Tape Suppliers and Manufacturers

Tape Suppliers

Tape suppliers include both manufacturers and distributors that provide adhesive tape for various industries. Tape is a long strip of material with a sticky or adhesive surface.

Before adhesive tape, people relied on glue-like substances for bonding and repairs. As early as 2000 B.C., ancient civilizations developed adhesive formulas, with the Chinese (618–906 B.C.) using materials like fish bladders and stag horns.

The invention of adhesive tape began in 1845 when Dr. Horace Day, a surgeon, applied a rubber-based adhesive to fabric strips, creating the first surgical tape. In 1901, Oscar Troplowitz developed an adhesive patch called Leukoplast for the German company Beiersdorf AG. A major breakthrough came in 1921 when Earle Dickson, a Johnson & Johnson cotton buyer, found that his wife’s surgical bandages kept falling off. To solve this, he attached gauze to a piece of cloth-backed tape and covered it in crinoline, leading to the invention of the Band-Aid. Johnson & Johnson later adopted the product and promoted Dickson to vice president.

Another milestone in tape history occurred in 1925 when Richard Drew, a 3M employee, invented masking tape to help automobile painters achieve precise two-tone designs. This innovation eventually led to the creation of Scotch Tape. In 1942, Johnson & Johnson introduced duct tape, originally designed for the military to seal and waterproof ammunition cases. Over time, duct tape became essential for various repairs and applications, earning a reputation for its versatility.

Today, the demand for tape is higher than ever. While the production process remains largely unchanged, advancements in material science have led to the development of thinner and more durable films, such as aluminum foil tape. With continuous innovation, the tape industry will keep evolving to meet the world’s needs. IQS Directory remains committed to keeping its company listings updated as the industry advances.

Advantages of Tape

Compared to other adhesion methods like glue or staples, tape offers several advantages:

• Non-Damaging – Properly applied tape does not harm surfaces or materials.
• Cost-Effective – It is inexpensive to manufacture and purchase.
• Customizable – Working with a tape supplier allows for tailored solutions to meet specific needs.

Applications of Tape

Tape is a vital tool in binding, sealing, and fastening across various industries. Common applications include:

• Jacketing
• Mending
• Labeling
• Marking
• Protecting
• Surfacing
• Color Coding
• Decorating

Industries that rely on tape include:

• Commercial packaging
• Construction
• Painting
• Office supplies
• Furniture manufacturing
• Aerospace
• Automotive
• Sports and recreation
• Arts and crafts
• Electrical applications
• Healthcare

While households typically purchase tape from grocery or hardware stores, commercial and industrial users source bulk supplies from specialized tape manufacturers and suppliers.

Tape Dasign and Manufacturing

Tape is produced through a process called coating, where an adhesive is applied to a carrier material—typically a thin, flexible substrate such as polyimide film, paper tissue, cloth, or metal foil. Common adhesives include PTFE, PVC, silicone, and acrylic.

Manufacturers use three primary coating methods:

• Solvent Coating – Adhesive is dissolved in a solvent to form a coatable liquid, applied to the carrier, and then dried in a heated oven.
• Water-Based Coating – Adhesive is mixed with water to form an emulsion, which is applied to the carrier and dried.
• Hot-Melt Coating – Adhesive is heated until liquefied, applied to the carrier, and cooled to solidify.

Once the coated sheet is complete, it undergoes converting processes, often using CAD-cut machines, including:

• Winding – The coated sheet is rolled into a large tape roll.
• Slitting – The large roll is cut into smaller tape strips, then rewound into individual rolls.
• Die Cutting – An alternative to slitting, where tape is cut into specific shapes.

For custom applications, tape can be tailored in shape, color, pattern, width, thickness, size, and strength to meet specific needs.

Tape Supplier Images, Diagrams and Visual Concepts

Pressure sensitive tapes are heat-activated tapes.

Masking tape, a pressure sensitivetape that is thin, very adhesive, and easy to tear.

The different colors of PTFE tape are used to seal different materials.

Electrical tape is known as a carrier tape because of its durability and semi-permanent bond.

Types of Tape Suppliers

Sealing Tape

Also known as seal tape, this pressure-sensitive adhesive tape is used for closing or sealing slotted containers such as packing cartons or corrugated fiberboard boxes. It also serves a general purpose in joining two or more materials or surfaces. Commonly used in warehousing industries, sealing tapes are also essential for domestic and industrial applications.

Common varieties include:

• Acrylic Carton Sealing Tape – Suitable for both light and heavy applications. Made from acrylic materials, these tapes can withstand a wide range of temperatures, resist UV contamination, and endure extreme moisture conditions. This makes them ideal for packaging businesses that seal shipments based on product type.
• Hot Melt Carton Sealing Tape – Known for high tensile strength and durability, these tapes are effective for both lightweight and heavyweight applications. While primarily used for sealing cartons, they are also employed in general packaging, including for fruits and vegetables.
• Printable Carton Sealing Tape – Designed for businesses that want to promote their brand during shipping. These tapes allow printing of logos and messages, enhancing professionalism and market visibility.

These tapes are customizable by size, thickness, and adhesiveness, and are available in both premium and industrial-grade options.

Marking Tape

Also called mark tape, it is used to clearly identify areas and equipment in facilities such as manufacturing workshops and nuclear power plants.

Gaffer’s Tape

A staple in the entertainment industry, gaffer’s tape is commonly used for securing cables and marking stage positions.

Printed Tape

Characterized by printed text or graphics rather than a specific material type. A common example is tamper-evident tape, which is widely used in security and containment applications.

3M Tape

Not a specific type of tape but rather a brand encompassing a wide range of products used across multiple industries.

