Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Application: How Does The Process Work?

You might have heard about pressure sensitive adhesives… But how does the pressure sensitive adhesive application work? What are the variables? Conversion Technologies International has the answers.

What are the applications of pressure sensitive adhesives?

One of the best things about working with pressure sensitive adhesives is the product’s versatility. Regardless of the specific adhesive you’re working with—if it’s pressure sensitive, it’s likely easier to work with than many alternatives. We use them for bonding, mounting, and sealing. These adhesives fit within various different settings, and they’re fairly easy to use. With that in mind, they have plenty of different applications. These include:

• Medical and healthcare applications. Think surgical tapes and bandages, as well as certain medical devices. We can apply a pressure sensitive adhesive with little effort, and remove it just as easily. In fact, the pressure sensitive adhesive application process makes this process uniquely well-suited for the healthcare fields.
• Electronic. This adhesive is perfect for certain electronic components, like mounted displays and smartphone batteries.
• Construction and assembly. In this case, we’d use a PSA in conjunction with waterproofing, vapor barriers, and lightweight materials that require special care.
• Automotive. We need a good amount of flexibility when working with automotive trim, and a pressure sensitive adhesive is uniquely fit for this. You can use pressure sensitive adhesive materials for exterior decals, interior trim, damping materials, and nameplates.
• Graphics, tapes, and labels. We use PSAs throughout the packaging industry. It’s the base for masking tape, shipping tape, a wide variety of product labels, and graphic films used for signage.
• Office supplies. Naturally, we also use PSAs for products like post-it notes and stickers. Additionally, you can find it in household items like adhesive hooks.

Ultimately—if you need a flexible, easy-to-use product, a pressure sensitive adhesive may be what you’re looking for. There are some specific circumstances, however, wherein it’s particularly useful…

When should I use pressure sensitive adhesive?

As previously mentioned, one of the best things about working with pressure sensitive adhesive is that it fits a variety of different circumstances. But some fit the product more than others. You can use PSAs whether you need permanent or temporary bonds—just make sure you’re selecting the right one. If you’re considering a PSA, ask yourself these questions:

• Do I need an immediate bond? if you’re working on a tight clock, you might want to work with a PSA. This type of adhesive can bond to a surface instantly. All it requires is pressure. This means you don’t have to worry about drying or curing time.
• Do I need a skin-friendly adhesive? Remember, one of the things that makes PSAs unique is that many of them are skin-friendly. That means they’re perfect for certain medical devices and stickers.
• Do you need mass-produced deliverables? It’s so much easier to mass-produce labels, tapes, and other types of packaging products when the adhesive is as simple as a PSA. Compared to other products in the adhesive industry, they take less time and effort to produce. That means you can produce quickly and efficiently, without as much concern about inconsistencies. This is especially important as your business grows and scales up.

Of course, some business owners choose to make the process even easier by working with a third party manufacturer like CTI. It’s entirely up to you!

Is pressure sensitive adhesive application permanent?

It depends on your wants and needs. A pressure sensitive adhesive application can be permanent or removable, depending on the variety used. The immediate application is usually instant, with a strong bond. It’s the longevity of the bond that can vary. We’ve designed permanent PSAs to strengthen over time. The goal with removable PSAs is creating a product that’s easily removable with little to no residue and no damage left behind.

A few different factors affect a PSA’s staying power. These include (among others) the application process, the degree of pressure applied, temperature, and substrate. Over time, some PSAs may naturally deteriorate. The setting can also impact how long the bond lasts.

In terms of what you can expect from a removable PSA, it’s designed to offer flexibility. Some businesses only desire an adhesive for temporary purposes. Others like the ability to reposition and shift a PSA over time. While certain PSAs wear off over time and require reapplication—the cost of that flexibility—others last longer, but remain easier to shift over time. We use permanent PSAs for heavier-duty settings. You’ll often find them in automotive and structural applications.

No matter what you need, the pressure sensitive adhesive industry has options! The lamination and converting process requires precision, and you deserve a product that fits all your business’s needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Before we wrap up pressure activated adhesive and its application, let’s cover a few more questions.

Can we apply pressure sensitive adhesive in a variety of different settings?

Absolutely! PSAs have a broad scope, and working with adhesive manufacturing experts can expand the possibilities. CTI has even worked with a client that required a specialized peel and stick roofing material!

Is outsourcing worth it?

It depends on your needs, but we would say so. Some of the great aspects of outsourcing include increased efficiency and affordability. And it’s simply easier for many business owners. No need to worry about trial and error when you’re working with reliable experts!

What should I know before exploring third party manufacturing?

You don’t have to know everything right now, but we recommend thinking about your future plans. Do you want to scale up? What’s the long term goal for your company?

That being said, CTI has the experience necessary to help you navigate.

What’s the next step?

Call us! You can reach CTI at 419-924-5566. Need an alternative? Contact us here. We’re excited about the future, and we hope you will be, too.