What Is Splicing Tape: Everything You Need To Know.
Unexpected downtime, material waste and line stoppages can quickly disrupt even the most efficient production schedule.
Splicing tape offers a simple, effective way to keep operations moving by joining two webs of material without halting the process—unlike manual joins or mechanical fasteners, which can require line stoppages or introduce inconsistencies.
In this article, we look at what splicing tape is, how it works, and how to choose the right option for your application.
What is Splicing Tape?
Splicing tape is a pressure-sensitive adhesive tape used to join the ends of materials such as paper, film, foil and fabric in roll-to-roll applications. This allows material to be joined quickly and cleanly, supporting uninterrupted roll-to-roll production.
These tapes usually consist of a carrier—often polyester or tissue—coated with adhesive on one or both sides. They are available in both single-sided and double-sided formats to suit different applications. At AS Rubber & Plastics, we offer a wide selection of adhesive tapes, including splicing tape. This article provides an overview of different adhesive tape types and their typical applications.
How Does Splicing Tape Work?
It works by bonding the trailing edge of one roll to the leading edge of another, allowing the new roll to feed in seamlessly. This ensures the production process continues without interruptions.
Depending on the process, high-speed applications may require tapes with resistance to heat, tension, or mechanical stress.
Splicing tapes are selected for their ability to maintain performance under varying pressures, temperatures, and speeds. In some sectors, such as paper manufacturing and printing, this is especially important.
Benefits of Splicing Tape
Using the right splicing tape can help improve production efficiency, reduce waste and support consistent product quality. Some of the main advantages include:
Helps maintain workflow by reducing unnecessary stoppages
Creates reliable bonds between a variety of materials
Can be used in high-speed, high-temperature or chemically exposed environments
We go into more detail on the benefits of splicing tape and the different types of adhesive tapes discussed in this article.
Types of Splicing Tape
There are several types of splicing tape available, each offering different properties to suit specific applications. Understanding the distinctions between them can help you identify which tape is best suited to your process:
Single-Sided Splicing Tape
Adhesive on one side, ideal for overlap splicing techniques. We supply single-sided polyester adhesive tape in 1000mm log format, typically stocked as 48mm x 66m rolls. We can also cut it to custom widths if required.
Double-Sided Splicing Tape
Adhesive on both sides, often used for butt splices where the tape needs to be applied between two materials.
Repulpable Splicing Tape
Common in paper mills, these tapes break down in water and won’t interfere with recycling processes.
High-Temperature Splicing Tape
Designed to withstand elevated temperatures during processes like curing and drying.
Flying Splice Tape
Used where rolls are joined while the machine is running. These tapes must bond quickly and stay secure under tension.
How to Choose the Right Splicing Tape
Once you're familiar with the different types of splicing tape available, it's useful to consider a few key factors to help determine which option best suits your process.
The material type
Whether smooth or textured, the type of material affects how well the tape adheres.
Production conditions
Such as temperature and speed, also come into play; fast-moving or high-temperature lines often require more specialised adhesives.
Tape application
Whether by hand or using an automated system, tape application can affect which thickness or level of flexibility is most suitable. You’ll also want to consider any industry-specific standards, such as food safety or repulpability requirements, as these may influence your decision.
Location of the splice
Splices near the edge of a fast-moving web are exposed to greater tension and require a stronger bond.
Choosing the right splicing tape can help avoid issues during production and keep operations running more smoothly.
At AS Rubber & Plastics, we supply single-sided polyester adhesive splicing tape. It offers dependable adhesion across various materials. The tape is UV- and age-resistant, and is capable of withstanding short-term temperatures up to 180°C, making it well suited to demanding production environments.
For technical specifications or tailored guidance, please get in touch with us or visit our splicing tape page.
View other products available from our Adhesive Tapes Range.
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