Peel testing of adhesive and pressure sensitive tapes is used for quality assurance, and provides a means of assessing uniformity of the adhesion of a given type of tape. The assessment may be within a roll of tape, between rolls, or between production lots. Adhesive properties for tapes are measured using a standard test surface, a specified angle and test speed. Test results monitor uniformity of adhesive coatings, bonding adhesion strength and force to remove face stock. Sample failures reveal the weak link of a product or process. Cohesive failure produce a tacky residue on both surfaces, adhesive failure reveals a premature peel, failure along the adhesive face stock and test surface, and substrate tearing. Tape testing in accordance with international standards ASTM D3330 is used to determine the peel strength of pressure sensitive tape. There are 6 different test procedures within ASTM D3330 for peel adhesion strength testing. These methods include 180 degree peel testing of single and double sided tape, and 90 degree peel testing of single sided tape. EN 1939 is a European testing standard for determining the adhesive strength of tape through peel testing. Required equipment for peel testing TestResources universal material testing machines determine the peel strength, bonding strength, and sheer properties of adhesives and tapes. TestResources test machines meet the requirements specified in ASTM D3330 and EN 1939 with test procedures for constant-rate-of-extension and constant-rate-of-load machines. This allows the machines to be programmed to perform many unique testing procedures. Load cells are fitted to specific load applications to ensure the highest resolution of tests.
Applicable Testing Standards
- ASTM D903 180 degree Peel Strip Strength of Adhesive Bonds
- ASTM D1876 T Peel Resistance Test Equipment for Adhesives
- ASTM D3330 - Peel Adhesion Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Tapes
Recommended Test Machine
Forces up to 10 kN (2,250 lbf)
Low force tabletop systems
Modular series of five frame options with adjustable test space
Affordable testing option for tension, compression, bend, peel and much more
Forces up to 5 kN (1,125 lbf)
Low force tabletop systems
Tests at speeds up to 2,500 mm/min (100 in/min)
Best for high travel or high elongation test requirements
Recommended Testing Accessories
For testing adhesives or films at a 90° angle
Sliding table maintains the peel angle throughout the test
Rated to 220 N (50 lbf)
Maximum specimen thickness of 8 mm (0.31 in)
Wider model allows for specimens thicknesses up to 46 mm (1.8 in)
Cost effective option for low force testing
