Feature: PSA tapes offer solutions from bow to stern in the marine industry
Owning a boat has not always been for the faint-hearted. As a humorous old saying goes, the two happiest days of a boater’s life are the day they buy their boat, and the day they sell it.
In recent years, however, the marine industry has been working to make boat ownership more practical and enjoyable for more people. Boats have become larger and more comfortable, and increasingly customizable to suit specific needs. New technology has been introduced to aid in navigation, safety, and ease of use. And the industry has become ever more aware of boaters’ desire to balance recreation with responsibility. That awareness is showing up in more fuel-efficient designs and an increased interest in alternative propulsion, such as electric motors.
As this era of innovation continues and evolves, the marine industry should consider the many advantages of using pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) tapes as a bonding solution.
Marine environments are demanding
As any experienced boat owner knows, the marine environment presents numerous challenges, and often in combination. Boat materials need to be engineered to withstand moisture, dirt, mildew, temperature swings, vibration, UV exposure, chemical exposure (such as fuels or cleaning products) and, in many locations, saltwater.
These challenges can quickly push materials to their limit. So it’s no wonder marine manufacturers have long relied on “brute force” bonding solutions such as mechanical fasteners and heavy-duty glues.
A smarter alternative to brute force
But just as boats have evolved, so have PSA tapes. Modern tapes offer a highly sophisticated and customizable option for numerous applications in the industry. Think of tapes as a smarter alternative to those brute-force solutions. And they offer some tangible benefits compared to traditional fastening and bonding methods.
Ease of use
Tapes offer a simple “peel-and-stick/instant-bond” that contrasts with messy liquid adhesives (which typically require cure time) and complicated mechanical fasteners. Adhesives can be engineered to be easily repositioned, reducing rework and waste on an assembly line. Easy-release liners, including constructions with a finger-lift edge, can further facilitate assembly.
Durability
Tapes are engineered to last for the life of the vessel, providing a durable bond even on textured, uneven or low-surface-energy substrates. They withstand exposure to UV light, moisture, high and low temperatures, and climatic extremes. Whereas mechanical fasteners may “shake loose” over time, PSAs keep their strength. They provide consistently high performance, helping improve overall quality and minimizing warranty issues.
Lightweight
PSA tapes tend to be lighter than mechanical fasteners. Weight savings can contribute to overall fuel efficiency.
Choice and customization
Thousands of PSA chemical formulations exist, allowing for precise customization based on the application. And tape manufacturers such as Avery Dennison create custom formulations in their ISO-9000-certified laboratory for very unique needs.
Once a PSA formula is chosen, it can be laminated to various types of facestocks in single- or double-layered constructions, or provided as a transfer tape. Constructions can be further modified by independent converters who can stamp parts and die-cut materials to a marine manufacturer’s specification.
Marine applications for PSA tapes
PSA tapes can be put into action in numerous areas of a vessel. Some common applications include the following.
Decking
Many boat manufacturers cover their fiberglass, metal or wooden boat decks with foam mats to enhance owner comfort and safety. PSA tapes allow these mats to be installed more quickly, and present minimal risk to the underlying substrate (for example, cracking fiberglass). Tapes can be customized for especially thick mats to ensure proper bonding and water resistance.
Interior mounting
PSA tapes can be used to mount a variety of materials and trim pieces to boating interiors, including kick plates, panels, carpeting and trim. Tapes allow for easier installation — whether by a factory employee or a DIY owner — and offer a cleaner look than mechanical fasteners.
Electronics/wire harness securement
From smart controls to large touchscreen displays for GPS navigation systems, modern boats now include an increasing array of electronics. With more electronics comes the need to keep wiring neat and organized. PSA tapes are an easy-to-use alternative to traditional wire management materials. They can even be used to mount and provide vibration protection for sensitive items such as glass touchscreen displays.
HVAC applications
Like shore-based systems, marine HVAC systems need durable bonding solutions, and often need to be protected from heat and vibration. PSA tapes are an ideal choice, and they can be applied in confined, high-temperature areas such as below-deck engine compartments.
Supporting innovation in a changing marine marketplace
Throughout history, boatbuilding has been a platform for technological inspiration and innovation. That’s still true today, as the modern marine industry continues to grow and evolve to improve the boating experience. The boat of the future can have applications for PSA tapes from bow to stern. Smart solutions will increasingly beat out brute force on the water!
Avery Dennison welcomes the opportunity to work with marine manufacturers and suppliers, and encourages tape converters to explore opportunities in the industry. Together, we can solve design challenges and make boating even better. To learn more about PSA tapes and our portfolio of marine solutions, visit tapes.averydennison.com.
Rob Hart is a product development and technical support engineer with Avery Dennison Performance Tapes. With more than 25 years of PSA experience, he’s responsible for developing products and supporting converters and OEMS in a variety of industries, including the Marine segment. To learn more about Avery Dennison’s initiative in the segment you can reach her via email at robert.hart@averydennison.com or on LinkedIn.
Danielle Wiltrout is a product manager with Avery Dennison Performance Tapes. With more than 10 years industrial experience, she’s responsible for many general industrial product lines, including the Appliance segment. To learn more about Avery Dennison’s initiative in the segment you can reach her via email at danielle.wiltrout@averydennison.com or on LinkedIn.