a 180 degree angle.

IMPREGNATION:

Impregnation is the saturation of the adhesive with individual fibres that are then bonded together to improve one the physical and chemical characteristics. These impregnates prevent de-lamination as well as increase moisture and solvent resistance.

IMPRINTING:

This refers to the mechanical impression of a tape pattern onto the surface on to which the tape has been applied.

INHIBITOR:

An inhibitor is a substance that slows down chemical reactions.

INORGANIC:

Chemical substances that are not based on carbon (carbonates, carbon oxides and carbides are exceptions).

INSULATION:

This is material that will inhibit the flow of electrical current.

INSULATION RESISTANCE:

This is the ability to resist current flow along its surface under specific conditions.

KETONE:

This is an oxygen containing solvent, found often in lacquer finishes.

KEY COAT: (see PRIMER)

KRAFT PAPER:

Kraft paper is made from sulphate wood pulp.

LABEL STOCK:

This terms refers to pressure-sensitive tape or paper that is suitable for printing and die-cutting. Main usage is labels.

LAMINATED:

Laminated tape is a tape whose backing is composed of two or more materials bonded together by adhesive.

LAP SPLICE:

This is a splice made by overlapping the ends.

LATEX:

This is a waters dispersion of a rubber, used to saturate backing paper. It can also be used as a primer.

LATHE CUTTER:

A machine used to cut individual tape rolls out of a larger tape roll (log rolls). The log roll rotates whilst a round a fixed rotating blade cuts the required with.

LIFTING:

This is a term used when sections of a tape come away from the surface to which the tape is applied on.

LINER:

A web or sheet applied to the adhesive for protection during handling and storage. Usually removed and discarded before application. Most frequently found on double-faced tapes and on label stocks.

LOG ROLL:

Roll upon which a pre-determined length of tape is wound in wide widths instead of narrow rolls.

LOW TACK TAPE:

A pressure-sensitive material which has a low adhesion. Mainly used for temporary protection, after which it should be removed easily from the surface to which it had been applied to.

MANDREL:

A part of the slitting machine assembly on which the cores are slid on to and on where the individual rolls of tape are wound on.

MASS:

The adhesive substance that gives a pressure-sensitive tape its properties.

-Exudation: See - Cold Flow

-Weight: Amounts of dry adhesive that is left on the substrate or backing. Generally described in terms of ounces per square yard.

MAT:

A web of fibres.

MATTE FINISH:

Dull, non-reflective, irregular surface of the tape backing.

MEK (METHYL ETHYL KETONE):

Colourless soluble flammable liquid ketone used as a solvent for resins and as a paint remover and in lacquers and cements and adhesives and cleaning fluids and celluloid dissolves certain types of vinyl resins and natural rubbers.

METALISED POLYESTER (or OTHER FILM):

A polyester film upon which a thin layer of metal has been deposited.

METERING ROLL:

Part of the reverse roll coating head that serves to create a nip or aperture regulating the amount of adhesive applied by the casting roll.

METHYLENE CHLORIDE:

Strong cleaning solvent used in capacitor industry.

MIGRATION:

Movement of an ingredient from one part of a tape onto another part, or between a tape and the surface to which the tape has been applied.

MODULUS:

Measurement that defines the stress/strain characteristics of a material. Expressed as the force in pounds per square inch required to cause an elongation.

MOISTURE RESISTANCE:

Resistance to the passage, the absorption or the effects of moisture.

MOLECULAR WEIGHT:

Measure of the size of an organic molecule or polymer.

MONOMER:

Basic building block from which a polymer chain is made.

NATURAL RUBBER:

Derived from the latex of rubber trees. Gives tack and high temperature properties to pressure-sensitive adhesives.

NIP OPENING:

Opening between casting and metering rolls. Controls the amount of adhesives applied to the substrate.

NON-WOVENS:

Produced by random interlocking fibres. Backings as such are either natural or synthetic.

NYLON:

A polyamide plastic material that is both strong and resilient. Nylon yarn has excellent strength and elongation properties.

