Elite Tape offers Kapton alternative polyimide film tapes with silicone adhesive systems.  These products offer even great higher temperature resistance due to the polyimide film backing.  These products are thin, conformable with excellent abrasion and tear resistance.  Excellent choice for insulation applications and gold finger protection.  Thermosetting adhesive will increase in adhesion values.  Offered in 1 mil. and 2 mil. backings.

ELITE TAPE IS YOUR TRUSTED SOURCE FOR SINGLE COATED TAPES

Elite Tape offers an extensive line of single coated film tapes with a variety of film backings and adhesive systems.  Our polyester-silicone tapes are used for splicing silicone coated papers and high temperature masking applications.  We offer these in different colors and different thickness’ depending on your application needs.   We also offer polyester-acrylic tapes, polyimide-silicone, polyester-acrylic and polyethylene-rubber. All of these products can be procesed in long length machine rolls for continuous processing.  We also offer these tapes die-cut in different designs and configurations.  There are several applications requiring our single coated film tapes:

• High temperature masking applications
• Plasma spray & thermal spray
• Splicing of silicone treated papers and release liners
• Core start and tail tabbing applications
• Insulative coil wrapping in motor manufacturing
• Carrier tape in electronics industry offering clean removal

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT POLYIMIDE SILICONE TAPES

What is Polyimide Silicone Tape?

Polyimide Silicone Tape, also known as Kapton tape, is a type of specialized adhesive tape that combines the properties of polyimide film with a silicone adhesive backing. It is named after the trade name “Kapton,” which is a product of DuPont. This tape is known for its high-temperature resistance, electrical insulation properties, and versatility in various applications.

• High-Temperature Resistance: One of the main advantages of Polyimide Silicone Tape is its ability to withstand high temperatures. It can handle temperatures ranging from -100°C to around 260°C (-150°F to 500°F), making it suitable for use in environments where regular adhesive tapes would fail due to heat.
• Electrical Insulation: The polyimide film used in the tape is an excellent electrical insulator, which makes the tape useful for applications in the electronics industry. It can be used to insulate wires, cables, and other components to prevent short circuits and electrical leakage.
• Chemical Resistance: Polyimide Silicone Tape is resistant to a variety of chemicals and solvents, which makes it suitable for applications in industries where exposure to harsh chemicals is common.
• Mechanical Strength: The tape has good mechanical strength and durability, allowing it to maintain its properties even under mechanical stress.
• Thin and Flexible: The tape is relatively thin and flexible, which makes it easy to apply to various surfaces, including curved and irregular shapes.
• Versatility: Polyimide Silicone Tape finds applications in a wide range of industries, including electronics, aerospace, automotive, manufacturing, and research. It can be used for masking during high-temperature processes, as a thermal barrier, for insulation, for securing components, and more.

Polyimide Silicone Tape is a versatile and high-performance adhesive tape that offers excellent temperature resistance, electrical insulation, and chemical resistance. Its unique combination of properties makes it indispensable in industries where these characteristics are crucial for successful operation.

In what applications does Polyimide Silicone Tape excel?

Polyimide Silicone Tape, also known as Kapton tape, excels in a variety of applications where its unique properties are essential.

• Electronics Assembly and Soldering: Polyimide Silicone Tape is commonly used in electronics manufacturing and assembly. It is used to mask off areas on circuit boards during soldering processes, as it can withstand the high temperatures of soldering without melting or leaving residues.
• Insulation of Electrical Components: The electrical insulating properties of Polyimide Silicone Tape make it ideal for wrapping and insulating wires, cables, and coils in electrical equipment, such as electric motors, transformers, and generators. It prevents short circuits and electrical leakage.
• Thermal Barriers in Aerospace: In the aerospace industry, Polyimide Silicone Tape is used as a thermal barrier to protect sensitive components from extreme temperatures during space missions and aircraft operation. It is also used for insulation on spacecraft and satellites.
• Automotive Industry: Polyimide Silicone Tape finds applications in the automotive sector, where it can be used to insulate and protect wiring harnesses, sensors, and other components that are exposed to high temperatures or potential sources of heat.
• Research and Development: Researchers and scientists often use Polyimide Silicone Tape in laboratories for its temperature resistance and electrical insulation properties. It can be used to secure samples or components during various experiments and tests.
• High-Temperature Masking: Polyimide Silicone Tape is commonly used as a masking material in various industrial processes, such as powder coating, anodizing, and plating. Its ability to withstand high temperatures ensures that it doesn’t break down or leave residues when exposed to these processes.
• Flex Circuit Protection: In flexible printed circuit boards (flex circuits), Polyimide Silicone Tape can be applied to provide insulation and protection to the circuits, especially in applications where flexibility is required.
• Heat Sink Attachment: In electronics cooling applications, Polyimide Silicone Tape can be used to attach heat sinks to components. Its heat resistance ensures that it won’t degrade or lose its adhesive properties even when exposed to high temperatures generated by electronic components.
• Laboratory and Cleanroom Environments: Polyimide Silicone Tape is often used in controlled environments such as laboratories and cleanrooms due to its cleanliness, low outgassing, and resistance to chemicals and solvents.
• Cable and Wire Harnesses: Polyimide Silicone Tape is used to secure and bundle cables and wire harnesses in applications where temperature fluctuations are common.

