Foam Tape

Foam Tape

Foam tape is one specialized style of tape that has very specific uses in a variety of industries. It is purposefully used in health care as a strong, hypo-allergenic bandage, unlike duct tape, which has been adapted in emergency situations to wrap wounds till better care can be reached. Like many of the mounting tapes manufactured by 3M, foam tape is also an ideal substitute for nails when hanging lighter objects on walls. This requires the double-sided foam tape, which has a backing on one side that is peeled off right before use. The backing is because the foam tape adhesive is incredibly strong, much like the adhesive on marking tape, and would not come unstuck from itself. Foam tape also comes as one sided tape, which is all that is necessary for its most popular use as a weather-stripping aid to keep out rain and cold in the cracks of domestic and commercial doors and windows.

Foam tape exhibits viscoelasticity, which combines attributes of vicious and elastic materials. Vicious materials are inherently tacky and flexible, but strain when stress is applied. Elastic materials also strain when stress is applied, but return to their original state when the stress is removed. Viscoelastic materials have elements of both of these properties and are therefore strong, flexible and resistant to strain. High-stick tapes such as foam tape are made using non-stick model roller machines, whose non-stick advancement rollers allow the machine to cut the foam tape into pre-determined lengths. Foam tape has a high resistance to humidity, mild acids, oil and grease. It is also able to adhere to uneven or textured surfaces such as cement. Because it is usually expected to blend in when applied, foam tape is usually black or white, but like masking tape can surprisingly sometimes come in bright and vibrant colors. The aesthetics employed by tape suppliers only supports the products significance in culture today.

 

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