Polyimide Tapes and Films

What is the difference between polyimide and Kapton?

DuPont were the original inventors of polyimide tape in the 1960's. They patented their product as Kapton tape. The patent for Kapton expired a long time ago, and the generic name version of the product is polyimide. DuPont continue to supply their Kapton tape under their brand name at a premium, but in reality, the material properties are exactly the same as polyimide.

Can I order a polyimide tape or film in a width other than what you have on your website?

Yes. Polyimide tapes and films are cut to width based on customer requests. For tapes the thinnest width we can reliably cut in 3mm (1/8 inch) wide, for film this is 6.5mm (1/4 inch) and for both tape and film the widest is the jumbo roll width of 508mm (20 inch). Otherwise, please ask us for any specific width you need. Minimum order quantities may apply.

What is the difference in operating temperature range for the different kinds of polyimide tape?

The operating temperature range of our polyimide films is between -269°C (-452°F) and 260°C (500°F). For the different types of tape this range is limited because of the specifications of the adhesive used. Our polyimide tapes with silicone adhesive have an operating temperature range between -73°C (-100°F) and 260°C (500°F). Our polyimide tapes with acrylic adhesive have an operating temperature range between -30°C (-22°F) and 175°C (347°F).

How can I apply your pressure sensitive tapes?

All our adhesives used for our polyimide tapes are pressure sensitive adhesives (PSA). This means they form a bond between two surfaces solely by surface contact, which is achieved by light external pressure to the adhesive or surfaces. PSA's are dry adhesives that can be applied at room temperature and require no activation with water, solvent or heat. Another advantage is that they adhere instantly saving time in production processes.

How can I remove pressure sensitive adhesive residue?

This will be completely application dependant. Since the adhesives are pressure sensitive, it will depend on the pressure you'll apply, the duration before peeling and of course the temperature and the type and smoothness of the surface. Hence it is almost impossible to say anything about the existence (or not) of residue.

IF there is residue, there are various ways to get rid of it with either heat (softening), cold (embrittlement), or chemical removal but we cannot recommend anything that might damage the rest of the package. As a rule of thumb, pressure sensitive adhesives do not harden to a cohesively strong solid. They are viscous liquids, and remain so when incorporated in an adhesive joint, so softening will (probably) be the easiest way.

Can I order a polyimide tape or film in a thickness other than what you have on your website?

Yes. Most of our polyimide tapes and films are available in a range of standard thicknesses; 12.7 micron (0.5 mil), 25.4 micron (1 mil), 50.8 micron (2 mil), 38.1 micron (3 mil), 127 micron (5 mil) and 254 micron (10 mil). The thinnest we can manufacture is 12.7 micron (1/2 mil) thick, thickest is 254 micron (10 mil) thick. Otherwise, please ask us for any specific thickness you need. Minimum order quantities may apply.