Your most burning questions answered: Classic vs. flex mounting tapes

Classic cars. Classic movies. Classic photos.

Classic wardrobes. Classic books. Classic tapes.

Classic tapes? Wait just a minute…

We know what you’re thinking. Tape’s aren’t classic. They’re not older, somewhat traditional, and intrinsically valuable.

But what if they are…?

Since tesa® has been around for more than eight decades, our tape definitely qualifies as older and somewhat traditional. “Is it intrinsically valuable?” you may ask. We think so!

And we hope you do, too, but don’t take our word for it… keep reading and see for yourself!

Did you know tesa® offers the largest assortment of adhesive options for 15 mil and 20 mil plate mounting tapes?

That’s right. We offer the largest assortment! And with many different degrees of hardness, no less.

We also have two different tape constructions:
• The older, somewhat traditional and intrinsically valuable classic version we mentioned earlier, and…
• A flex version (which also happens to be a pretty valuable addition to our collection, by the way!)

That means we can tailor different products to different customer needs.

On top of that, we also offer some filmic tapes for those using compressible sleeves and other tapes for the post-printing market, but that’s another post for another day.

Let’s talk about classic mounting tapes and their flexible brother.

 

How are tesa® Classic Mounting Tapes Different than tesa® Flex?

 

First off, classic mounting tapes are really stiff. Flex is the opposite… It’s flexible. But I’m betting you already guessed that!

Classic doesn’t really stretch. Flex is more pliable. It stretches and drapes better and easier than classic.

The stabilization film in their construction is the biggest difference between the two. Classic tape uses one layer of PET stabilization film, whereas Flex has two PE layers that sandwich the foam in between.
 

When Should You Choose Classic and When Should You Choose Flex?

Classic →Good Cylinders and Sleeves
Classic is a great choice for printers with good practices, where the cylinders or sleeves are in good shape and aren’t heavily scored, even if they’re old.

Any printer that’s used a classic product in the past and likes the way that product performed can stick with the classic version – the older, traditional, reliable one!

Flex → Heavily Scored Cylinders and Sleeves
For sleeves or cylinders that are heavily scored, though? Flex is a better choice.

Even if old practices of regular and steel-blade use caused the damage, the flex product can handle it. It fills the rough surfaces more evenly and creates a secure bond without any entrapped air or air bubbles.

How’s that for f-l-e-x-i-b-i-l-i-t-y?!

Flex is also great for thin-walled sleeves. You know, the ones that naturally expand and contract during the plate mounting process? Flex expands and contracts with the sleeves, leaving fewer wrinkles and air bubbles behind.

What about those surfaces that happen to be really rough - so rough that an adhesive will attach and never want to let go?

Flex solves this problem, too! It has polyethylene reinforcement layers on both sides, and that protects it from any foam splitting problems.

This means it can also be beneficial on high bond cylinder surfaces. Go flex!

 

How Do I Pick the Right Sticky Back Tape?

As we mentioned before, tesa offers a large number of adhesives and a large number of foam harnesses - one of the biggest selections in the industry!

When you say it’s hard to pick the right tape, we get it. But don’t sit there wondering whether you need flexible tape or if you should stick with the tried-and-true classic version.

Instead, reach out to a tesa tape nerd.

Our tape nerds are well-versed in the technical side of things, and they're here to help you identify the issues you're having and the solutions we offer. They can also bring in support from R&D if you’re facing a more complex challenge.

 

What Makes tesa® the Premier Choice for Plate Mounting Tapes?

Our company mission is to work with our customers to develop the right product if we don't have it already.

We really do have products we can tailor to printers’ specific needs. We also offer the best in-house support coming from one of the most experienced teams in the printing industry.

And we have local testing capabilities. Whatever your project needs, we can usually come up with some sort of test to facilitate that.

Still wondering if tesa® is intrinsically valuable? Wonder no more! Reach out and let our tape nerds help you pick out just the right product for you.

Still curious about triangles and tapes? Our tape nerds on duty are always ready to answer your questions. Reach out to us!