OFFSETTING:

The movement of a component of the tape, usually the adhesive, from its initial place to a second position. This transfer may occur during unwinding of the tape or on removal of the tape from a surface to which it has been applied. Offsetting can apply to the adhesive, to ink transfer from printed tapes and to the transfer from backing coating to the adhesive.

OFF-CORE:

A condition where the tape itself forms a flat-sided roll. Usually due to a misalignment at the start of winding the core from one face.

OHM:

A unit of electrical resistance equal to that of a conductor in which a current of one ampere is produced by a potential of one volt across its terminals.

OPACITY:

The ability of a tape to prevent the transmission of light. In practice, opacity is needed when a tape covers printed material or a dark background.

ORGANIC:

Referring to chemical substances based on carbon, other than the simple compounds of carbon and oxygen or elemental metals.

OVEN:

Basically a tunnel enclosure through which the backing is passed for drying during manufacturing.

OXIDATION:

Reaction of oxygen with any substance. Oxidation of pressure-sensitive adhesives usually causes them first to soften after which they become hard and non-tacky.

OZONE DETERIORATION:

Breaking down of a rubber or adhesive by the action of ozone in the atmosphere.

PENETRATION RESISTANCE:

Ability to withstand loads on small areas without puncturing the tape.

PERMEABILITY:

The possibility and ease on passing through of a liquid or gas through a tape or film.

PHENOLIC RESIN:

Family of resins derived from phenol and frequently used as curing agents in adhesives to impart high temperature resistance and the need of high cohesive strength

PICK OFF:

Particles of the release coating that stick on to the adhesive.

PIN HOLE:

Small defect in the mass or backing that may permit the passage of light or electricity.

PIGTAILING:

Spiralling of a roll of tape when unwound due to uneven stress in the backing.

PLASTICISER:

A liquid or semi-liquid incorporated into a material increasing its flexibility and workability.

PLASTICISER MIGRATION:

Specific plasticizers used in producing plastic sheeting or forms pass from the plastic into the pressure-sensitive adhesive of the applied tape. Resulting in a softening of the adhesive to the point of adhesion failure and a slight embritterment of the adjoining plastic.

POLYBUTADIENE:

A polymeric material generally soft and rubbery, very tough and elastic. It is made from butadiene monomer.

POLYESTER:

A tough strong film. It has good resistance to moisture, solvent, oil and temperatures.

POLYETHYLENE:

A polyolefin plastic that can be extruded into a low tensile film. It has good moisture barrier properties but a limited resistance to temperatures.

POLYIMIDE:

A polymer that in film form is amber-coloured, with physical properties similar to polyester but with a much higher temperature resistance.

POLYISOPRENE:

A polymeric synthetic rubber material made from isoprene monomer with similar properties to natural rubber.

POLYMER:

A large molecular chain made up of repeating monomer units.

POLYMERISATION:

Chemically linking monomer molecules to form a chain polymer.

POLYPROPYLENE:

A polyolefin plastic similar to polyethylene in properties, with higher temperature capability and greater strength.

POLYURETHANE:

A tough abrasion-resistant polymer that can be extruded into film and forms.

POLYTETRAFLUOROETHYLENE:

( PTFE or Teflon)

A fluorinated plastic characterised by temperature resistance and an inherent release surface. Usually produced as a skived film where as a billet of material is shaved with a sharp knife producing a continuous web.

POLYVINYLCHLORIDE:

(PVC)

A synthetic plastic mostly used as a tape backing, available with or without plasticizers. They make the tape flexible or rigid.

POLYVINYLFLUORIDE:

A fluorine containing film with good flame resistance, weathering resistance and good electric properties.

POLYVINYLACETATE:

Frequently used plastic as a coating for paper or as an adhesive for laminating webs.

PRESSURE-SENSITIVE:

Materials that adhere by application only without any addition of heat or solvents.

PRIMER:

A preliminary coating applied to substrate enabling the adhesive to stick to that substrate.

PRINT COATER UNIT:

A unit consisting of two rolls of gravure printing unit and a gas fired vertical high-velocity air drying oven.

PRINTABILITY:

Ability to accept ink or to be printed, without destroying the printing during winding/unwinding.

PROGRAM WIND:

Device used to automatically change the winding stress as rolls of tape are being wound.

