Industrial adhesive tape is used across manufacturing, construction, automotive, sign making and many other sectors. It can help join materials, mount components, seal surfaces and support different stages of production.
There is no single tape suitable for every application. Industrial tapes are available in different adhesive formulations, carrier materials, thicknesses and formats. Understanding these differences makes it easier to select a product that matches the job.
Different types of industrial adhesive tape
Industrial tapes are generally selected according to the materials being joined and the conditions in which the bond will be used.
Double sided tape
Double sided tape has adhesive on both sides of a carrier. It is commonly used for bonding flexible and semi-flexible materials such as paper, board, foam, plastic and rubber.
Filmic versions use carriers such as PET, PVC or PP, while tissue versions use a non-woven carrier. These constructions offer different levels of rigidity and conformability.
Foam tape
Foam tapes have a foam carrier that provides cushioning and helps accommodate surface irregularities. They are used for mounting, sealing and fixing selected components.
STIKON offers PE foam tapes in different thicknesses for applications including signage, accessories, electronic components and general mounting.
High-bond acrylic tape
High-bond acrylic tapes are designed for permanent bonding between solid surfaces. They can be used on suitable metals, plastics, glass, wood and powder-coated materials.
STIKON's S-Bond Clear range is an example of a high-bond acrylic gel tape designed for these types of applications.
Transfer tape
Transfer tape consists of an adhesive layer supported by release liners rather than a conventional carrier. It is used in applications such as labels, graphics and component mounting.
STIKON's S-Bond X130 is a clear acrylic transfer tape designed for high-end labels, graphical elements, badges and signage.
Where are industrial adhesive tapes used?
Industrial adhesive tapes support a wide range of tasks:
- Manufacturing: Joining components and materials during assembly.
- Automotive: Fixing trims, badges and selected vehicle components.
- Sign making: Mounting signs, graphics and display materials.
- Construction: Supporting suitable mounting and glazing applications.
- Electronics: Attaching lightweight components and materials.
- Packaging and printing: Bonding paper, board and other flexible materials.
The exact tape required depends on the application, the surface and the expected working conditions.
What should you consider when selecting a tape?
Choosing an industrial adhesive tape involves more than looking at its adhesive strength.
Surface compatibility: Check whether the adhesive is suitable for the materials being bonded. Some tapes are designed for metals and glass, while others are better suited to foam, rubber or plastics.
Bond requirements: Consider whether the application needs a permanent bond, a removable fixing or a low-profile adhesive layer.
Environmental conditions: Moisture, UV exposure and temperature changes can influence performance. Outdoor applications may require a product with suitable weather resistance.
Tape construction: The carrier affects flexibility, thickness and the ability to accommodate uneven surfaces.
Presentation format: Some applications require standard rolls, while others are better suited to slit rolls, discs or die-cut parts.
Industrial tape solutions from STIKON
STIKON supplies industrial adhesive tapes in different constructions and formats. Its range includes double sided filmic and tissue tapes, foam tapes, high-bond acrylic products and transfer tapes.
The right choice depends on the materials, application method and conditions involved. Reviewing the technical details before selecting a product helps ensure the tape is suitable for the intended use.