PI tape color affects opacity—dark or thick tapes can hide printed labels. To avoid production errors, use transparent tape or leave labels uncovered during masking and assembly.
Polyimide (PI) tape is widely used for high-temperature masking, insulation, and surface protection in electronics, automotive, and aerospace industries. While its thermal and chemical resistance is impressive, one practical issue often arises on the production floor: covering printed labels with PI tape can cause visibility problems.
1) The Role of Tape Color
PI tape comes in various colors:
Amber/Golden: The natural color of polyimide film.
Black: Made with carbon pigments for light-blocking or aesthetics.
Green or other colors: Usually coated or printed for identification purposes.
The opacity of the tape varies depending on the color and thickness:
Amber PI tape is semi-transparent.
Black PI tape is fully opaque.
Colored coatings may further reduce transparency.
2) Why Covering Labels Is Problematic
Printed labels often contain:
Part numbers, batch codes, or serial numbers.
Safety instructions or inspection marks.
Barcodes or QR codes.
Covering these with PI tape can:
Obscure critical information, leading to errors in assembly or shipping.
Prevent barcode scanning, causing delays in inventory or quality control.
Make inspections difficult, especially in cleanroom or aerospace environments.
3) When Color Matters Most
Opaque colors (black, green, or thick amber) are most likely to hide labels.
Semi-transparent amber PI tape may allow visual inspection of text but can distort color-coded labels.
For critical information, any PI tape covering should be carefully considered or avoided.
4) Best Practices for B-End Users
Use transparent or low-opacity PI tape over labels if masking is required.
Leave label areas uncovered when possible.
For high-temperature processes, mark or replicate labels on a tape-safe area rather than covering them.
Consider colored PI tape for other surfaces while leaving amber or transparent tape for critical labels.
Conclusion
While PI tape is indispensable for high-temperature masking and protection, its color and opacity can obscure printed labels, leading to errors in production, inspection, or logistics. Choosing the right color or leaving labels uncovered ensures visibility and reduces operational risk.
