Focus on Tools & Accessories Admiral Tapes A little tape is all you need
Self-adhesive tape is an essential part of every sign maker’s tool kit – it’s a practical solution that can be involved in all aspects of a job. It’s used to hold items in place, speed up the manufacturing process, bond different surfaces together, and install and protect the finished item. In short, it enables creative design to be realised.
Advances in technical specifications have come a long way and global manufacturing capabilities have opened up the marketplace to offer a variety of choices in brand. With so many options it’s a must to trust the brand of tape you are using and to be able to call on reliable technical advice. The printed signage market demands that double-sided tape, in particular, provides a permanent bond in demanding environments, that it is capable of adhering to low surface energy substrates and that it is a cost-effective element of the final product. Double-sided foam tapes can be used to install floor-to-ceiling high Foamex panels, VHB tapes can be used to install ACM signage to channelling, PH neutral tape can mount artwork – the list of applications is endless.
Evolution in print technology and finishing equipment means there are always new trends and self-adhesive tape must also keep up with the latest market developments. Reducing the use of PVC has been a key target of the print industry and Admiral Tapes Ltd has responded with the development of EDGE-It ECO Tape.
It is a single-sided banner hemming tape that is applied by hand to PVC-free banner media. It’s suitable for long-term use outdoors. The company also offers a heat welding product. Both products are PVC-free themselves.
Making substrates such as acrylic sheets adhesive in nature and at the same time suitable for use with a laser or router is another demand easily met by Admiral Tapes. H964HD is a PVC-free double-sided tape that offers impressive peel adhesion, an outstanding bond to LSE materials and high
VHB self-adhesive tapes
tack adhesion to uneven surfaces such as wood and cement. It is opaque white in colour and when laminated to clear acrylic it can be used to help support the print of white inks. Standard industry widths of 305mm, 610mm and 1220mm are readily available and specialist conversion facilities mean that almost any size can be produced.
The popularity of printed fabrics has soared recently, these graphics are stitched with a silicone edge so they can be installed into light boxes or exhibition frames. EDGE-Tex tape is a self-adhesive version of the silicone strip. Its special adhesive ingresses into the fabric to ensure a secure bond and once the display is no longer needed the PVC strip can be removed so that the fabric can be recycled. EDGE-Tex is applied by hand and can be used to install the complete graphic, it is not designed to be used with a sewing machine. It’s ideal for use by companies who have the printing capability but not the stitching facilities and has proven popular as an emergency piece of kit to take to the site for any last-minute adjustments. This is offered in two widths to suit the most popular tension frame sizes of 10mm and 14mm. Admiral Tapes has more than 40 years of knowledge spread across multiple industries but is a specialist in the signage market, having developed and introduced industry-specific products. Most importantly it is on hand to offer advice and send samples for testing.
www.admiralpsp.co.uk Elitron The cutting-edge of multi-tool heads
Thanks to this patented technology it’s possible to start right-angle V-Cutting material anywhere on the sheet, as the independent blades are electronically controlled, to start V-Cutting wherever your design requires.
Kombo THC cutting tool
The same DL-45 tool can also be used in the traditional V-cut mode, 45°, with only one single blade, for maximum flexibility and complete creativity.
Elitron’s multi-tool cutting head can be equipped to cut and mill all materials in one working session.
The DL-45 tool makes light work of 90° of V-cutting in one single pass and transforms your ideas into reality in half the time. Saving both time and energy.
| 72 | January/February 2025
Elitron is set to launch new tools next year at FESPA 2025, including two new circular blades which can cut materials up to 50mm high, for multiple sign and display applications.
www.elitron.com
www.signupdate.co.uk
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