Key Factors for Selection
1. Material Composition
PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
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Advantages: Cost-effective, high tensile strength, excellent dimensional stability.
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Temperature Range: 120°C to 200°C (short-term up to 260°C).
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Applications: SMT component fixation, solder mask protection, and general insulation.
PI (Polyimide/Kapton)
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Advantages: Exceptional thermal stability (up to 300°C+), superior chemical resistance, and low dielectric constant.
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Applications: High-end PCB protection, aerospace components, and semiconductor manufacturing.
Table 1: Material Comparison
Material | Temperature Range | Adhesion | Chemical Resistance | Cost |
PET | 120°C–200°C | Moderate | Fair | Low |
PI/Kapton | Up to 300°C+ | High | Excellent | High |
2. Adhesion Strength
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Strong Adhesion: Ideal for permanent bonding (e.g., gold finger coating).
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Light Adhesion: Facilitates easy removal without residue (e.g., temporary masking).
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Self-Adhesive vs. Non-Adhesive: Self-adhesive tapes (e.g., silicone-coated PI) offer convenience, while non-adhesive variants suit thermal barrier applications.
3. Thermal Performance
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Continuous vs. Short-term Exposure:
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Continuous Use: Materials like PI withstand prolonged exposure (e.g., oven curing).
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Short-term: PET-based tapes suffice for brief processes (e.g., wave soldering).
4. Electrical Insulation
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Dielectric Strength: PI’s low dielectric constant (≤3.5) ensures reliable insulation in high-voltage environments.
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Surface Treatments: Corona-treated tapes enhance electrical resistance.
Application Scenarios
1. PCB Protection
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Solder Masking: PI tape prevents solder bridging during reflow processes.
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Gold Finger Coating: Self-adhesive silicone tapes protect contacts from corrosion.
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Thermal Barrier: PET tape shields components from heat during assembly.
2. Spray Coating Masking
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High-Temp Masking: Green PET tape (resistant to 200°C) blocks paint overspray.
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Frosted Finish: Textured tapes (e.g., PET with matte surface) prevent light reflection in LED modules.
3. Cable and Component Insulation
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Wire Wrapping: PI tape’s flexibility and flame resistance safeguard wiring systems.
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Transformer Coils: Silicone-coated PI provides long-term insulation in high-voltage transformers.
Case Study: LVMEIKAPTON Products
LVMEIKAPTON Brown PCB Tape
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Specifications: PI-based, 0.05mm thickness, 300°C resistance.
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Application: Protects circuit boards during wave soldering, ensuring no residue post-removal.
LVMEIKAPTON Insulating Electrical Tape
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Features: Double-sided silicone adhesive, UV-resistant.
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Use Case: Bonds heat sinks to CPUs, maintaining thermal conductivity while insulating.
Selection Guide
1.
Identify Process Temperature:
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≤200°C: PET tape for cost efficiency.
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Evaluate Adhesion Requirements:
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Permanent bonds: High-adhesion PI.
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Temporary masking: Light-adhesion PET.
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Check Compatibility:
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Chemical exposure? Opt for PI’s superior resistance.
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High voltage? Prioritize PI’s dielectric strength.
4.
Future Trends:
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Nano-Modified Tapes: Enhancing adhesion at micro-levels.
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Eco-friendly Alternatives: Biodegradable PET variants reducing environmental impact.
Conclusion
Selecting high-temperature tape requires aligning material properties (PI vs. PET), adhesion strength, and thermal demands with application specifics. As electronics evolve toward miniaturization and higher power densities, tapes with advanced insulation and sustainable features will dominate the market. Prioritizing performance over cost ensures long-term reliability in critical manufacturing processes.
