Tapes in your daily routine

Turning on the lights and adjusting the heat

This home touch panel, which controls lighting and temperature in each room, is bonded together with optically clear adhesive tape. The tape allows for the touch function and illumination of the screen.

Opening the shades

 

Window shades hang with the aid of adhesive transfer tape: Both the metal bar which supports the curtain and the textile role is bonded to the rod with tape, which resists temperature and UV damage.

Using the bathroom

 

In the bathroom, all LED technology is bonded with conductive adhesives. The mirror is bonded to the front of the cabinet with tape that is formulated not to react adversely with the material of the mirror.

Leaving a message

 

Even the note you leave for yourself or your loved ones is made by combining a great idea with technology: a post-it which adheres vertically, and temporarily, to a surface.

Opening the refrigerator

Panel bonding is often found in kitchen appliances, in this case the heat exchanger of the refrigerator. Tapes provide strong, metal-to-metal bonding which is aesthetically pleasing and requires no spot welding or soldering.

Getting a drink

 

Within the fridge, juice and milk cartons are manufactured using flexographic printing. This is a roll-to-roll process in which tape is applied to a printing cylinder, and onto this printing tape is mounted. The mounting tape is bubble-free and removable, and the density of the foam guarantees a high-quality print.

Sending a text message

 

Adhesive tapes provide bonding, electromagnetic shielding and optically clear technology for tablets and other electronic devices, especially in screens. As the iPad grows smaller, for example, tape technology evolves to support ever more precise properties, including smaller trim, more light, more control and less energy.

Getting into your car

Foam bonding and structural adhesives are used in automotive applications. In this case, adhesive tape is laminated onto a rubber profile. The rubber seal is then bonded into the door to stop moisture from penetrating the interior of the car.

Adjusting your mirrors 

@ All photos on this page supplied by 3M

Plastic foil is bonded to the shower shield of your car with an adhesive transfer tape which prevents water from entering through an open window. Adhesive tape also bonds the trims and mirrors to the car body. Sometimes cured as a last step after mounting, the bond of the rear-view mirror is important as the mirror holds a weight sensor. Smaller automotive electronics are also bonded with double-sided adhesive tapes.

Based on the presentation "Made to stick: A general introduction to tapes"
by Caroline Algoet, 3M Industrial Adhesives and Tapes Division All text, photos and images copyright © 2016. All rights reserved.

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