Elite Tape offers their #PU9 and #PU145 polyurethane surface protection tapes with both polyurethane and acrylic adhesive systems.  Both #PU9 and #PU145 offer strong surface protection for high-wear and long-term applications.   PU film tapes are used for anti-chafing.  These products are also excellent choices for sound damping and anti-squeak applications in the transportation and OEM manufacturing industries.

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 polyurethane tapes are used for various surface protection applications especially in the transportation and OEM manufacturing industries.  We offer these tapes in different thicknesses depending on your application needs.   We also offer polyester-silicone tapes, polyester-acrylic tapes, polyimide-silicone, polyester-acrylic and polyethylene-rubber. All of these products can be processed 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 POLYURETHANE TAPES

What is Polyurethane Tape?

Polyurethane Tape is a type of protective tape made from polyurethane materials. It is a specialized adhesive tape designed to offer excellent durability, flexibility, and resistance to various environmental factors. Polyurethane Tape is commonly used to protect surfaces from abrasion, impact, and other physical damage.

Key features of polyurethane tape include:

• Material: Polyurethane Tape is made from polyurethane, a polymer known for its exceptional toughness, elasticity, and resistance to wear.
• Protective Properties: The main purpose of Polyurethane Tape is to provide surface protection. It acts as a sacrificial layer, absorbing impacts and protecting the underlying surface from scratches, chips, and other forms of damage.
• Adhesive: Polyurethane Tape is typically coated with a strong acrylic adhesive that adheres well to various surfaces. The adhesive allows for secure bonding while still enabling clean removal without leaving significant residue.
• Thickness: Polyurethane Tape comes in various thicknesses, ranging from thin films to thicker protective layers. The thickness chosen depends on the specific application and level of protection required.
• Flexibility: Polyurethane Tape is known for its flexibility, allowing it to conform to curved or irregular surfaces easily.
• Resistance: Polyurethane Tape offers resistance to moisture, UV radiation, chemicals, and other environmental factors, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications.

Polyurethane Tape’s versatility and protective properties make it a valuable solution in various industries where surface protection is critical. When selecting Polyurethane Tape for a specific application, consider factors like the desired level of protection, surface material, environmental conditions, and the tape’s adhesive properties to ensure the best performance.

What is Polyurethane Tape used for?

Polyurethane Tape, also known as Polyurethane Protective Tape or simply PU tape, is a specialized type of adhesive tape made from polyurethane materials. It is designed to offer protective and functional benefits in various applications.

• Surface Protection
  • Polyurethane Tape is often used to protect surfaces from abrasion, scratches, and impact damage. It can be applied to painted surfaces, metals, plastics, and other materials to preserve their appearance and extend their lifespan.
• Automotive Protection
  • In the automotive industry, Polyurethane Tape is applied to areas prone to chipping or scratching, such as the leading edge of the vehicle’s hood, fenders, or side mirrors.
• Aerospace
  • In aerospace applications, Polyurethane Tape can protect sensitive components, control surfaces, and leading edges of aircraft from wear and tear caused by environmental factors like rain, sand, and debris.
• Electronics
  • Polyurethane Tape is used for protecting electronic components from physical damage, moisture, and dust. It can be applied to circuit boards, displays, and other sensitive parts.
• Sports Equipment
  • In the sports industry, Polyurethane Tape is employed to add protective layers to equipment like hockey sticks, baseball bats, and bicycle frames.
• Marine Applications
  • Polyurethane Tape is used in marine environments to protect boat hulls, decks, and other surfaces from abrasion, saltwater exposure, and marine life.
• Industrial Equipment
  • It can be applied to industrial machinery and equipment to prevent wear and tear caused by regular use and contact with abrasive materials.
• Renewable Energy
  • Polyurethane Tape is used in the renewable energy sector to protect the leading edges of wind turbine blades from erosion and environmental damage.
• Medical Devices
  • In the medical field, Polyurethane Tape is used to protect delicate medical equipment and instruments from damage and contamination.

Polyurethane tape is valued for its excellent durability, flexibility, and resistance to a wide range of environmental factors. It adheres well to various surfaces and can be easily removed without leaving significant adhesive residue.

It’s essential to choose the appropriate thickness and adhesive strength of polyurethane tape based on the specific application requirements to ensure optimal protection and performance.

When should you use Polyurethane Tape vs Polyester Tape or Polyethylene Tape?

The choice between Polyurethane Tape, Polyester Tape, and Polyethylene Tape depends on the specific application requirements and the properties needed for surface protection. Each type of tape has its own set of characteristics, strengths, and limitations.

