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A tape or label is composed of a backing element on which is applied an adhesive, the function of which is to attach the carrier backing to some secondary surface. The attachment is made by activating the adhesive with solvent, heat, or more commonly with only finger pressure. Once activated, the adhesive becomes aggressively tacky and firmly adheres to a variety of surfaces upon contact with light pressure.
There are various innovative constructions of tapes and labels, and the utilization of the final product does not only depend on the adhesive but also on the backing material, release liner, and other components.
The relative importance of the various components can vary depending on the application. In many cases, the adhesive takes a secondary position as a means of mechanical fastening, while the backing provides the main functions.
The application and performance properties will also depend heavily on how the tape or label is constructed (e.g., single sided, double sided, free film). The product may be classified according to construction or according to use as shown in Table 1.
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| Table 1: Examples of Common Methods of Classifying Tapes and Labels |
The tape and label market covers an extremely wide range of applications:
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permanent, |
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repositionable, |
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packaging, |
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security, |
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masking, |
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decorative, |
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identification, |
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ect… |
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