Foil Tapes
Foil tape is durable tape made with a metal foil backing. It is a high tensile tape widely used in construction, electrical work, and packaging. The backing in foil tape can be made from copper foil, aluminum foil, and lead foil. These materials are sturdy yet flexible, meaning the tape is easy to apply but holds up under harsh conditions. Tape Jungle has a wide selection of foil tapes, including:
- Copper Foil Tape
- Aluminum Foil Tape
- Lead Foil Tape
All three types of foil tape have unique properties that make them best suited for different uses. Before purchasing foil tape, learn about the varieties available through Tape Jungle and decide which is right for your business.
Copper Foil With Acrylic Adhesive
Tape Jungle's copper foil tape is a special electrode, zero temper, high tensile tape. It is malleable and conforms well to irregular contours. It makes an excellent soldering tape, and the aggressive acrylic adhesive system creates a superior bond. Plus, the material is annealed and non-tarnishing.
Copper foil tape is used for RFI/EMI shielding applications in the electrical/electronics industry. The CFL-5CA copper tape is coated with an acrylic adhesive which is uniformly dispersed with conductive spheres to provide a very low rate of electrical resistance through the tape. It also meets UL 510 specifications.
Applications for Copper Foil
Copper foil is used to shield small electromagnetic components (i.e., transformer/reactor coils) and cable splices. It is effective for repairing, modifying, and prototype designing wiring boards. You can also use it as supplementary shielding of joints/seams and for flat conductor assemblies.
Physical Properties
- Tape Thickness (w/o liner): 3.2 mil
- Foil Thickness: 1.4 mil
- Peel Adhesion: (1 min. Dwell) 37 oz/in
- Peel Adhesion: (24 hr. Dwell) 59 oz/in
- Tensile Strength: 37 lbs/in
- Elongation: 6%
- Temperature Range: -40°F to 248°F
Aluminum Foil Tape
Tape Jungle's aluminum foil tape is available in four types: general purpose, industrial, self-wound, and scrim Kraft tape.
General Purpose
General purpose aluminum foil tape is coated with a solvent-based acrylic adhesive and has a removable paper release liner. The foil conforms smoothly to irregular surfaces and is an inexpensive and practical all-purpose adhesive. You can purchase it in standard silver and matte black.
Physical Properties
- Tape Thickness: 2.8 mil
- Elongation: 3%
- Peel Adhesion: 72 oz/in
- Tensile strength: 11 lb/in
Industrial-Grade Aluminum Foil Tape
Industrial-grade aluminum foil is a high-performance tape with an acrylic adhesive. The adhesive is solvent-based and comes with a removable paper liner. The tape remains effective at both low and high temperatures. Unlike some tapes, it can even be applied at low temps.
Physical Properties
- Tape Thickness: 4.8 mil
- Elongation: 5.5%
- Peel Adhesion: 72 oz/in
- Service Temperature Range: -40°F to 302°F
- Holding Power: 1,200+ Min
Self-Wound Aluminum Foil Tape
This harness wrap tape is designed for noncritical applications such as sealing out dust and moisture, masking, and duct sealing. The acrylic adhesive bonds strongly to metal. The tape does not have a liner, so the application process is rapid and produces very little waste.
Physical Properties
- Tape Thickness 3.3 mil
- Elongation 3.5%
- Adhesion to Steel 50 oz/in
- Tensile Strength 17 lbs/in
- Service Temperature Range -40°F to 350°F
Aluminum Foil Scrim Kraft Tape
Aluminum foil scrim Kraft tape is a three-way fiberglass scrim tape. It is made from a paper carrier coated with a synthetic rubber resin adhesive. The tape grabs powerfully onto insulation surfaces, which makes this a great insulating tape. It is commonly used as a closure system for fiberglass and mineral wool insulation systems.
Physical Properties
- Tape Thickness: 6.8 mil
- Adhesion: 90 oz/in
- FSK Backing: 4.8 mil
- Rolling Ball Tack: 8 in
- Temperature Resistance: -4°F to 176°F
Applications for Aluminum Foil
Because of its waterproofing properties, aluminum foil tape is used for vapor barrier protection and waterproof sealing. It is resistant to warping under heat, so it is commonly used for heat reflection and dissipation. Artists sometimes use it for masking in paint stripping and electroplating. Industrial-grade aluminum tape is excellent for die-cutting and can safely seal leaks in ventilation systems.
Lead Foil Tape
Tape Jungle's lead foil tape can be ordered with rubber or acrylic adhesive. Both types exhibit strong adhesion to many materials, including metal, glass, paper, film, and foil. The tape is made with pure lead that can be die-cut or shaped into artistic patterns. It is highly malleable and versatile. Due to the heaviness of lead, lead foil tape isn't a good packing tape, but it has many other applications.
Applications for Lead Foil
In the medical field, lead is used as a protective shield during X-rays. Lead foil tape also protects against electromagnetism and radio frequencies. In manufacturing, it is used for protective masking during electroplating. Some athletes apply it to golf club heads and tennis rackets to balance weight more evenly. You can also seal double-paned windows with lead foil tape.
Physical Properties
- Tape Thickness (without liner): 6 mil
- Elongation: 15%
- Peel Strength: >35 oz/in
- Breaking Strength: 18 lb/in
Using Foil Tape
Foil tape is commonly used in HVAC, electrical, packing, construction, and craft applications. Its ability to conform to uneven surfaces and adhere to virtually any material makes it very useful. Foil tape, especially aluminum foil tape, is a good sealant on ducts. It is sturdy enough to repair leaks in ventilation systems. It can even be used outdoors thanks to its resistance to weather damage.
That said, not every foil tape is useful for every application. Do your research and carefully select the right foil tape for the job.
Buying Foil Tape
Tape Jungle is the best place to buy foil tape. We manufacture specialized tapes for dozens of different industries. Whether you want copper foil tape, aluminum foil tape, or lead foil tape, you can find what you need at Tape Jungle. Save money by buying in bulk or customize your order by selecting different widths and thicknesses. We look forward to working with you.