From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Two rolls of adhesive tape.

Adhesive tape is an adhesive-coated fastening tape used for temporary or, in some cases, permanent adhesion between objects. Adhesive tape that will stick with application of pressure only (i.e. without activation by water, solvent or heat) is known as pressure-sensitive tape.

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.

Adhesive tape was invented in 1926 by Richard Drew of 3M. (The history of adhesive tape is disputed, see discussion page). 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), Sellotape (in the British Isles), Tixo (in Austria) and Tesa (in Germany) have become almost-genericized trademarks, being used to refer to adhesive tapes in general.

• 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, but is mainly used when a strong bond is needed.
• Packing tape or packaging tape is a clear or opaque plastic tape used for sealing packages for mailing. It is similar to Scotch Tape but wider and more durable.
• 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.

• 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.
• Creped. Paper that has small "folds" to provide stretchability and conformability.
• Double-coated, or two-sided tape. Pressure-sensitive tape with adhesive on both sides of the carrier material.
• Gapping. Openings between layers of tape within a roll.
• 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
• Telescoping. A sideways sliding of the tape layers, one over the other, so that the roll looks like a funnel or telescope.
• Unwind. The act of removing or unwinding the tape from a roll.

• Adhesive Tape Search Engine
• Pressure Sensitive Tape Council
• Index to the Manufacture 3M's tapes
• Home site of tape manufacture Permacel
• Home site of tape manufacture Tesa Tape
• Home site of tape manufacture Specialty Tapes, LLC
• The History of Pressure Sensitive Tape