The Four Point Checklist - Have you checked?

It's always difficult when starting any kind of new project - you're faced with many different questions and with not many answers! Not only is it difficult to make the right choices, it also imperative to avoid costly mistakes that could jeopardise any up and coming venture. This is why, here at Technibond, we have come up with the Four Point Checklist  to help you specify the right tape for your exact needs.

Getting the best tape for a new project:


Collecting together a few essential facts before the project begins, will save time and expense later. Here are the four most important questions we would normally ask about a new project:

1) What is the application?

This gives us a general "feel" for the project and may pre-empt some of the later questions. We may well be able to relate our experiences of other similar applications back to you, and this means you can avoid problems we have seen before. Or it may be a completely new challenge!

Included in the application will be whether the adhesive needs to be permanent, removable or is for temporary positioning.

2) What are the two materials being bonded?

Obvious, of course, but please bear with us when we ask "what sort of plastic?", "what sort of rubber?", "what sort of paint?" Get as much detail as possible, it really does help. If you only know the product by a trade name, try to get hold of a data sheet; it may save time having to look the material up if we do not know it.

This information will tell us most of the following:

• Whether the two materials are rigid, semi-rigid or flexible (this will determine whether we recommend a foam tape of a thin tape)

•  Whether the surfaces of the materials are likely to be smooth or rough (this will determine the adhesive coat weight and tack required)

• The chemistry of the surface; whether it is high, medium or low surface energy (this will determine the adhesive type required)

• Whether the material is likely to be plasticized or contaminated (this will also influence the adhesive type)

3) What are the environmental conditions?

There are two sets of conditions to consider: the conditions under which the tape is applied, and the later conditions in use. Consider the following:

•             Indoor or outdoor?
•             Exposure to UV light, water and solvents?
•             Lowest temperature under which the tape may be applied?
•             Lowest and highest temperature in use and is it short term or long term?
  

4) Your production conditions

We want to maximize your production efficiency and minimize production costs so we will determine:

•             Is it to be machine applied or hand applied?
•             In your own factory or subcontracted or by outworkers?
•             Is it a high volume application where spools may be appropriate?
•             Is it for component assembly where die-cut parts may be appropriate?

If you have any new project in mind, then please call one of our experts on 01628 642800, and they will run through the above questions, and help make sure there is nothing you’ve overlooked.

In this way you’ll end up with a tape that is fit for purpose, and you can rest assured that you won't be paying more than is necessary.

And don't forget, do phone us for free advice, samples and quotes with absolutely no obligation on: 01628 642800