When it comes to most products like food; refrigeration prevents the food from going bad. The ‘Use by’ dates’ guarantees freshness. But, not all products come with such simple guidelines, right?
Most products like adhesive tapes can and will degrade and depreciate with time.
Tape storage is critical in its longevity. Ensure you know how and why to store it, even narrows down to how tape is manufactured. then contact your adhesive tape suppliers.
First of all, let’s take a keen look at these tapes.
The adhesive tapes are manufactured from natural rubber or certain types of pressure sensitive resin. Through simple oxidation, these materials can easily have their bonds broken. Exposure to extreme heat; natural or artificial can also have devastating effects on the adhesiveness of the tape.
The continuity of these tapes degradation over time can have a devastating impact in the tape adhesiveness.
Well, these are some other ways your adhesive tape may get degraded.
- Applied stress: electrical, radiation, mechanical or any other form of pressure.
- Environment: the liquids, solids, and gases that come into contact with the tape.
- Temperature: the higher the temperature, the higher the degradation.
The overall effect of each of these changes depends on how long a given condition exists. Put simply; they are all dependent on time.
While the manufacturer may add antioxidants, heat stabilizers and formulas to decelerate aging, they don’t protect the reliability of adhesive tape indefinitely. You’ll need to do something to stop the degradation.
To avoid these natural courses degrading your tape, the first step should be implementing the manufacturer’s storage guide.
The proper storage improves the quality of your adhesive tape and gives the best value for your dollar.
So, what are the best storage tips for adhesive tapes?
Well, how can you keep track of inventory at the same optimum quality as delivered to your premises? These are some tips to follow when transporting and storing adhesive tapes.
- Avoid direct sunlight
Do not put your adhesive tape near a window or any other place that it can soak UV rays. Exposure to UV rays for long affects the viscous nature making it hard and brittle. That would not be last long.
- Be mindful of temperatures
Too much heat or cold is not suitable for this tape. High heat can melt the adhesiveness making it sticky and messy. Then you have to give it up.
If you keep it in shallow temperatures, the tapes may become too hard and brittle. Ideally, store this tape in a calm and dry place.
- Develop a cycling system for your tape
Despite how hard you try, the tape is still going to give way at some point in time. To minimize wastage develop a cycling system.
Here, emphasize the need to use the older tapes first before releasing the new ones. Well, you can do this with the help of a simple labeling system.
Whereas the tape doesn’t get better with age, if you maintain it correctly, it will be ready for use when you need it.
