Selecting the right high-temperature tape for industrial applications like powder coating, wet spray, plating, e-coating, or anodization is essential for achieving a flawless finish. The best tape isn’t just about maximum temperature resistance; it’s about choosing a tape rated slightly higher than your standard operating temperature to reliably handle the demands of your specific process.
The “Right” Tape: It’s All About Temperature and Process
The best tape for the job is the one that meets the specific requirements for the intended process. High-temperature tapes are designed with maximum heat ratings, indicating the highest temperature they can withstand for a very short time.
For longer durations, it’s wise to select a tape rated 20% greater than the actual operating temperature. This creates a safety margin, ensuring that if your production line experiences a brief stoppage or unexpected delay, the tape can withstand the exposure without failing.
For instance, if your curing oven is set to 200° F (93° C), a tape rated at 250° F or 275° F (121° C or 135° C) will provide the flexibility needed to keep your process moving smoothly, even when minor disruptions occur.
Why Higher Temperature Ratings Matter
Temperature ratings on high-temperature tapes represent the maximum heat they can handle for the shortest amount of time. To protect the adhesive properties and structural integrity of the tape, it is important to account for any potential variation in the coating process. Using a tape rated just above the intended temperature prevents the tape from breaking down or leaving residue on the product that is being treated in case of a brief or unforeseen exposure to higher temperatures.
Choosing Tapes According to Coating and Finishing Processes
Different processes have unique requirements, but the principle of choosing a tape rated slightly above your process temperature holds true across them all:
Powder Coating & E-Coating
In powder coating and e-coating, the tape must withstand the high curing temperatures required to bond the coating to the substrate. Selecting a tape rated slightly above the oven temperature ensures it will hold up even if a stoppage causes a temporary temperature spike.
Wet Spray
Wet spray applications involve drying temperatures, which may not be as high as powder coating but still require stable tape performance under heat. Using a tape rated slightly higher than the drying temperature ensures it maintains its adhesion to its carrier, preventing residue or tape failure.
Plating
The plating process can sometimes involve heat, and the materials used for surface protection during this process need to be temperature resistant. Choosing a tape that can tolerate higher temperatures reduces the risk of adhesive breakdown or contamination on the final product.
Anodizing
This process uses a controlled oxidation process that sometimes requires heat. The tape used in anodization should be carefully selected to withstand these temperatures, to allow for a perfect finish without tape degradation or residue left on the surface of the item that is being treated.
Flame Spray
The flame spray coating technique uses a high-temperature flame to disperse and apply a melted material onto the desired surface, creating a durable, high-performance coating. This process requires a specialized, heat resistant adhesive tape, to withstand the high temperatures involved.
Get The Best Finish
To achieve optimal results, consider both the maximum temperature your process requires and the duration of exposure. By choosing a tape rated slightly above the standard temperature, you build a safety margin into your process, ensuring that any minor delays or unforeseen circumstances don’t impact the tape’s performance, or your desired result.
High-temperature-resistant tapes are essential for successful finishing applications. By making an informed choice based on process needs and temperature tolerance, you’re investing in a cleaner, more efficient process and a better end-product.