How do I know what thickness of Polyimide Silicone Tape will work best for my application?

Selecting the appropriate thickness of Polyimide Silicone Tape (Kapton tape) for your application depends on several factors, including the specific requirements of your project and the conditions the tape will be exposed to.

Here are some steps to help you determine the best thickness for your application:

1. Understand Application Requirements: Start by identifying the key requirements of your application. Consider factors such as temperature range, electrical insulation needs, mechanical stress, and chemical exposure.
2. Temperature Range: Determine the highest and lowest temperatures the tape will encounter during your application. Different thicknesses of Kapton tape have varying temperature resistance capabilities. If your application involves higher temperatures, you might need a thicker tape to ensure it can withstand the heat.
3. Electrical Insulation: If the primary purpose of the tape is electrical insulation, consider the voltage levels and potential for electrical discharge. Thicker tape might offer better insulation properties in some cases.
4. Mechanical Stress: Assess the mechanical stress or strain the tape will undergo. Thicker tape generally provides better resistance against tearing and mechanical stress. If the tape will be subjected to bending, twisting, or other mechanical movements, a thicker tape might be more suitable.
5. Chemical Exposure: Consider whether the tape will come into contact with chemicals or solvents. Thicker tape may offer improved resistance against chemical exposure.
6. Flexibility and Conformability: Thicker tapes can sometimes be less flexible and less conformable to curved or irregular surfaces. If your application requires the tape to adhere to complex shapes, a thinner tape might be preferred.
7. Industry Standards and Guidelines: Some industries have standards or guidelines that recommend certain tape thicknesses for specific applications. Check if your industry provides any recommendations.
8. Consult Manufacturer’s Recommendations: Manufacturers of Polyimide Silicone Tape often provide technical data sheets that offer guidance on selecting the appropriate tape thickness for various applications. These sheets typically include information on temperature resistance, electrical properties, and other relevant factors.
9. Testing and Prototyping: If possible, conduct small-scale tests or prototypes using different thicknesses of tape to determine which one performs best under your application’s conditions.

Remember that finding the right tape thickness involves a balance between various factors. It’s important to carefully evaluate your application’s specific needs and requirements to make an informed decision.

What is the difference between Polyimide Tape and PET Tape?

Polyimide Tape and PET Tape are both types of adhesive tapes used in various industries and applications, but they have different material compositions and properties.

Polyimide Tape (Kapton Tape)

Material Composition: Polyimide Tape, commonly known as Kapton tape, is made from a polyimide film that is coated with a silicone adhesive. Polyimide is a high-performance polymer known for its excellent temperature resistance and electrical insulation properties.

Temperature Resistance: Polyimide Tape is highly resistant to high temperatures and can withstand temperatures up to around 260°C (500°F) without degrading. This makes it suitable for applications involving soldering, electronics manufacturing, and other high-temperature processes.

Electrical Insulation: Polyimide Tape is an excellent electrical insulator, making it suitable for applications where wires, cables, and electronic components need to be insulated.

Chemical Resistance: Polyimide Tape is resistant to many chemicals and solvents, which adds to its versatility in various industries.

Applications: Polyimide Tape is commonly used in electronics manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, and research applications. It is favored for applications involving high temperatures, electrical insulation, and chemical resistance.

PET Tape (Polyester Tape)

Material Composition: PET tape, also known as Polyester Tape, is made from a polyester film coated with various types of adhesives, including silicone, acrylic, or rubber-based adhesives.

Temperature Resistance: PET tape typically has lower temperature resistance compared to polyimide tape. It can usually handle temperatures up to around 220°C (428°F), although this can vary depending on the specific adhesive used.

Electrical Insulation: While PET tape offers some level of electrical insulation, it is not as effective as polyimide tape in this regard.

