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High-Performance Black Masking Tape

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Black Masking Tape

• 1" (25 mm) and 2" (50 mm) Wide Versions Available
• Paper-Based Masking Tape for General Purpose or Blackout Applications
• Aluminum Foil Tape for Total Blackout Applications
• Can be Torn by Hand and Removed Easily Without Leaving Residue
• Not Intended for Use in Laser Safety Applications

Thorlabs offers a standard and high-performance black masking tape, as well as an aluminum foil masking tape. All types of tape can be torn by hand, are easy to remove, and do not leave a residue. The T137-1.0 and T137-2.0 black masking tape can be used for general applications. For applications requiring minimal ambient light transmission, the T743-1.0 or T743-2.0 high-performance black masking tape is recommended. For total blackout requirements or high-power applications, we offer the T205-1.0 or T205-2.0 non-reflective, flame-retardant aluminum tape. This foil tape has been tested to withstand up to 10 seconds of exposure from a 20 W, Ø6 mm, 10.6 µm laser beam.

In the photographs shown above, a collimated LED (Item # M530L2-C2) with approximately 170 mW output power was used to illustrate how the T743-2.0 high-performance tape allows very little light transmission as compared to the T137-2.0 standard black masking tape. The table below gives the measured power and percent transmittance when various wavelengths of light were incident upon each type of tape.

• Tested using the former-generation HRS015 Stabilized HeNe Laser, which has been replaced by the HRS015B.
• Tested using the LDM850 laser module.

• 1/2" (12.7 mm) Wide Vinyl Tape
• 108' (32.9 m) Long Roll
• Available in Red, Green, or Yellow

Colored rolls of vinyl tape are ideal for color coding fibers cables, electrical cables, tools, and samples. The semi-gloss finish can be written on with permanent marker, and the tape can be used in environments from 40 °F to 170 °F (5 °C to 76 °C), although it is best to apply the tape at room temperature.

• White, Double-Sided Tape with 3M Adhesive 375
• 10.2 mils (0.26 mm) Thick, 19 mm Wide, 50 m Long
• Bonds on Contact to Almost any Surface
• Bonds are Durable with High Peel and Shear Strength
• Resistance to UV Light, Solvents, Plasticizers, and High Temperatures

This 3M tape is 10.2 mils (0.26 mm) thick, double-coated with 375 adhesive, and is made from PVC. The tape features a high peel and shear strength, excellent resistance to UV light, good solvent and plasticizer resistance, and long-term temperature performance up to 158 °F. There are many applications for the tape including mounting optics, hardware, fiber, sensors, etc.

• Thermally Conductive Double-Sided Acrylic Adhesive Tape
• 0.009" (0.229 mm) Thick
• Two Options:
• TCDT1: 1" Wide x 48" Long (25.4 mm x 1219 mm)
• TCDT2: 2" Wide x 24" Long (50.8 mm 610 mm)
• Great Alternative to Heat-Cured Adhesives, Screw Mounting, or Clip Mounting
• Provides a High Bond Strength to a Variety of Surfaces
• Can be Removed without Damaging Parts

The thermally conductive, double-sided tape consists of a superior bond strength, pressure-sensitive acrylic adhesive loaded with titanium diboride and applied to an expanded aluminum carrier. The tape is embossed with an innovative pattern for maximum conformability and minimal air pockets and offers excellent thermal, mechanical, environmental, and chemical properties. Our thermally conductive double-sided tape can bond heat sinks and thermal plates to components without the use of clips, screws, other mechanical fasteners, or additional thermal compounds and can be removed after the application without damage to the component.

Usage Instructions
This tape requires pressure to bond. At room temperature, we recommend holding components together with a minimum of 10 psi for 15 seconds, or preferably 30 psi for 5 seconds.

Before application, ensure that bonding surfaces are free from oil, dust, or any contamination that may affect bonding. Wearing gloves, wipe surfaces with a clean, lint-free cloth dampened with industrial solvents such as acetone or isopropyl alcohol. When cutting tape to size, we recommend cutting it slightly smaller than the area to be taped.

Apply the tape to the center of the heat sink bonding area and smooth over the entire surface with a hand or roller. More pressure produces better wetting out of the adhesive to the contact surfaces. A twisting motion during assembly of the two bonding surfaces will typically improve wetting. Note that typically 70% of the ultimate adhesive bond strength is achieved with initial application, and 80-90% is reached within 15 minutes. Ultimate adhesive strength is achieved within 36 hours; however, the next handling step can typically occur immediately following the initial application.

To remove, carefully insert a thin, short blade into the bond line at a corner between the components. Remove the blade and insert a spatula into the wedge. Slowly twist the spatula blade so that it exerts a slight upward pressure. As the two surfaces start to separate, move the spatula blade deeper into the bond line and continue the twisting motion and upward force. After the two components are separated, the tape can be removed and discarded.

If adhesive remains on the surfaces, it should be removed. Adhesive is best removed by wiping with a clean, lint-free cloth dampened with solvent. Use sufficient solvent to remove all adhesive. Parts must be free of solvent before applying more adhesive.

• Removes Easily without Leaving a Residue
• Wide Usage Range: -100 °F to 500 °F (-73°C to 260 °C)
• Substitute for Standard Electrical Tape in Cooled and Heated Environments
• Excellent for Insulation, Masking, or Packaging Applications

This high-temperature tape is made from DuPont's trademark Kapton^®† film and a cross-linked silicon adhesive. The tape is flame-resistant, will withstand short-term intermittent temperatures to 600 °F, and can be used as electrical and thermal insulation. Compared to electrical tape, it removes easily without leaving a residue, making it ideal for packing, temporarily securing components, or powder coating applications.

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Kapton Tape can be used to protect a circuit board during soldering.

Kapton tape is commonly used as a wire and cable wrap as well as to protect electrical components during soldering. It is effective for both hand-soldering and mass soldering applications, such as wave soldering. In the electronics industry, Kapton tape is applied to circuit boards before wave soldering to shield gold fingers from the solder material and prevent unwanted electrical connections. The tape is also easy to trim with a razor blade and can be used as a temporary dust cover for ports in devices.

^†Kapton^® is a registered trademark of DuPont Electronics, Inc.

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PLT2 Shown with the Lights Off

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PLT2 Shown with the Lights On

• Ideal for Dark Rooms
• Mark Equipment, Doorways, Walkways, or Table Edges
• 100 Ø1/2" (Ø12.7 mm) Sticker Dots per Roll
• Glow Time of up to 12 Hours

These vinyl photoluminescent stickers are ideal for marking doorways, table edges, and walkways, making movement within a dark room safer and easier. They can also be used to make it easier to locate equipment in a dark room. Each roll contains 100 Ø1/2" (Ø12.7 mm) photoluminescent sticker dots that have a glow time of up to 12 hours. Shown to the right is a comparison of how the photoluminescent dots appear with the lights on and off.