High-Temperature Tape (HTT) is a specially designed ribbon or tape that has been specially treated with a high-temperature resistance function. High-temperature tapes work a dual function not only do they offer much-needed electrical insulation; they also are highly resistant to extremely high temperatures even up to 500o Fahrenheit. These tapes are particularly critical in splicing and cable terminations in many different applications ranging from cable insulation to high-voltage power distribution. They can also be used to terminate power cables in sensitive equipment that experiences a lot of temperature changes, such as those in medical equipment and aerospace applications. Also, because they have the ability to withstand extreme temperatures, these tapes can be applied to large components that are normally too large for standard shrink wrap or thermal tape.
Originally developed in Japan, polyimide tape was first used to protect the surface of circuit boards. Because it was difficult to apply thermal tape to circuit boards that were already covered with adhesive, it was necessary to use a film that had the flexibility of high-temperature tape, yet was still highly flexible for use with standard thermal tape. When the Japanese began exploring the application of polyimide tape, they discovered that it was capable of withstanding many times its own weight in water. With this discovery, the polyimide tapes began to be used for other applications including protection against ultraviolet radiation, electrical insulation, and the mechanical handling of extremely hot materials.
The advancement of technology eventually produced the polyimide high-temperature tape with a foil layer on one side. This foil material was designed to resist heat without compromising the overall quality of the tape. It is made up of high-quality, laminated paper with an interlocking pattern of foil and silver-colored threads to allow it to be attached to most plastics or other materials.
Silicone Adhesive Polyimide has the ability to form an airtight seal around virtually any object while simultaneously maintaining its flexibility. This unique property allows the high-temperature tape to be placed directly over any substrate, such as sheet metal, plastic, or glass. These types of adhesive masking tapes can be applied to both flat surfaces and curved surfaces. Some of these tape models are flexible and have a backing that can be pulled away from the substrate after it is applied. Other models are fixed and have a backing that cannot be pulled off.
The two main applications of the High-Temperature Tape are as a temporary barrier, which prevents damage from penetration, and as an interior layer of insulation for various components. When the High-Temperature Tape is applied to the surface of a substrate, it forms a protective layer that can withstand temperatures up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Some of the main applications include protecting the body of a vehicle from extreme temperature fluctuations, sealing a leak in a water pipe, preventing the formation of mold, and protecting plant leaves from drying out. Some other common uses include making an internal waterproof seal for the engine compartment of a vehicle, sealing the combustion chamber of an engine, repairing a leak in a computer, and providing an insulating layer between the inside of a piece of plastic and the exterior.
In addition to its application to a wide variety of applications, the High-Temperature Tape can be made in various custom shapes. This includes having various adhesives bonded to the tape, including UV curing adhesive. One of the main features of this tape is that it is highly durable, with the resistance to heat being at up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. It also has the ability to be extremely flexible, which is important for applications where the seal must be highly durable and resistant to stretch.
