The aerospace industry finds itself at a critical juncture, facing both great opportunities and significant challenges. While global demand for aircraft continues to grow, recent supply chain disruptions and workforce shortages have forced manufacturers and suppliers to rethink their material solutions.

One technology that has proven to be a game-changer in this dynamic landscape is pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) tapes, according to Avery Dennison Performance Tapes.

ADVANTAGES OF PSA TAPES IN AEROSPACE

PSA tapes offer a compelling alternative to traditional mechanical fasteners and liquid adhesives, providing a range of benefits that cater to the unique needs of the aerospace industry:

•Strong, consistent, and resilient bonds for permanent applications

•Even distribution of stresses and strains without the need for holes

•Resistance to chemicals, weather, and temperature extremes

•Flame retardancy to meet industry specifications

•Lightweight construction for improved fuel efficiency and sustainability

TAPE CONSTRUCTIONS AND CUSTOMISATION

PSA tapes are typically composed of three main elements: a carrier (film or paper), an adhesive, and a protective liner. These tapes can be single-sided or double-sided, with the flexibility to incorporate a wide range of adhesive chemistries and functional materials. Manufacturers and converters, such as Avery Dennison and Sur-Seal, collaborate closely with customers to custom-engineer adhesive solutions tailored to specific application requirements.

PSA TAPE APPLICATIONS IN MODERN AIRCRAFT

PSA tapes find numerous applications in modern aircraft, including:

•Cabin liners: Securing flexible films to rigid substrates

•Carpeting: Adhering carpets to aircraft interiors

•Insulation and structural damping: Seaming together thermal insulation materials and bonding vibration-damping tiles

•Masking: Protecting windows during manufacturing and MRO processes

•Wire harnesses: Wrapping and shielding aircraft wire harnesses

CHOOSING THE RIGHT TAPE: THE EXPERTISE FACTOR

Selecting the appropriate PSA tape for an aerospace application requires a thorough evaluation of several key factors, including the properties of the carrier material, the aircraft surfaces being bonded, the environmental conditions, and the tape format required. Partnering with experienced manufacturers and converters can provide the necessary expertise to ensure an optimal adhesive-based solution.

As the Aerospace industry navigates the challenges of global supply chain disruptions and workforce shortages, pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes emerge as a versatile and highly effective solution. By leveraging the unique properties and customisation capabilities of PSA tapes, manufacturers and suppliers can thrive in this dynamic landscape, delivering high-performance, sustainable, and cost-effective aircraft solutions.