TAPES
Tapes simplify
masking process
High-performance tapes from tesa are being used in the transportation sector to simplify the masking process.
Modern industrial
paint systems and
processes affect
transportation businesses
with diverse areas of
specialism, from trains
and trucks to marine and
special vehicles. Despite
being a tricky proposition
at face value, large objects
with curved areas and
specific environmental needs
require the same level of
performance and reliability
as any other masking process,
if not more so.
tesa, one of the world’s
leading manufacturers of
technical adhesive tapes and
self-adhesive system solutions,
has responded to this need with
tesa 4338, a high-performance
paper masking grade tape
specifically developed to
improve process efficiency and
increase flexibility.
Excellent handling and
high conformability are prerequisites
for industrial tape,
especially in sectors such as
transportation, where rework
due to tape lifting could have
expensive time and cost
repercussions. Better masking
results are achieved when
correct application properties
are considered, so tesa 4338 has
been developed with common
elements of frustration in mind,
such as the difficulty posed by
curved areas for windows. The
elongated properties of tesa
4338 guarantee this tape does
not tear when handling curves
and bends, yet remains easy
and controlled to unwind.
Bright green in colour, the
smooth crepe paper backing
of tesa 4338 provides a vivid
contrast to primers and fillers,
making it ideal to see up
against masking paper and
for use in scenarios where
identification is critical. Due
to its natural rubber adhesive,
the tape is suitable for adhesion
to steel and has a thickness of
145μm. Convenient application
and clean plaint edges are
ensured thanks to good quick
stick properties for secure bond
on various surfaces (without
peel-off), excellent adherence
of paints and fillers and
easy unwinding capabilities
without the risk of curling.
tesa 4338 also shows superior
performance with water-based
coatings.
Multiple drying cycles are
often required on large scale
transportation projects so tesa
4338 is designed to have clean
removal, providing higher
efficiency in a single masking
step for up to 6 baking cycles at
120°C. High adhesion remains
even at 80°C oven baking
temperature, when using large
sheets of masking paper and
for multiple passes of paint and
heavy coats of spray filler.
Ageing resistant properties
are also an essential factor,
with 7-day UV-resistance and
temperature resistance of
120°C having a direct impact
on flexibility; masked objects
gain the ability to be partially
stored outside for short lengths
of time.
Peter Spencer, Strategic
Segment Manager tesa UK,
says “For those involved in
transportation, such as the
rail or automotive industry,
it is important to ensure
every aspect of a job has an
effective and efficient solution.
tesa 4338 not only meets the
requirements of modern
industrial paint systems and
processes, but simplifies and
optimises the entire masking
process.”
tesa uk
www.tesa.co.uk
01908 371177
www.fastening-solutions.co.uk 33
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