Polyurethane Tape

• Ideal for applications requiring high durability, flexibility, and resistance to abrasion and impact
• Offers excellent conformability to irregular surfaces and curves
• Provides good chemical and moisture resistance
• Suitable for outdoor applications due to its UV resistance
• Commonly used in automotive, aerospace, marine, and industrial applications for surface protection
• Offers a strong and reliable adhesive bond

Polyester Tape

• Known for its high tensile strength, making it suitable for applications requiring superior strength and dimensional stability
• It offers good temperature resistance, making it suitable for applications where temperature variations are a concern
• Provides excellent electrical insulation properties
• Commonly used in electronics, electrical applications, and high-temperature environments
• Often used as a splicing tape for joining materials

Polyethylene Tape

• Typically used for general-purpose applications requiring surface protection and moisture resistance
• It has good chemical resistance and is often used for pipe wrapping to protect against corrosion
• Can be either low-density (LDPE) or high-density (HDPE) based on their specific properties
• Commonly used in construction, plumbing, and pipe coating applications

Ultimately, the choice between these tapes depends on the specific requirements of your application:

Use Polyurethane Tape when you need superior abrasion resistance, flexibility, and surface conformability. It is an excellent choice for protecting surfaces subject to impact and wear, such as automotive parts and marine applications.

Use Polyester Tape when you need high tensile strength, dimensional stability, and electrical insulation properties. It is commonly used in electronic and electrical applications or where high strength is essential.

Use Polyethylene Tape when you require moisture resistance and protection against corrosion. It is frequently used in construction and plumbing applications, including pipe coating for corrosion prevention.

Is Polyurethane Tape waterproof?

Polyurethane, as a material, can have varying degrees of water resistance depending on its formulation and specific properties. In its raw form, polyurethane is not inherently waterproof, but it can be modified and engineered to provide varying levels of water resistance.

Some polyurethane films and tapes are designed to be water-resistant or waterproof. These films or tapes can be applied to surfaces for protection against moisture, abrasion, and other environmental factors.

It’s important to note that the degree of water resistance of polyurethane products can vary depending on factors such as the specific formulation, thickness, and application technique. Additionally, over time, the water resistance of polyurethane products may deteriorate due to exposure to UV radiation, weathering, and other environmental factors.

What can damage Polyurethane Tape?

Polyurethane is a durable and versatile material, but it can be susceptible to damage under certain conditions.

• UV Radiation – Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight can degrade polyurethane over time, causing it to become brittle, discolored, or cracked. Outdoor applications that use polyurethane should be designed with UV resistance in mind, or UV-resistant coatings or additives should be used.
• Moisture and Water – While some polyurethane products are water-resistant or waterproof, prolonged exposure to water and moisture can lead to swelling or deterioration in some types of polyurethane. Sealants, coatings, and foams should be selected based on their intended exposure to water.
• Chemical Exposure – Polyurethane may be vulnerable to certain chemicals and solvents, leading to degradation or softening of the material. Compatibility with specific chemicals should be verified before using polyurethane in environments with potential chemical exposure.
• Abrasion and Wear – Although polyurethane can be very durable, excessive abrasion or wear over time can cause damage, especially in applications where the material experiences constant friction or mechanical stress.
• Extreme Temperatures – Polyurethane can be sensitive to extreme temperatures. Exposure to very high or very low temperatures can affect its physical properties, potentially leading to reduced flexibility, cracking, or other forms of degradation.
• Mechanical Impact – Heavy impacts or sharp blows can damage polyurethane, causing cracks or fractures in the material.
• Oxygen and Ozone Exposure – In some cases, exposure to oxygen and ozone can lead to degradation of certain types of polyurethane materials.

To mitigate potential damage to polyurethane products, it’s essential to choose the right formulation and type of polyurethane for the specific application and environment. Regular maintenance and inspections can help identify any signs of damage or wear early on, allowing for timely repairs or replacements.

What are the best tapes for low surface energy surfaces?

Low surface energy materials, such as wood, polyester fabric, polyethylene and polypropylene, can be challenging for standard tapes to adhere to due to their non-porous and non-stick nature. However, there are tapes specifically designed to adhere to low surface energy surfaces.

Here are some types of tapes known for their effectiveness on low surface energy materials:

• Acrylic Foam Tapes

Usage: Ideal for bonding to low surface energy plastics, such as polyethylene and polypropylene.

Features: Acrylic foam tapes provide a strong bond and conform well to irregular surfaces. They are commonly used for automotive applications and outdoor mounting.

• Double Coated PSA Tapes

Usage: Suitable for bonding to low surface energy materials in industrial and manufacturing applications.

Features: Some tapes are formulated with high-performance adhesives designed to provide strong adhesion to challenging surfaces, including low surface energy plastics.

• Specialized Bonding Tapes, like Polyurethane or Glass Cloth

Usage: Specifically designed for challenging surfaces, including low surface energy materials.

Features: Some tapes are engineered with special formulations to enhance bonding to low surface energy substrates. They may also offer resistance to temperature extremes, UV rays and chemicals.

• VHB Hi Bond Tapes

Usage: Known for bonding to a variety of surfaces, including low surface energy plastics.

Features: VHB (Very High Bond) tapes are double-sided acrylic foam tapes that provide strong and durable bonds. They are commonly used in construction, automotive, and electronics applications.

• Silicone Adhesive Tapes

Usage: Suitable for bonding to silicone surfaces and some low surface energy plastics.

Features: Silicone adhesive tapes may offer good adhesion to certain low surface energy materials and provide resistance to high temperatures.

When selecting a tape for low surface energy materials, it’s crucial to choose a product that is specifically designed for this purpose.