Best practices for storing adhesive tape
Adhesive tape products are like fresh foods in that both goods have a shelf life. Generally, most adhesive tapes for manufacturing and packaging efforts do not come with a "use by" date. However, you can follow some useful tape storage techniques to ensure your purchases deliver when you need them most.
What's the Shelf Life of Tape?
A tape's shelf life is determined by the quality of the backing materials and environmental conditions. Opting for merchandise from a reputable manufacturer (opens in a new window or tab) is the best way to set yourself up for repeated success. Adhesive products from industry leaders such as tesa last between 12 and 36 months for flexibility between assignments.
Factors That Alter Tape Performance
Several factors can speed up tape's degradation process. Consider the following when creating a bond or placing rolls of tape in storage:
- Stress: Placing pressure on tape products causes the backing materials to degrade. This might take place in the form of stretching or exposure to radiation.
- Contamination: Anything sitting between an adhesive layer and the substrate impacts a tape's ability to hold. Cleaning solutions, oils from the skin, dust and debris will weaken bonds.
- Temperature: Cold temperatures cause adhesive layers to dry, making them difficult to apply. Warm environments cause tape layers to peel back unless products are rated for conditions above a certain threshold.
- Time: Using tape within weeks of your purchase increases the odds that adhesives will function as intended.
Tips On How to Properly Store Tape Rolls
Oxygen exposure and sudden changes in your production environment play a role in how long you can expect tape to last before you have to discard it. Some effective practices for tape roll storage can help you get the most out of your investments:
- Follow the Manufacturer's Recommendations
Tape roll packaging should provide certain instructions. Abide by all manufacturer suggestions, as the company that created the product will have a strong understanding of how to keep adhesives in optimum condition.
- Store Tape in Original Packaging
Don't open adhesive tapes if you plan on using them at a later date. Ensuring an airtight seal around tape reduces the effects of oxygen across adhesive layers.
- Keep Out of Direct Sunlight
Always store tape rolls indoors. Make a dedicated space in your facility to store tape away from windows where ultraviolet (UV) rays can seep in and cause tape strands to melt or dry out.
- Control Indoor Temperatures
tesa products should be stored and applied in conditions between 15 and 35 degrees Celsius, depending on the selection. Room temperature — 21 degrees Celsius — is ideal for most long-term storage needs.
- Keep Dry and in Low Humidity
Moisture is a threat to adhesive tapes. Limit the chances of an unfavorable chemical reaction by ensuring tape rolls remain in an environment with 50-70% relative humidity.
- Cycle Out Tape for Use By Date
Maintain receipts and records of the dates when you purchased adhesive tapes. Then, use products that have been sitting in storage the longest before grabbing your latest orders.