Polyimide tape, also referred to as Kapton tape, is a versatile electrical insulation and coating film commonly used in many applications. It is an amber-colored material that acts as an excellent electrical insulator, is thin and conformable, and has outstanding tear resistance at elevated temperatures.
It's often used as an alternative to standard copper-clad foil and silver masking film in wave soldering of printed circuit boards (PCB) during the manufacturing process. It also serves as a high-temperature mask for powder coating and can be applied to metal surfaces during e-coating, electroplating, anodizing, and other processes that require a heat-resistant coating.
The best part is that it can be applied with minimal pressure, making it the ideal choice for applying to delicate surfaces. It's also extremely strong and withstands temperatures up to 500degC/260degF, so it's great for applications that have to endure extreme temperatures.
There are many types of polyimide tape, but the majority are made with polyimide film, coated with a silicone adhesive or an acrylic adhesive, and manufactured for high-temperature electrical applications.
Kapton is one of the most common brands of polyimide film and has been the material of choice for numerous spacecraft and other aerospace industries, including the New Horizons and James Webb spacecraft. It is also used as an aluminized thermal insulator in motors and transformers, ensuring that the electronic components don't get too hot or too cold.
Polyimide is a durable, thermoplastic material that is chemically inert, resists acids and oils, and keeps the electronics at a consistent temperature. This allows electronics to be inspected, tested, repaired, and repaired again.
Typically, the polyimide is laminated with a thin layer of aluminum or other materials to make it highly resistant to temperature changes and vibrations. This makes it an excellent material for shielding a spacecraft from the sun's UV rays and keeping the electronics protected from other harsh environmental conditions.
It can be applied to a variety of different materials and is able to withstand temperatures up to 400degC/572degF without weakening or losing its adhesive strength. The abrasion and tear resistance of the tape is so good, that it's commonly used to wrap coils in electric motors and as interlayer insulation for transistors and other electronic components on 3D printed parts.
There are also other forms of aluminized polyimide, such as those that have a metal oxide finish. They offer similar properties as aluminized polyimide but in a softer, more flexible form that's easier to manipulate.
The polyimide film is backed by a silicone adhesive that enables the polyimide tape to withstand temperatures up to 260degC/500degF, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of high-temperature and electrical applications. It can be applied to a variety of substrates, including metal, plastic, and even glass.
