A dimension or number only tells you something about tape when it is clear which property it describes. Tape thickness, adhesive coat weight, width and roll length each have their own meaning. Reading specifications carefully helps you compare tapes on the points relevant to your application.
Total thickness, backing thickness and adhesive layer thickness
Total thickness describes the complete tape construction. Backing thickness measures only the backing material, while adhesive layer thickness describes the layer of adhesive. Specialist tapes may include additional components, such as a foam core or a granular top layer.
These values answer different questions and are not interchangeable. Always compare products using the same thickness measurement.
What is a micrometre?
Tape thickness is often stated in micrometres (µm). One micrometre is 0.001 millimetres. A thickness of 50 µm corresponds to 0.05 mm. A product with a total thickness of 0.9 mm therefore has a very different construction from a thin film tape.
Adhesive coat weight in g/m²
Adhesive coat weight indicates how many grams of adhesive have been applied per square metre. This value is not a direct measurement of thickness. Different adhesive types have different material properties, so there is no universal conversion to layer thickness.
Width and roll length
The width determines how much surface each strip of tape covers. The roll length indicates how much tape is on the roll. For machine application, the core size and outside diameter also matter, ensuring the roll fits the dispenser or packaging line.
Choose the dimensions based on the packaging, the required overlap, the sealing pattern and the equipment used.
Thickness does not tell you everything about quality
A thicker tape is not automatically stronger, more adhesive or more suitable. The backing, adhesive type and product construction together determine performance. The substrate, loads and application method also influence the result.
Alongside thickness, consider the properties that matter for your application: adhesion, tensile strength, tearability, unwind behaviour, flexibility or removability.
Using specifications to make your choice
Van Loenhout Products helps you relate product specifications to your working process. We assess which dimensions and tape properties matter for your packaging, mounting or marking application.