PUCKERS:

Distortions in web materials associated with laminated or interlined products. Puckers appear as wrinkles on the surface and often show separation of the two laminated components. They generally run in the cross machine direction.

RAZOR BLADE SLITTER:

This is a machine that slices the backing of the tape with razor blade to give a very smooth and strong edge that is difficult to tear by hand.

RELATIVE HUMIDITY:

THis is the ratio of the amount of water vapour in the air at a specific temperature to the maximum amount that the air could hold at that temperature and is expressed as a percentage.

REINFORCEMENT:

This is a material usually applied between the backing and the adhesive to create extra strength. Materials that are used as a reinforcement can be: non-woven materials, paper tissues, synthetic films, fabrics (e.g. Double-sided tapes), filaments, thin longitudinal threads of glass, rayon, nylon or other materials that offer high strength (e.g. Reinforced Bonding Tape).

RELEASE COATING:

Usually referring to a thin coating applied to the backside of a film or other impervious tape backing that allows the tape to be unwound at a controlled level. Release coating and backside are interchangeable.

RELEASE LINER:

A backing coated on one or both sides with a controlled amount of release agent. that is frequently used with label stocks or double-faced tapes.

REMOVAL:

This describs the act of removing tape from the surface to which it has been applied.

RESIN:

These are materials that impart tackiness and pressure-sensitivity to a rubber or resin adhesive.

RESISTANCE TO WEATHER, SOLVENTS, ACIDS, ALKALIES, OILS, GREASE, ETC.:

This describs the ability of a tape to resist exposure to such conditions after application and to perform according perception.

Resistivity

This is the specific resistance of a material to a certain loading which can be mechanical, chemical or electrical.

REVERSE ROLL COATER:

This is the most adaptable web coating method that is capable of coating a variety of substrates with a wide range of adhesives and solutions.

REWIND MACHINES:

These are machines that rewind substandard individual rolls of tape in order to salvage the good parts of teh product.

REWOUND:

This term refers to a roll of tape that has been re-rolled to remove defects.

ROLL-AGEING RESISTANCE:

see Storage Stability

ROLL DEFORMATION:

This is a general term used as general terms to describe any physical change from the shape and proportions of a perfect roll of tape. Examples are:

-Buckling: Deformation whereupon bumps appear along the circumference of the roll.

-Fluting: Term used to indicate gearing or spoking

-Gearing: Succession of humps appearing regularly along the circumference of the roll. The spacing between the humps gives the appearance of a gear.

-Roll Opening: (Also called gapping) Two layers that become separated from each other creating an opening.

-Spoking: Deformation occurring when in the appearance of the tape radial lines appear (from the centre to roll-outside, resembling a spoked wheel).

-Telescoping: Layers of tape slide across each other in the direction. This movement is similar to the lengthening of a telescope.

ROLL HARDNESS:

This is a value that reflects the proper winding of individual rolls of tape and is measured by the relative hardness of wind.

ROPE PAPER:

This is paper formerly made from reclaimed rope fibres. The decreased usa of hemp rope has created a shortage of rope and so virgin hemp fibre is also used.

RUBBER:

This is a long chain polymer, synthetic or natural, having characteristics on elasticity, resilience and recovery.

SATURATE:

This is the process whereby materials aresoaked into the backing for greater strength and resistance to various environments. For instance, the backing of paper tapes may contain up to 50% by weight of a rubber based impregnate.

SATURATOR:

This is the equipment used to saturate tape backings with solutions.

SHEAR ADHESION:

see Holding Power

SHEAR CUTTER:

This is a machine that slits tape by rotating knives, duplicating a scissors action. that produces strong cut rolls. Tough and thick materials such as metal foil tape can be cut by this technique.

SHEAR STRENGTH:

This describes teh resistance to the slippage of the tape or its adhesive to internal splitting, when a load is applied along the plane of the tape.

SHOCK RESISTANCE:

see Impact Resistance

SILICONE RUBBER:

This is a polymers with rubber-like properties based on organic silicone compounds that is resistant to degradation at very high temperatures, whilst maintaining good flexibility at low temperatures.

SIZING:

This is the process of applying a solution to a web or yarn surface in order to improve handling or functional characteristics of the material.

