What are the benefits of in-line laser cutting?No tooling requiredComputer Numerically Controlled (CNC) processing means parts can be created from your drawings or computer files.No design limitationsLaser cutting overcomes the limitations of mechanical tooling. This allows design engineers the freedom to specify part dimensions that optimize finished goods.Quality partsThe high-speed motion system manipulates the laser beam at a rate of 200 inches/second to cut parts to your desired dimension while processing material at speeds up to 100 feet/minute. This process keeps specialty part costs down and helps meet both prototype and full scale production requirements.A variety of part dimensions on the same rollIn-line laser processing provides you with a variety of parts on the same roll or sheet. If you require a variety of die-cuts for a single unit, they can all be supplied right next to each other.Eliminate adhesive flowMany of today's specialty fastening adhesives tend to flow (bond back to itself) after tr ...

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Venture Tape Corp. to Acquire Compac Corp.’s Pressure Sensitive Adhesives Assets

To read the entire article, visit the 3M Newsroom.

When is it better to use a flatbed die-cutting process over a rotary die-cutting process?

For those of you who may not know, die-cutting is the process by which any shape, pattern or design can be cut out of various pressure-sensitive tapes, utilizing custom dies.

"Typically, we use a flatbed to cut thicker materials. For instance, we will cut thick foam tapes on a flatbed because of the deflection a rotary method would cause. Flatbeds are also used when the substrate you are using comes in sheet form. Furthermore, when a customer wants a minimal number of parts, a flatbed will be used because of the lower tooling costs, making it much more cost effective."

This information was contributed by Chris Schoentag, Plant Manager at Budnick Converting, Inc.

Saint-Gobain's U.S. based subsidiary, CertainTeed, just released information about Landmark SolarisTM.

To read more about this innovative new product, visit the news section of www.saint-gobain.com

What are plasticizers and how do they affect adhesive performance?

Plasticizers are an additive typically used to soften materials. PVC is a common example. If it does not have plasticizers, it may be listed as UPVC (unplasticized). In terms of adhesive performance, plasticizers can permeate the adhesive and weaken the bond between a tape and a substrate.

This information was contributed by Renae Shindorf, Application Engineer at tesa tape, inc. Visit www.tesatape.com for more information.

Venture Shield Introduces New Web-Based, “Invisible Patterns” Software With Window Tint Files and Extras

To read the entire story visit the News and Events Portion of Venture Tape's Website

What surface types are difficult or easy to bond to? "Typically, polar surfaces are easier to bond to and non-polar surfaces are more difficult. Some examples of polar surfaces are stainless steel, polycarbonate, and glass. Non-polar surfaces include silicone, Teflon, polypropylene, polyethylene, powder coated and/or painted surfaces. To obtain a good bond, the polarity of the tape should be similar or lower than the substrates being bonded. Modified and pure acrylics are polar, whereas synthetic and natural rubbers are more non-polar. If you have more questions on this topic, feel free to contact me at rshindorf@tesatape.com."This information was contributed by Renae Shindorf, Application Engineer at tesa tape, inc. Visit www.tesatape.com for more information.TapeBlog was created to be a catalyst towards the better good of the adhesive tape, foam and flexible material industry. And, as we always point out, tape touches almost every industry. Therefore, every industry stands to benefit from the quality and ...

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Can you tell me what it means to corona treat a tape product?

Corona treatment is is an interesting process that alters the surface of a material and essentially its surface energy. The material is exposed to a high voltage electrical discharage during the corona process, which causes the change to occur. This treatment is typically used to raise the surface energy of films such as polyethylene or polypropylene to obtain better adhesion of inks, adhesives and other coatings. High energy surfaces allow better wet-out of the coating than those with low surface energy.

What does a 29.0 lbs/inch tensile strength mean?Lets begin by defining tensile strength. Tensile strength is the force required to break a piece of tape by pulling on opposite ends of the piece. When you see 29.0 lbs/inch tensile strength on a material's data sheet, that means it takes 29 pounds per inch to break that product in half. Tensile strength is often expressed in pounds per inch. However, some products are expressed in newtons per centimeter or N/cm.You may also see the terms machine direction tensile, cross direction tensile or wet tensile on a data sheet. Machine direction tensile is measured parallel to the length of the tape. Unless it is otherwise specified, the tensile strength of your product is measured in machine direction. Cross direction tensile strength is measured at right angels. Wet tensile strength is measured after the tape has been kept wet for a specified period of time. This is useful when determining if your tape will function properly when exposed to moisture.Click to view an ...

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