Foam tape is a strip of foam bonded with a pressure-sensitive adhesive. This type of tape is useful for everything from insulation to gasketing and mounting. However, with the variety of tapes available, it can be difficult to choose the best adhesive for your application. Let’s explore the types of foam adhesives and examine how to use them.
Looking for custom foam gasket tape or mounting tape? American Flexible Products is a 3M™ Preferred Converter and Rogers Preferred Converter with three decades of experience helping clients find the perfect adhesive solutions. Contact us for custom fabrication with outstanding quality and competitive pricing.
What is Foam Tape Made From?
Foam tape is not a single product. The foam can be made from a variety of different materials, including:
- Acrylic
- Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM)
- Neoprene
- Polyethalene (PE)
- Polyurethane (PU)
- Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
- Poron
- Silicone
Just as the foam can be made from different materials, so can the adhesive backing. Common adhesives for foam mounting tape include rubber, silicone, and acrylic.
Open Cell vs. Closed Cell Foam Tape
Another property to consider when selecting foam insulation tape or gasket tape is the cell structure of the foam.
- Closed-cell foam has a structure with air bubbles enclosed within the membrane. The structure is dense and impenetrable to air and water.
- Open-cell foam is composed of air bubbles that are not trapped within the material’s structure. The open structure allows air and water to pass freely through the material.
When it comes to foam gasket tape, the cell structure plays a vital role in how the material performs. To choose the optimal tape, consider whether your application needs waterproofing, airtightness, or thermal insulation.
Single-Sided vs. Double-Sided Foam Tape
In addition to the foam material, adhesive material, and foam structure, tapes can also be broken down into single-sided and double-sided adhesives.
- Foam double-sided tape has adhesive laminated on both the top and bottom of the foam.
- Single-sided tapes only have adhesive on one side, with exposed foam on the other side.
Single-sided foam tapes will have a release liner on one side. Most double-sided foam tapes will have a release liner on both sides to aid with application. However, some double-sided tapes may only have a liner on one side.
Best Uses for Foam Tape
Foam tape is an incredibly versatile material across numerous industries. Here are a few ways to use it:
- Create gaskets and seals. Foam is an ideal material for making gaskets due to its flexibility and ability to mold into unusual shapes. Because it can be made from a wide variety of materials, foam gasket tape performs in demanding environments while withstanding chemicals and harsh conditions.
- Provide insulation. With thermal insulation properties, foam tape is suitable for maintaining consistent temperatures in medical, aerospace, and automotive applications, among others. It is also commonly used as weather stripping and HVAC insulation.
- Cushion sensitive components. Foam works well for dampening vibrations and absorbing shock, making it ideal for protecting instruments from damage.
- Mount objects. Foam mounting tape creates a strong seal between surfaces. It works well for attaching components during manufacturing or hanging signs, or securing essentially anything else where screws or nails aren’t suitable.
- Bandaging and medical device stabilization. Foam tape medical uses include securing devices to the skin or adhering wound dressings. Its breathability and cushioning prevent skin irritation, while gentle adhesives make the tape suitable for long-term wear.
Need foam tape for a specific application? Let American Flexible Products help you find the ideal foam that fits all of your product specifications. Contact us for a quote today.
How to Use Foam Tape
Foam tape is easy to apply to a wide variety of substrates. While the exact application methods may vary depending on what you’re assembling, you can follow these basic guidelines:
- Clean and prepare the surface. Tape will perform best on a clean, dry, smooth surface. If applying tape in a dirty or greasy environment, use an appropriate solvent to remove any residue from the surface before applying the tape, and make sure it is fully dry.
- Cut the tape to size. Or better yet, work with AFP to get custom foam tape that is already the precise size you need for your application.
- Peel the backing. If you’re using double-sided foam tape, remove the release liner to expose the adhesive. Position the tape in place, then press it down and remove the release liner on the other side.
- Apply pressure and let it set. To aid adhesion, ensure there is sufficient surface contact between the substrates. While setting times can vary depending on the tape, you will want to let the adhesive cure before applying pressure to the component.
When applying tape or any other adhesive, be aware of the environmental conditions. Some adhesives are sensitive to humidity or extreme hot or cold temperatures.
AFP: Your Partner for Custom Foam Tape Solutions
In demanding industries, you need something better than an off-the-shelf adhesive to get the job done. As a 3M™ Preferred Converter and Rogers Corporation Preferred Converter, American Flexible Products has the answers and products you’re looking for.
Contact us today for a custom quote or to get expert adhesive recommendations for your project.
