Peel adhesion strength is an important identifier for the correct use and quality of tapes. Adhesion bond strength can be quantified in terms of peel strength, shear strength, and bonding strength. The bonding strength of tape is commonly measured using the international testing standard ASTM D3330. ASTM D3330 testing procedures provide a means of assessing the adhesion of a given type of pressure-sensitive adhesive tape. This standard is divided into six sections: Methods A through F. Methods A, B, E and F work to test single-coated tapes. Method C works for double-coated tape, and Method D can be used for either single or double-coated. All the test methods in ASTM D3330 use 180 degree peel tests, excluding Method F. Test Method F used a 90 degree peel test. For all tests in ASTM D3330, use a universal peel testing machine and consider peel test fixtures. ASTM D3330 Test Method A ASTM D3330 Test Method A gives a measure of the adherence, when peeled at a 180 degree angle, to a standard steel panel or to another surface of interest for a single-coated tape. To complete this procedure, a strip of tape is applied to a standard test panel with controlled pressure. The tape is peeled from the panel at 180 degrees angle at a specified rate, during which time the force required to affect peel is measured.
To prepare for this test, create a 300-mm specimen of the tape to be tested. Fold 12 mm at one end, adhesive to adhesive to form a tab. Touch the other end of the specimen to an end of the test panel. Hold the other end of the specimen so that it does not make contact with the panel but is positioned loosely above it. Roll mechanically or by hand twice in each lengthwise direction, causing the roller to apply the tape to the panel evenly. Double back the folded end of the tape at an angle of 180 degrees and peel 25 mm of the tape from the panel. Clamp the end of the panel into the grip and the free end of the tape into the other jaw. To perform the peel test, operate the movable jaw at 5 mm/s (12 in./min). Consider a CRE machine to maintain precise rate of pull. ASTM D3330 Test Method B Test Method B also gives a measure of the adherence to the backing of a single-coated tape. In order to perform Method B, apply a sample of the tape-under-test to a rigid panel such as the standard stainless steel panel. Use a weighted roller to control pressure and roll the tape down firmly. Apply a second strip of the tape to the backing of the strip on the test panel, taking care to align the edges of the second specimen with those of the strip in the test panel. Fold a tab of the tape and double back at an angle of 180 degrees. Clamp panel into moveable jaw of testing machine and free end of tape into the other jaw. While conducting the peel test, operate the movable jaw at 5 mm/s (12 in./min). ASTM D3330 Test Method C Test Method C measures the adherence of double-coated tape to a standard steel panel or other surfaces. When testing the face-side adhesion, the double-coated tape is adhered to a stainless steel panel (or other surface of interest), liner side up. The liner is removed and the exposed adhesive covered with a strip of thin polyester film. The resulting tape is then tested for 180 degree peel adhesion. To perform the peel test, operate the movable jaw at 5 mm/s (12 in./min).
ASTM D3330 Test Method D Test Method D gives a measure of the adherence of the release liner to the adhesive of either single- or double-coated tape. In method D, the tape is adhered to a standard steel test panel with the liner side up. The liner is peeled from the adhesive in the same manner as in peeling a single-coated tape from a standard panel. To perform the peel test, operate the movable jaw at 5 mm/s (12 in./min). ASTM D3330 Test Method E Method E gives a measure of the adherence of an adhesive transfer tape. In a face-side application, the tape is adhered to a standard panel (or other surface of interest). In this method, the liner is removed and a 0.025-mm thick strip of polyester is adhered to form a film-backed strip of tape. The adhesion is measured using a 180 degree peel test. In a liner-side application, the transfer tape is applied to a strip of 0.025-mm thick polyester film, liner removed and the resulting tape. To perform the peel test, operate the movable jaw at 5 mm/s (12 in./min). ASTM D3330 Test Method F Method F measures the adherence to a standard steel panel or other surface of interest for a single-coated tape when peeled at 90 degree angle. For Test Method F, a strip of tape is applied to a standard test panel with controlled pressure (such as a tape roller). The tape is peeled from the panel at 90 degree angle at a constant speed, during which time the force required to effect peel is measured. To perform the peel test, operate the movable jaw at 5 mm/s (12 in./min). For assistance with configuring a peel test machine, call today to speak directly with an experienced applications engineer.
Applicable Testing Standards
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
Rated to 10 kN (2,250 lbf)
For testing adhesives or films at a 90° angle
Rolling table maintains the peel angle throughout the test
Standard length of 300 mm (11.8 in) - other lengths available
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
Rated to 500 N (112 lbf)
Maximum specimen thickness of 6 mm (0.23 in)
Pneumatic design allows for quick specimen setup
Consistant clamping force between tests
Rated to 1 kN (225 lbf)
Maximum specimen thicknesses from 10 mm to 50 mm (0.39 in. to 2.0 in.)
Simple design can be used for a multitude of tensile applications
Inexpensive and reliable
Standard sample widths of 0.50 in. and 1.00 in.
Other sample widths available upon request
Effective and simple to use
Blade replacement takes mere seconds
