Adhesive tape converting glossary
Sharing our knowledge with the medical device market
The need to know’s and the A’s to Z’s.
A
To change an adhesive film from a dry stage into a useful tacky state.
To bond; to cause two surfaces to be held together by adhesion.
The molecular force of attraction or bond between any adhesive and the surface it is in contact with. The strength of the attraction or bond is determined by the surface energy of the material and the type of adhesive involved.
The inking system commonly employed in flexographic printing, consisting of an elastomer covered fountain roller running in the ink pan. Adjustable against an engraved anilox roll, the two as a unit are adjusted to the printing plate roll, ink is flooded into the engraved cells of the anilox roll, excess doctored off by the doctor blade and that which remains beneath the surface of the anilox roll is transferred to the printing plate.
B
Slits in the release liner to facilitate easy removal by hand.
The undesirable penetration of the adhesive onto the surface to which the tape is applied.
The amount of force required to separate the joined surfaces.
C
A measurement of thickness expressed in thousands of an inch (English units) or millimetres (Metric units).
Scraps or tiny pieces of material removed from web during die cutting and/or sprocketing
Tape construction on which the carrier has on both sides an adhesive coating.
D
E
The distance a tape will stretch lengthwise before breaking. Expressed as a percentage of original length. Elongation is not necessarily an indication of conformability.
To create a design on a surface caused by letter, figures, patterns, etc, to be raised by dies.
To expel or force through a measured orifice; to apply a molten thermoplastic adhesive onto a web.
F
G
A super-calendered smooth dense transparent or semi-transparent paper.
The machine direction of paper as opposed to the cross direction. Also, a measurement of pressure-sensitive adhesive on a given area.
Applies a specific amount of coating controlled by an etched roll to a surface.
h
The molecular force of attraction or bond between any adhesive and the surface it is in contact with. The strength of the attraction or bond is determined by the surface energy of the material and the type of adhesive involved.
A pressure-sensitive adhesive applied to the liner or backing in a hot molten form which cools to form a conventional pressure-sensitive adhesive.
I
K
L
M
The total construction of a pressure-sensitive adhesive system surrounding a die-cut form which has been removed.
The property of a material that attempts to return to its original dimension after being distorted.
N
O
P
A substance added to materials to impart flexibility.
A strong film having good resistance to moisture, solvents and many other chemicals. It is usually clear and can be purchased in different mil thickness.
R
A very thin chemical coating applied to the release liner during its manufacture which renders it suitable to perform its role of allowing an adhesive tape to be unwound prior to use.
A backing coated on one or both sides that protects the adhesive until use. The liner is removed and discarded before application. Most frequently found on double coated tapes and labels.
S
Die cut pieces kiss cut on a roll with surrounding waste material taken away.