Using Tape to Change Surface Characteristics

It might go unnoticed, but tape is often used as the exposed surface of a material or device to make it more useful. Applying a thin layer of a material with adhesive is a less expensive way of achieving the surface characteristics required.

A simple example is reflective tape. The tape is applied to traffic signs or "electric eye" system to make the surface more visible. It would be much more expensive to embed the reflective material into the metal signs.

Another example is using UHMW polyethylene tape to line conveyor guides to reduce friction as the materials move through the guide.

PTFE or Teflon® is often used to make a surface non-stick and heat resistant. Foils are used to make surfaces electrically conductive. There are also textured tapes which change the texture, rubber tapes that give the surface grip and, of course, colored tapes will change the color of a surface.

If you need to alter or improve a surface for any reason, think about using a tape because quite often Tapeworks.

 

PRO TIP:

Consult with an experienced tape manufacturer to engineer how tape can be used in to change nearly any surface characteristics in your application – durability, friction, heat resistance, color. It’s limited only by your imagination.

 


Randy Emmons
Randy Emmons

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