What would you do if your phone suddenly fell apart while you were using it? If I had to guess, you’d probably jump in fright.
Electronics are often composed of delicate components, yet in the age of handheld devices, we also expect them to withstand significant duress with impact resistance if dropped or mishandled.
At Strouse, we convert complex electronic component designs into precise, functional products. We’ve witnessed the positive results of using adhesive tapes as a bonding solution, so today, you’ll learn why this might be the right choice for your application.
If you’re looking to bond electronics, keep reading to determine the benefits of choosing adhesive tape as a bonding solution.
Bonding in Electronics: What is it?
Electronics bonding involves joining device components such as screens, printed circuit boards, and other pieces using liquid adhesives (e.g., glue) or flexible materials (e.g., tape).
In the case of adhesive tape, these bonding solutions may also serve additional purposes, such as conducting electricity or blocking electromagnetic interference.
How Are Adhesive Tapes Used in Electronics Bonding?
Your performance goal and the substrates (a.k.a. surfaces) you’re joining will affect the type of material and bonding adhesive you use.
Adhesive tapes specifically are used in many electrics bonding applications, such as:
- Optically Clear Adhesives (screen bonding)
& more.
Let’s begin by explaining the reasons to use tape for bonding electronics.
The Benefits of Using Tape In Electronics
Using tape can improve the ease of assembly and increase the performance quality of electronic products.
1. TAPE CAN BE MULTI-PURPOSE
Unlike other bonding solutions, such as mechanical fasteners (bolts, screws, etc.) or liquid adhesives, adhesive tape often performs other functions in addition to bonding.
Double-sided tapes may possess the abilities of:
- Thermal regulation (for high-temperature applications)
- Electrical conductivity (or resistance)
- EMI shielding
- Gap filling
- Sound and vibration suppression
Components like an adhesive gap pad may convey heat to a heatsink, reducing the chance of a system meltdown through long-term use in addition to its regular bonding capabilities.
Similarly, an adhesive-conductive EMI gasket could seal an electronic casing while protecting the inside from outside signal interference.
Thanks to a wide variety of materials, you can find double-sided adhesive tape to bond your electronics while meeting other design needs.
2. IT HAS A RAPID APPLICATION
Glue, epoxy, and pastes often require drying or curing time, which can make their application process slower and messier. Many manufacturers will benefit from the speed and efficiency with which custom adhesive tape parts are applied.
Working with tapes also allows converters to suggest design changes that aid efficiency, such as additional tabs or crack-and-peel liners.
3. HIGH-PRECISION & CONSISTENCY
Adhesive tape is often cut using die-cutting methods, which can lead to precise, nearly identical parts.
Custom die-cut tape can be as precise as customer requirements. A skilled converter can help you achieve tight tolerances in your order, a.k.a. tighter cuts for a more uniform product order.
Precise part components are critical if you plan to use automated assembly. Automated assembly will help you scale up your product quantities, but it requires some process planning to ensure that the product components can be automated.
Is Adhesive Tape Right For My Electronics Application?
Not every situation warrants adhesive tape as a bonding solution, but it can serve as an incredibly versatile and customizable design solution.
Finding the right bonding solution will ultimately depend on your design requirements and product purpose.
If you’re still unsure whether adhesive tape is suitable for your needs, consider asking our experts whether custom tape components make sense for your project.
On the other hand, for those of you who are further along in the process and interested in getting a quote for your part drawing, reach out for a quote today.
This quoting process will begin with questions about your product’s design and application so we can help you plan to meet your production goals.
Lastly, to learn more about bonding electronics, feel free to visit our Learning Center.
