PSA Adhesive Pros And Cons: What You Need To Know

Ever heard of a PSA adhesive? If not, Conversion Technologies International has the information you need.

What is a PSA adhesive?

A PSA adhesive is an alternative to classic industrial adhesive products. Rather than activating it with processes like dipping, rolling, or coating, the PSA adhesive remains ready for application. “PSA” stands for “pressure sensitive adhesive”. A pressure activated adhesive stays tacky when not in use. This means you can apply it as is and apply pressure, adhering it to the required surface. No heat, no water, and no solvents involved.

Differentiators for these adhesives include:

• They don’t require curing. Many other adhesives require heat curing, which makes the process more efficient.
• They’re versatile. One of the reasons why those in the manufacturing industry appreciate pressure sensitive adhesive materials is their flexibility. We can apply them to everything from metal to foam, and even wood.
• It’s instant. No need to wait out the adhesive process. These materials bond to surface immediately.
• Adhesive quality. We don’t always want permanent adhesives. PSAs can bond permanently or temporarily. Typically, we can remove temporary PSAs easily, without leftover residue or damage.

What are PSA materials made of?

Pressure sensitive materials vary in terms of application and usage, depending in part on what they’re made of. At times, manufacturers create custom adhesives to suit specific projects. However, virtually all PSAs are made up of a few components:

• Acrylic. We often use an acrylic PSA product for projects that require durability. They’re resistant to temperature, as well as UV rays and severe weather. Additionally, they can create a smooth, aesthetically pleasing appearance.
• Rubber. Rubber-based PSA adhesive materials are something of a classic in the industry. The rubber creates a tacky quality, adhering easily to a variety of surfaces. However, rubber-based adhesives are less chemical-resistant to alternatives. This makes them less than ideal for certain, more volatile circumstances.
• Silicone. These adhesives attach easily to more unusual surfaces with greater variation. Furthermore, silicone-based adhesive resist high temperatures exceptionally well. That being said, you do pay a bit more for that performance. You’ll have to weigh how well silicone-based adhesives suit your needs, as well as whether their durability makes them worth the higher price.

What are some common applications of pressure sensitive adhesives?

Pressure activated adhesive materials function in a number of different circumstances. These include:

• Medical settings. Many medical devices and materials require adhesive. Think medical tape, bandages, and other products that require skin-sensitively aspects. When we talk about temporary adhesives, this is one application where that quality comes in handy.
• Industrial fields. In an industrial setting, we may use PSAs as protective coatings, mounting, and when we’re assembling lightweight components for larger projects. Here, you’ll want a degree of flexibility.
• The automotive industry. We use pressure sensitive adhesive materials to apply trim. Additionally, we apply it to interior components.
• Consumer products. Here, we use PSAs in the form of tape, stickers, decals, labels, and sticky notes—among other things. We also use it to handle flexible packaging.

Who can apply adhesive for large projects?

While we all use PSA adhesive for a variety of different projects, large and small… some projects require a bit more effort. We’re talking about large-scale industrial manufacturing. In that case, applying PSAs can look a bit different. While some companies handle adhesive application in-house, others prefer to outsource.

When outsourcing, you can work with a third-party manufacturer like CTI. In the past, business owners took into consideration factors like location. This greatly limited your ability to find a manufacturer that worked the way you needed. But in today’s world, technology has progressed enough for us to connect with clients from across the world.

In CTI’s case, while you’re welcome to visit and meet us in person, we serve clients in a variety of locations. But keep in mind: You should vet any potential manufacturing partner carefully. When selecting a third party manufacturer, we recommend considering factors like:

• Client success stories. An experienced company will have not only reviews, but testimonials and success stories. CTI keeps success stories readily available for potential clients, including some regarding adhesives. This client required a customized peel and stick adhesive, and CTI handled it for them—check it out!
• The more experienced a company, the more streamlined their process. An experienced manufacturer cuts down on trial and error and prioritizes efficiency.
• When working with a third party manufacturer, make sure they’re ready and willing to answer your questions. At CTI, we consider ourselves not only your services provider, but your partner in business. That’s why we’re here to discuss and answer your questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Speaking of… Let’s explore a few further questions.

What’s the difference between toll manufacturing and contract manufacturing?

Remember, before you get too deep into the “shopping” process: There’s a difference between toll manufacturing and contract manufacturing. They’re the two most common forms of third party manufacturing, and they’re fairly simple. Their differences lie in how much they cover.

Toll manufacturers cover the manufacturing process for a fee, but you’re still required to provide the raw materials. Contract manufacturers cover the process from beginning to end, including raw materials.

Can I get prototypes for my order?

Sometimes, manufacturers can make prototypes available through pilot runs. We recommend asking about this early in the process.

What should I do first?

That’s easy. The first step is first contact. Call CTI at 419-924-5566 or contact us here and see what we’re talking about!