If you are looking for an article on glass cloth tape or other tapes infused with glass, this isn't it. This article answers the question of how to bond glass to other surfaces.
Glass is a common bonding substrate, but it can be difficult to find the right adhesive that suits all your needs.
Over the past three decades, Strouse has helped our customers create custom adhesive products for glass bonding. Today, we want to help you understand your options so you can make informed design decisions.
Once you’ve read more about glass bonding adhesives, you’ll be ready to choose the best tape for glass.
What is Stick-to-Glass Tape Used For?
Before you pick out a glass bonding tape, consider its purpose.
1. ELECTRONIC SCREENS
Optically clear glass adhesives hold screens in place without obstructing the user’s view. Many devices with screens or monitors utilize glass adhesives to prevent them from coming undone from their backings, including phones, tablets, computers, TVs, and cameras.
2. VEHICLE WINDOW MASKING
Adhesive films can be used on glass, such as vehicle windows, to mark off certain sections for masking. Custom-cut sections of film will cover said areas while manufacturers spray paint the car without worrying about the windows or covered parts.
3. GLASS-TO-METAL BONDING
Whether you’re bonding metal cannulae into glass syringes or glass-to-metal components in solar cells, it’s essential to have a reliable application. Double sided tape for glass and metal offers a lightweight option for powerful bonding and clean application.
4. GLASS-TO-GLASS BONDING
Many applications, such as microfluidic diagnostic tests, benefit from assemblies with two glass substrates. These applications require glass—glass bonding solutions, for which you can use double-sided tape to stick to glass.
Numerous glass bonding applications exist, so if you have a specific case in mind, contact a converter to discuss potential solutions.
What Tape Can You Stick on Glass?
Theoretically, any tape can be applied to glass if the surface energy matches. However, finding a good fit will depend on the application's longevity, the substrates, and the need for optical clarity.
Ask yourself the following questions:
- What bond strength am I looking for?
- How much weight does this adhesive need to hold?
- Will it cover a wide surface area?
- Does this application require optical clarity? Full or partial?
One of the biggest factors in glass adhesion is transparency, which can be best achieved using optically clear adhesive tape. Most optically clear adhesive tapes (OCAs) use acrylic adhesives because, unlike silicone or rubber, acrylic won’t yellow over time.
Acrylic also tends to have a higher bonding ability than silicone adhesive. Yet, true OCAs come with a price tag, and depending on the nature of your product, you may choose to use a near-optically clear adhesive instead.
For long-term, non-transparent applications, consider using an acrylic adhesive such as double sided VHB tape for powerful bonding.
What’s the Best Tape to Stick to Glass?
The best type of glass adhesive tape will depend on the surfaces you’re working with. Are you trying to stick glass to wood, metal, rubber, plastic, or glass?
a. WHAT ARE YOUR SUBSTRATES?
Every material has a surface energy level that determines its willingness to bond with other substrates.
Glass is a high surface energy substrate, so it has a strong molecular attraction that makes it easier to adhere (especially when using solvent-based acrylic adhesives). Other materials like metal also have high surface energy; however, materials like plastic require further consideration.
b. AESTHETIC REQUIREMENTS AND FUNCTIONALITY
It would be frustrating to use your phone if you could see the big strip of tape holding the screen to the body. Glass adhesive tape applications often require transparency, which calls for see-through and OCA materials.
Cleanliness and effective adhesive laminations are top priorities for optically clear adhesives. Particles caught in the adhesive will show up later. Poor laminations can cause bubbles, which will disturb the overall aesthetic appearance.
Lastly, it’s important to note that glass measurements can be highly accurate, making die cut tolerances a high priority for glass adhesive tape designs. Discussing your tolerances is a necessary step in the product development process.
Where to Buy Adhesive Glass Tape
Depending on the quantity of your order, it might make sense to look online and order cheap rolls from a home improvement store or a bulk supplier.
Yet, if you’re looking for a more customized option in larger quantities, you’ll want to discuss your design with a converter to see your options.
An experienced adhesive converter will guide you through product development, helping you create the most effective, cost-efficient design and production process.
If you want to discuss your solution with a converter, contact us or get a quote. For more information and resources, visit our Learning Center.
Originally published: November 15, 2023
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