In double-coated tapes the carrier sits between two adhesive layers, giving body, tear strength, conformability or thickness. Polyester film carriers give dimensional stability, foam carriers absorb gaps and stress, and nonwovens help die-cutting and conformability. Tapes without a carrier are called transfer tapes.
Go with the foam carrier on the trim, the film carrier won't follow the curve of the panel.
Also heard as
- backing
- core
Related terms
Transfer tape
A layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive on a release liner with no carrier, which transfers entirely to the part.
Foam tape
Double-sided tape with a foam core, used to mount and bond parts with gaps, vibration or thermal movement.
Release liner
The silicone-coated paper or film that protects a tape or label adhesive until it is peeled off for use.
PSA
Pressure-sensitive adhesive, the always-tacky layer on tapes and labels that bonds under finger pressure with no cure step.