Chemical Resistance: PET tape’s chemical resistance can vary depending on the type of adhesive used. It is generally less resistant to chemicals and solvents compared to Polyimide Tape.

Applications: PET tape is commonly used in applications where high-temperature resistance is not a primary requirement. It is often used for packaging, masking, labeling, and general-purpose applications where moderate temperature resistance and adhesive properties are sufficient.

In summary, the key differences between Polyimide Tape (Kapton Tape) and PET Tape (Polyester Tape) lie in their material composition, temperature resistance, electrical insulation properties, and applications.

• Polyimide Tape is preferred for high-temperature applications, electronics manufacturing, and situations where excellent electrical insulation and chemical resistance are crucial.
• PET tape is suitable for general-purpose applications where moderate temperature resistance and adhesive properties are sufficient.

Is Polyimide Tape a PTFE Tape?

No, Polyimide Tape is not the same as PTFE Tape. While both types of tapes are used for various applications, they are made from different materials and have different properties.

Polyimide Tape (Kapton Tape)

Material Composition: Polyimide Tape is made from a polyimide film that is coated with a silicone or acrylic adhesive. Polyimide is a high-performance polymer known for its excellent temperature resistance, electrical insulation properties, and chemical resistance.

Temperature Resistance: Polyimide Tape can withstand high temperatures up to around 260°C (500°F) without degrading, making it suitable for applications involving soldering, electronics manufacturing, and other high-temperature processes.

Electrical Insulation: Polyimide Tape is an effective electrical insulator, making it suitable for applications where wires, cables, and electronic components need to be insulated.

Applications: Polyimide Tape is commonly used in electronics manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, and research applications due to its temperature resistance and electrical insulation properties.

PTFE Tape (Teflon Tape)

Material Composition: PTFE tape, also known as Teflon tape, is made from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a synthetic fluoropolymer known for its nonstick and low-friction properties.

Temperature Resistance: PTFE tape has excellent temperature resistance and can withstand high temperatures up to around 260°C (500°F) similar to Polyimide Tape. However, it doesn’t have the same mechanical strength and insulation properties as Polyimide Tape.

Nonstick Properties: PTFE tape is often used as a nonstick material for applications like plumbing, where it’s wrapped around pipe threads to create a seal that’s easy to undo without sticking.

Applications: PTFE tape is commonly used in plumbing applications to seal threaded connections, preventing leaks in pipe joints. It’s also used as a nonstick lining for cookware and other applications where low friction is important.

In summary, Polyimide Tape and PTFE Tape are distinct products with different material compositions, properties, and applications.

• Polyimide Tape is known for its temperature resistance, electrical insulation, and chemical resistance.
• PTFE Tape is known for its nonstick properties and is commonly used in plumbing and nonstick applications.

Is Polyimide hazardous?

Polyimide itself is not inherently hazardous, but there are certain considerations to keep in mind when working with polyimide materials or products, such as Polyimide Tape. These considerations primarily relate to the handling, manufacturing processes, and potential exposure to its components.

• Safety Precautions: While the polyimide film used in Polyimide Tape is generally safe to handle, it’s recommended to follow standard safety practices such as wearing gloves and safety glasses when working with adhesive tapes or films to minimize skin contact and eye irritation.
• Adhesive Components: The silicone adhesive used on Polyimide Tape contains chemicals that are generally safe when used as intended. However, prolonged exposure or direct contact with the adhesive might cause skin irritation for some individuals. It’s advisable to avoid prolonged contact and wash hands thoroughly after handling the tape.
• Adhesive Fumes: When heated during application, some adhesives used in Polyimide Tape may emit fumes. It’s recommended to work in well-ventilated areas or use appropriate respiratory protection when working with heated tapes.
• High-Temperature Processing: During processes like soldering, Polyimide Tape might release fumes or odors due to the high temperatures. Adequate ventilation is important to prevent inhalation of any potentially harmful byproducts.
• Outgassing: Polyimide materials, including tapes, might undergo outgassing when exposed to elevated temperatures. This can release volatile compounds that could be problematic in certain sensitive environments like cleanrooms or space applications. It’s essential to consider the outgassing properties when using these materials in such settings.
• Disposal: Polyimide materials are generally considered non-toxic and non-hazardous. However, like any waste material, they should be disposed of properly according to local regulations.
• Specific Applications: Some specialized formulations of polyimides might contain additives or components that require specific handling precautions. If you’re using polyimide materials in a specialized application (e.g., in aerospace or electronics), follow any manufacturer recommendations and guidelines.