SHELF LIFE:

This is the useful life of a tape in storage.

SHRINKAGE:

This term refers to reduction of the dimension of tape which can be initiated by either heat or other environmental conditions.

SLITTER:

Machine used to cut wide rolls of tape ( log or jumbo rolls) into individual rolls with a specified length and width.

SLITTER KNIFE:

This is a circular steel wheel, sharpened to a specified angle and radius used for cutting coated backings into rolls of specified size.

SLIVERING:

This term usually referred at masking tape, when it tears during removal from a surface.

SOLVENT:

In pressure-sensitive tape technology this is the liquid which various adhesive ingredients are dissolved to facilitate the application to a substrate.

SOLVENT DISPERSION:

This is the mixture that the adhesive components form when they are suspended in a solvent rather than being dissolbed.

SPLICE:

This is the point where two separate lengths of tape are joined together.

SPLITTING:

This describes delamination of the tape layers or to rupture of the tape backing in its lengthwise direction.

SNAP TEST:

This is a test that is taken without proper conditions.

SOLIDS:

This is the percentage by weight of the non-volatile matter in an adhesive or other solution.

SOLUBILITY:

This is the degree to which a tape or a component of a tape will dissolve in a specific solvent.

SOLUTIONS:

These are homogeneous liquid mixtures often containing a solid material dissolved in a solvent.

SPECIFIC GRAVITY:

This is the ratio of the mass of a solid or liquid to the mass of an equal volume of distilled water at 4°C (39°F) or of a gas to an equal volume of air or hydrogen under prescribed conditions of temperature and pressure. Specific gravity is also called relative density.

SPECIFICATION:

This is set of demands used to manufacture a tape and against which a tape is tested and measured.

SPLICE TABLE:

This is a table used to facilitate splicing.

SPOOLED TAPE/ BOBBIN WOUND TAPE:

This is a tape wound in a spiral way around a wide core in layers, giving unusually long lengths.

SPOOLING/ BOBBIN WINDING:

This is the process of winding spooled tape, similar to a fishing line wound on a reel.

STABILISER:

This is a chemical added to prolong the life of a material.

STAINING:

This is the description of discoloration of a surface onto which a tape has been applied.

STAIN RESISTANCE:

This is the freedom of a tape from discoloration of surfaces to which it is applied.

STIFFNESS:

This describes resistance to bending and low stiffness is one important factor for determining the tapes conformability.

STORAGE STABILITY:

This is the ability to retain a specified level of its original properties after a defined time and conditions of storage.

STREAKS:

Thise are distortions in the adhesive coat, represented by lines, marks, or scratches discolouring, shade, texture or absence of coating. This is usually distinguished from the normal uniform appearance.

STRESS RELAXATION:

This is the process to remove stresses introduced during manufacturing and processing.

STRIKE THROUGH:

This is a condition that results from the application of a coating solution through the web, partially depositing the coating on the reverse side.

STRINGINESS:

This describes the condition of the mass when it feels very soft and mushy. When performing a closer examination, long legs or strings of mass can be pulled out.

STYRENE BUTADIENE:

This is a synthetic rubber made from styrene and butadiene monomers that is used in adhesive and saturates.

SOLVENT RESISTANCE:

This is the resistance of a backing or adhesive against dissolving in an organic solvent.

SUBSTRATE:

This is the primary component onto which the adhesive is applied and can be any continuous material .

TACKIFIER:

This is a resin or softening additive used to give adhesive to give tack.

TEAR STRENGTH:

(Tear Resistance) Ability to withstand tearing forces. Tear resistance refers to a continuation of a tear started by cutting or nicking the edge. Cross and machine direction tear refer to the resistance measured with the tear line running crosswise and lengthwise of the tape. Edge tear strength, or starting tear strength, refers to the force required to start a tear on an undamaged or virgin or notched edge.

TENSILE STRENGTH:

This is the maximum longitudinal pull force that can be withstood by a material of standard dimensions at breaking point. For pressure-sensitive tapes or other thin products the unit is force per width (pounds per inch/grams per 25mm). Commonly used is force per cross-sectional area (pounds per square inch or Newton per square millimetre.).

