Tape vs. Mechanical Fastenings

Achieving a reliable and long-term attachment can be challenging where joining dissimilar substrates. For example, where there are different coefficients of expansion the fastened site will be exposed to wear and subsequent deterioration in the long-term. When joining dissimilar metals, the joined surfaces will be subject to bimetallic corrosion. Both of these challenges will result in a shortened life-span.

Replacing your fasteners with adhesive tapes removes these challenges and enhances the life of your product. The flexibility and durability of adhesive materials compensates for any mismatch in coefficients of thermal expansion and they also provide a barrier between different surfaces to reduce or prevent bimetallic corrosion.

As well as the above mentioned bimetallic corrosion, substrates joined with traditional fixings can also be subject to rust and corrosion in outdoor applications, for example around screw holes.

Adhesive tapes not only remove the need for screw holes, but offer long term durability in demanding applications with resistance to environmental extremes such as high and low temperatures, UV and water.

Concentrated areas of stress, which can decrease the physical properties of the substrate, can occur where using mechanical fastenings. Stress on these areas, for example screw holes, can cause distortion, splitting and crazing at the mechanically fastened site.

Bonding tapes eliminate concentrated areas of stress through its distribution evenly over the entire bonded area. Adhesive materials can also bond and dampen simultaneously, reducing damage and noise caused by vibration. As the concern of distortion, splitting and crazing is removed, designs can utilise thinner and lighter materials.

Fatigue and impact shorten the life span of products as resistance deteriorates in the long-term.

Adhesive tapes retain long-term flexibility, making them more resistant to impact and fatigue than mechanical fastenings. They also have damping characteristics, further reducing the effects of vibration and impact.

Designs are restricted where nuts and bolts need to be hidden, as well as accessed with ease. Product weight is also increased where using these methods.

Adhesive tapes have revolutionised design options to improve functionality and aesthetics. They offer invisible fastening and a cleaner appearance than traditional fastenings. Adhesive materials are available where disassembly is required and are lighter than mechanical fastenings, reducing overall product weight.