
Sticky Solutions: Navigating the World of Aircraft Tapes
Published date: 01 Oct 2023
Aerospace adhesive tapes serve various essential roles in aviation. They protect, mask, and repair aircraft components in demanding conditions. Key tape types include aluminum tape (Speed Tape), glass cloth tape, masking tape, double-sided tape, and silicone tape, each with specific functions. These tapes play crucial roles in composite bonding, surface protection, high-temperature masking, moisture barrier, painting, minor structural repairs, and sealant curing in aircraft manufacturing and maintenance. Selecting the right tape involves considering factors like exposure to speed, vibration, temperature, moisture, chemicals, and pressure changes, as well as ease of application/removal, following manufacturer guidelines. Future trends suggest a shift towards high-tech and eco-friendly adhesive solutions, such as hot-melt, water-based, and solvent-free adhesives.