Vinyl Tape

Also known as PVC adhesive tape, it offers clean removal and excellent stretchability. It is ideal for applications such as color coding, decoration, safety marking, and identification.

PTFE Tape

Made from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) film cut into thin strips, PTFE tape is primarily used for sealing pipe threads..

Foam Tape

Widely used for gasketing, cushioning, sealing, insulation, and soundproofing applications. It is also valuable in the medical industry.

Foil Tape

Named for its carrier material, typically aluminum or copper foil. Due to its chemical resistance and high thermal conductivity, it is widely employed in aerospace, electronics, plating, and shielding applications.

Masking Tape

Also known as mask tape, this easy-release, pressure-sensitive tape is commonly used in painting to cover areas that should not be painted.

Packaging Tape

Also called packing tape, it secures packages such as large envelopes, bags, cartons, or boxes. This tape uses heavy-duty, pressure-sensitive adhesive to prevent tearing, breaking, bursting, or loosening.

Electrical Tape

Also known as electrical insulation tape, it is made from non-conductive materials. Tapes in this category, such as PVC electrical tape, use pressure-sensitive adhesive to insulate electrical conduits and color-code wires for accessibility in electrical systems.

Duct Tape

A versatile, pressure-sensitive tape known for its strong adhesion and water-resistant properties. It is widely used for various applications, including military equipment sealing.

Paper Tape

Made with a paper carrier material, this tape is lightweight, breathable, and often hypoallergenic. It is commonly used as bandaging tape for wounds and skin irritations..

Cloth Tape

A durable and flexible tape often used in wound care. Typically pressure-sensitive for better adhesion, it is also used in wall sealing and plumbing applications.

Side Tape

Also known as edge tape, this specialty tape is used for wrapping around sports equipment like tennis racquets. It comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors.

Acid Free Tape

As the name suggests, this tape does not contain acids, making it ideal for preserving artwork and photographs. It is also useful for individuals sensitive to acids.

Magnetic Tape

A medium for magnetic recording, consisting of a thin, magnetizable coating on a long strip of plastic film. It is used for audio recording, video recording, and data storage.

Double-Coated Tape

Also called double-sided tape or adhesive transfer tape, this tape is used to bond two lightweight surfaces such as paper, plastic, or cardboard. It has adhesive on both sides, making it ideal for applications like posters, dust covers, artwork, and fillets.

Self-Fusing Silicone Tape

This tape does not use adhesive but instead binds to itself when stretched and wrapped around a material. It creates a strong, waterproof seal but can be easily removed without leaving residue. Resistant to chemicals and UV rays, it is commonly used for bundling, securing, clamping, and sealing applications.

Standards and Specifications of Tape

Adhesive tape standards are primarily established by organizations such as ASTM International and ISO to ensure quality and performance.

ASTM standards guide manufacturers in testing and identifying key properties, including viscosity, adhesion, shear strength, shear modulus, durability, creep resistance, and fracture behavior. They also help determine the most suitable tape for specific applications, such as electrical insulation or sealing.

ISO certifications endorse various tape characteristics, such as peel resistance, tensile lap-shear strength, wood-to-wood adhesion, thermal stability, and suitability for assembling PVC pipes.

To ensure compliance, check the industry and regional standards relevant to your application.

Things to Consider When Purchasing Tape

Finding high-quality adhesive tape in bulk requires careful evaluation, as does selecting a reliable supplier who meets your specific manufacturing needs. Follow these steps to make an informed decision:

1. Define Your Requirements

Before choosing a tape supplier, assess your precise needs based on:

• The type of tape required
• Intended applications and performance expectations
• Supply timeline and quantity requirements

For seamless operations, it's advisable to maintain at least a week's worth of extra stock on hand.

2. Find a Reliable Supplier

The most efficient way to locate a trustworthy supplier is through a vetted business directory like ours. We simplify the search process by featuring only reputable suppliers in one convenient location.

To get started:

• Browse the supplier list at the top of this page.
• Visit their websites to learn more about their products.
• Reach out to potential suppliers with your specific requirements.

When contacting suppliers, inquire about:

• Their ability to meet your required tape specifications
• Delivery capabilities within your region
• Compliance with industry standards and budget constraints

A reliable supplier will prioritize your needs, ensuring both quality and timely delivery rather than focusing solely on their own bottom line.

Tape Supplier Terms

Abrasion Resistance

The ability of tape to maintain functionality after exposure to rubbing and friction.

Adhesion

The bond that holds two surfaces together through an adhesive.

Backing

The material to which adhesive is applied, which can be paper, film, metal foil, cloth, and more.

Conformability

The ability of tape to make full contact with a surface.

Differential Adhesive

A characteristic of double-sided tape where each side has a different level of adhesion.

Flexible

The capacity of tape to bend and flex easily, particularly in low-temperature conditions.

Gapping

The presence of openings between layers of tape within a roll.

High Temperature Tape

A category of tape designed to perform reliably in high-temperature environments. These tapes, sometimes referred to as flame-resistant tapes, can be made from materials such as aluminum glass.

Low Stretch

The ability of tape to return to its original size after being stretched.

Ozone Resistance

The resistance of tape to cracking after prolonged exposure to ozone.

Release Coating

A thin coating applied to the backing of the tape to control its unwinding process.

Substrate

The surface to which tape is applied.

Suspension Polymerization

A manufacturing process used to produce PTFE for PTFE tape.

Tack

The stickiness of tape to the touch.

Teflon Tape

A type of adhesive tape primarily used to seal pipe joints and hold piping together. "Teflon" is a brand name for formulas based on the synthetic fluoropolymer polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

Telescoping

A defect where tape layers shift sideways, creating a funnel or telescope-like appearance.

More Tape Supplier Information