-Dry Tensile: Paper tape strength after it has been conditioned at specific humidity for a specified length of time.

-Wet Tensile: Paper strength that measures the performance of the tape when exposed to moisture.

-Longitudinal Tensile Strength: Measured parallel to the length of the tape.

-Cross-Direction (or Transverse) Tensile Strength: Measured at perpendicular angles to the length of the tape.

TENSIOMETER:

This is an instrument used for measuring the tension of film tape substrates.

THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY:

This is the measurement of the ability to conduct heat. Rates at which the heat is transferred depend on the thermal conductivity as well as the thickness, area and temperature difference.

THERMAL ENDURANCE:

This is the time that a tape will last at an elevated temperature before its performance does not meet its specifications and usually becomes unusable.

THERMAL EXPANSION:

This is the increase in dimension caused by raising material temperatures.

THERMOPLASTIC:

This describes a material that will repeatedly soften when heated and harden on cooling. Normal pressure sensitive adhesives are thermoplastic.

THERMOSETTING:

This is a term applied to plastic materials that change chemically at high temperatures to a harder, less plastic or elastic form. Their characteristics are changed after cooling down.

THREAD LAY DOWN:

This describes the pattern of threads in a reinforced tape.

3-D MIXER:

This is a high-speed, high shear mixer used to mix adhesive ingredients into a solution.

TOLERANCE:

This is the variability of limits that are allowed around a standard test value. Expressed as a + or-.

TOLUENE:

This is a strong aromatic hydrocarbon solvent widely used in the adhesive industry.

TRANSFER:

This term normally referring to mass transfer, but sometimes releases any tape component that moves from its proper place to some other position during either unwind or removal.

TRANSFER TAPE:

This is a double sided tape consisting of a film of adhesive without a carrier, but with a lining or facing material.

TRANSLUCENT:

This means partially transparent. Translucent tape allows some light to pass through its backing.

TRANSPARENT:

This means capability of transmitting light without diffusion. A tape is rated as transparent if 10-point type can be easily read.

ULTRAVIOLET RESISTANCE:

This refers to the resistance to degradation by ultraviolet light as found in sunlight/daylight.

UNWIND:

This referst to removing or unwinding tape from a roll. Characteristics of unwind are influenced by the adhesion of the tape to its own backing.

UNWIND ADHESION:

This is the force required to remove tape from a roll under prescribed conditions.

UPVC:

This is an abbhreviation for Un-plasticised Polyvinylchloride which is a rigid film used in packaging applications, and as a transparent tape in stationery use.

VISCOSITY:

This is the resistance of a fluid to flow. Measurements of this property provide useful information with respect to the coatability of a material.

VOID:

This is a local area on the mass side of the tape that has no mass.

VOLATILITY:

This terminology refers to the residual solvent content in various coated materials or raw materials.

WALL MIXER:

This is a slow drum mixer consisting of a single shaft with one or several paddles.

WATER ABSORPTION:

This is the measure of the amount of water which is soaked up and retained by a tape under specified conditions.

WATER PENETRATION:

This describes the tape's ability to prevent water passing through it.

WATER VAPOUR TRANSMISSION RATE (W.V.T.R ) :

This is the weight of water vapour passing through a defined area of tape in a fixed period of time when the conditions of temperature and humidity are specified.

WEB:

This term is synonymous with backing or substrate.

WETTING:

This term describes the ability of an adhesive to flow and come into intimate contact with surfaces to which it is applied.

WIND-UP:

This is the equipment located at the end of the coater that winds up the coated tape into a roll.

WOVEN:

This term describes a textile fabric formed by interlacing cross yarns with continuous machine direction yarns. A NON-WOVEN, is a fabric like material made from fibres that are laid down randomly in a process similar to paper making. Fibres are then bonded together with binder or heat and pressure.

WRINKLES:

These are distortions in backing materials represented by creases, folds and other minor ridges that cause defects in the nature of the web.

YIELD STRENGTH:

This is the maximum force that, when applied to a tape, will cause it to stretch. It will return to its original dimension when the stress is removed. When a greater force is applied the material will be plastically deformed.

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