Monday 20 October 2014

Bonding the UK into Growth

The Building and Construction Market

The UK has a housing shortage. Although we need to build 240,000 new homes a year, each year we build approximately 100,000 fewer homes than this. In accordance with the Confederation of British Industry, or CBI, For the last 14 years only 4 years have managed to produce over 200,000 homes costing British consumers over £4 Billion from above-inflation charges every year. whilst in 2010, fewer houses were built than in any year since the Second World War.

On the plus side according to the CPA ( Construction Products Association ) the UK has experienced a 3.4% market growth in 2014 and foresee a further 5.2% in 2015 with further progress forecast for 2016 and 2017, An exciting time ahead for the construction industry. This will decrease the above inflation charge while also have an effect on property prices within the UK.

As UK Industrial Tapes Ltd  produce and supply a range of Adhesive Tapes which are vital for the Building and Construction market this market sector becomes very integral to us and meeting their demanding application needs is a must.

We are constantly looking at ways to improve our Adhesive Tapes and Adhesive Technology to expand and enhance our product range. By doing this we hope to add value to this market and assist our customers within their applications and future needs.

In June 2014 We exhibited at Fit Show and this was hugely successful for business relations with  the Window and Door Market in general. Due to this we have already signed up for The Build Show in October 2015 which is expected to be another successful event.

Take a look at our latest addition to our Glass, Glazing and Construction Brochure,  you will see the wide range of Adhesive Tapes we offer for the expansive range of applications.  We have a number of products which are approved to certain standards, especially within the manufacturing off Windows and  Door’s with Data sheets available at request.

For further information on our range or your specific application, please contact our technical sales department on 0191 267 9810 or sales@ukindustrialtapes.co.uk

Thursday 2 October 2014

Tape Application Instructions

As one of the UK's largest manufactures of tape, customers often ask for advice when using one of our range of tapes and adhesives. We get enquiries from every day usage to specialist tape application, from individuals as well as companies.

Below are a few pointers on how to get the best results from any adhesive product you purchase from UK Industrial Tapes.

Temperature
As a general statement, the best temperature for bonding adhesive tapes is between +15°C and +30°C.
Low temperature application is possible for modified adhesive systems, but there may be a compromise on the ultimate bond strength.

Surface
The surface of the parts must be clean, dry and free of moisture and condensation.
The surfaces must also be free of oil, fat, dust and other contaminants.
Porous surfaces can be primed to ensure a uniform, stable surface.

Cleaning
The cleaning of the surfaces has to be done with clean cloths together with suitable solvents, like alcohol or ethers, to remove any dust and oil.
For release agents and other contaminants you can use the following solvents: isopropanol-water mixture 50:50, heptane, ethanol, acetone, MEK or other suitable solvents that do not attack the substrate to be bonded. The selected solvent must be checked thoroughly before being used and the safe use of solvents must always be taken into consideration.

Pressure
Adhesive tapes are pressure sensitive (PSA’s). The initial application pressure is critical to the ultimate performance of the adhesive tape. The target application pressure is 10-15N/cm², which is best provided by a roller or press. When application is only possible by hand, a firm even and overall pressure is essential and is best provided by use of an applicator or rubber based ‘squeegee’.
Firmer adhesive classes (such as pure acrylics) require more initial application pressure than soft ones.The full bonding power of hard adhesives is attained between 24 and 72 hours, depending upon the substrates, application pressure and the application environment.

Force and Stress
Where possible, avoid leverage of the bonded components for as long as possible after assembly.Shear and peel forces have to be evenly distributed across the whole of the bonded surface areas. During assembly, permanent shear loads should be avoided, as this will adversely affect the viscoelastic bonding. (e.g. arched, curved or bowed surfaces should be mechanically clamped and held for the bond to be effective)

Suitable Materials 
Typically, good adhesion can be attained on smooth surfaces, for rough surfaces you will also require a thicker tape or alternative product format.
Good or easily bonded surfaces are: metals, high energy surfaces such as smooth wood, ABS polycarbonate, PMMA, hard PVC, wood, stone and glass.

Critical Materials
Guidance should be sought for low energy surfaces, particularly plastics, where plasticisers may be present, which can adversely affect the bond. These critical surfaces such as polyethylene, polypropylene, rubbers, powder coats, silicones, polyurethane, Teflon and varnishes should be tested for performance and compatibility prior to specifications or recommendations for use are made.

Storage
The storage of adhesive tapes should be at room or ambient temperature and at 50-70% relative humidity and out of direct sunlight.
Extremes and fluctuations in storage temperature and humidity should be avoided.

For more information please contact our experienced team at sales@ukindustrialtapes.co.uk or call 0191 269 7810.

To view a range of UK Industrial Tapes products visit our website