What’s the Difference Between PVC and Polypropylene Tape?
Although they’re made from plastic materials, there are several differences between PVC and polypropylene tape. Before you choose a custom packing tape, it’s important to understand these differences, as different tapes will work better for different applications.
Polypropylene tape
Polypropylene tape is the most popular variety of shipping tape. If you walk into an office supply store in search of tape, there’s a good chance you’ll walk out with polypropylene.
Among its benefits:
1. It’s an economical choice for custom packing tape
Polypropylene tape tends to be priced lower than other tapes, which makes it an ideal choice for businesses that need to keep shipping costs down.
2. High-quality printability
Does your custom packing tape design require a high level of detail? If so, this is one area where polypropylene tape has an edge over PVC tape.
While both varieties will suffice on projects that require simple printing, such as a tape that features your company’s name.
But for longer printing runs with more detailed images/logos, you’ll be better off with polypropylene tape, which uses a polymer plate.
The PVC tape printing process uses a rubber plate. Over time, the rubber absorbs the printing ink and begins to swell, leading to thicker printing and less-defined image quality.
3. A range of thickness
When shipping heavier products, look for a custom packing tape that has a greater thickness. For PVC and polypropylene tape, the thickness is measured by mils. One mil is the equivalent of one-thousandth of an inch.
Tapes normally measure between 1.6 mils and 3 mils. The thicker the tape, the more aggressive the adhesive. Our Polypropylene tape is between 1.9 mils, which is good for smaller lighter packages to 2.9 mils, which is good for shipping packages that weigh more than 50 pounds.
Polypropylene offers nice adhesion to corrugated cardboard boxes. Just remember that weight matters more than box size in determining your tape choice. You might end up shipping a product that weighs just 10 pounds in a large box surrounded by void fill.
PVC Tape
PVC tape is a versatile product, thicker and stronger than polypropylene. A PVC tape that is 2.2 mils thick will allow you to seal boxes that weigh up to 40 pounds. PVC packing tape in the 3.2 mil range can handle even heavier products. It’s a good idea to ask for a sample roll if you aren’t sure which tape thickness
PVC tape has another edge over polypropylene in that it’s easier to manage when working with a long strip and less likely to become stuck to itself (and easier to get unstuck if that does happen).
Although it’s true that PVC tape will need more pressure to adhere to a surface, once it does stick, it will do so more aggressively, and to a greater variety of surfaces.
Finally, it’s a much quieter tape than polypropylene, which makes a crackling sound as it unspools from its roll. If you’re working from home or in an office that values quiet, choose PVC tape.
PVC vs. Polypropylene tape: Summing up
To review, polypropylene tape is
The most popular custom packing tape variety
Easy to identify thanks to the crackling sound it makes when unspooled
Economic and cost-efficient
Print up to three inks
A better choice for longer print runs
PVC tape, meanwhile:
Is a premium quality tape
Tears easily by hand
Unspools with little noise
Provides superior adhesion on a wide range of surfaces
Are you still not sure which of these tapes is the best choice to ship your product? Turn to Phoenix Tape.
For more than 35 years, we’ve worked with companies like yours to help make sure they have a custom packing tape that promotes their brand and secures their products, all at an affordable cost. Contact us today to learn more.
Pipe Wrap Tape
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APPLICATIONS For PIPE WRAP and SURFACE PROTECTION - Provides electrical protection; protects pipe joints, conduit couplings for overhead or direct buried applications; excellent masking tape for hard chrome plating and anodizing. FEATURES/BENEFITS It...
APPLICATIONS For PIPE WRAP and SURFACE PROTECTION - Flame Retardant. Provides electrical protection; protects pipe joints, conduit couplings for overhead or direct buried applications; excellent masking tape for hard chrome plating and anodizing...
What Is Pipe Wrap Tape?
PVC pipe wrap tape has a soft polyvinyl chloride (PVC) backing with a rubber-based adhesive. It is useful for wrapping around various types of piping to protect them and prevents leaks. It also functions as a masking tape for chrome plating, or you can wrap it around electrical conduits, water pipes, and drainpipes to protect against corrosion and water intrusion.
Some key characteristics of pipe wrap include:
Strong natural rubber adhesive
Excellent vapor and moisture barrier
Useful for buried pipes
Resistance to sun, water, fungus, bacteria, acids, oils, alkalies, and chemicals
Functions and Benefits of Pipe Wrap Tape
Pipe wrap tape is useful in various ways to keep your pipes in the best possible shape for the longest possible time.
Corrosion Protection
Pipe wrap tape is resistant to chemicals and water. This helps prevent corrosion on metal pipes.
Leak Prevention
This tape provides an excellent barrier to water because of its ability to adhere to any pipe material. In this way, it prevents leaks at joints, cracks, and damaged pipe sections.
Insulation and Temperature Control
The tape is resistant to temperatures from 14 to 176 degrees Fahrenheit. This range helps to insulate pipes against both cold and heat.
Mechanical Protection
The rubber adhesive makes this tape strong enough to hold materials together while resisting abrasion, impact, and ruptures.
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