Adhesive tape
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Adhesive tape is an adhesive-coated fastening tape used for temporary or, in some cases, permanent joining. Single-sided tapes allow joining of two overlapping or adjoining materials, while double-sided tape (adhesive on both sides) allows joining of two items back-to-back.
These tapes are made by applying an adhesive emulsion to a tape or film that is then wound onto a roll. Manufacture often involves winding large films of material onto a roll and then cutting the roll into convenient widths.
Adhesive tape was invented in 1926 by Richard Drew of 3M. The original tape was a paper-backed masking tape. Transparent and other tapes grew from this invention.
Like 'Hoover', used to refer to vacuum cleaners in general, Scotch Tape (in the USA and other countries, such as Argentina) and Sellotape (in the UK) have become almost-genericized trademarks, being used to refer to adhesive tapes in general.
Varieties of Adhesive Tape
- Transparent Tape ("Sticky Tape") like Scotch Tape and Sellotape is cellulose-based and transparent.
- 'Gaffer tape' is normally based on a heavy fabric or plastic tape. The name derives from its use by gaffers in the entertainment industry among others, to hold down cables particularly to obviate or prevent tripping hazard.
- Duct tape (sometimes referred to as "duck tape") has a fabric backing and many uses.
- Masking tape is used to cover areas that shouldn't be painted. It has a paper backing and weak adhesive.
- Electrical tape is made of materials like vinyl that do not conduct electricity.
- Surgical tape is an adhesive bandage used to hold a dressing on a wound.
Tape Glossary
- Backing (substrate). The primary component of tape upon which an adhesive is applied. Examples are cloth, paper, metal foil, film etc.
- Conformability. Ability of a tape to make total contact with a surface.
- Release Coating. A very thin coating applied to the impervious tape backing so as to allow the tape to be unwound at a controlled level.
- Tack. The sticky feel of the tape
- Unwind. The act of removing or unwinding the tape from a roll
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