Creating and adopting test methods for adhesive tape
Global bodies
Afera works consistently on identifying and developing adhesive tape test methods for Europe-wide and global use. The Association continues to develop closer relationships with our international counterpart associations, the Pressure Sensitive Tape Council of North America (PSTC), the Japanese Adhesive Tape Manufacturer’s Association (JATMA), the China Adhesives and Tape Industry Association (CATIA) and the Taiwan Regional Association of Adhesive Tape Manufacturers (TAAT), which are the members of the Global Tape Forum. Contact among these organisations has proven invaluable in the process toward globalising tape markets, specifically in the area of test methods harmonisation.
European Committee for Standardisation (CEN)
On behalf of the European adhesive tape industry, Afera has obtained the adoption of a number of test methods by the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN), which promotes voluntary technical harmonisation in Europe in conjunction with worldwide bodies and its partners in Europe. Afera encourages its member companies to participate actively in their corresponding national normalisation mirror committees’ representation in CEN TC 193/WG 7.
International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO)
The Association has also achieved worldwide recognition of three internationally harmonised test methods through the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO): ISO 29862:2007 Peel Adhesion, ISO 29863:2007 Shear Adhesion, and ISO 29864:2007 Breaking Strength and Elongation. Afera supports in the maintenance and periodic reviews of these test methods.
Test methods going forward
Instead of seeking the CEN/ISO certification route, Afera pursues a policy of developing internationally recognised standards among the 5 members of the Global Tape Forum and Global Test Methods Committee (GTMC). Once finalised, the test methods are referred to as ‘GTF-Harmonised Test Methods’.
New test method development working group & Round robin testing
Within its Technical Committee, Afera works on the identification and development of new industry test methods. To foster the process of standardisation, the Association organises and participates in round robin testing forums. These involve comparative lab analyses of test methods in development performed by groups of participating Afera member companies. Developing test methods is not always easy. Following the prescribed steps in the process does not guarantee success, as diverging round robin testing results have occasionally demonstrated. This is why it is necessary to discuss, formalise, and standardise industry test methods; otherwise, there would be no way to compare results between company labs.