Self Vulcanizing Tape

Self-vulcanizing tape is most typically used to protect connections in telecommunications data transmission systems. It is an extremely versatile material that is an excellent electrical insulator, with strong resistance to moisture and chemicals, weathering and UV rays. When properly applied, its properties provide watertight connections in wet locations over a wide range of temperatures.

What is vulcanizing tape used for?

It is primarily used for bonding low-current and cable TV and telephone cables, but its uses can be very diverse. Main applications:

• Provides basic protection of connections in telecommunications and power systems.
• Cables and wires can be used for sealing and corrosion protection of splices.
• Suitable for insulating, covering and protecting electrical cables.
• Coaxial, CCTV, UTP and FTP cable connections.
• It can also be used for waterproof covering of cables where they need to be water and moisture resistant.
• It can also be used to seal PVC pipe joints, to cover pipes and protect them against corrosion.
• Also perfect for repairing cracked pipes.
• The tape does not react with the protected surface nor does it leave any traces. So because the tape can be cleanly removed from most surfaces, it is also an ideal choice for temporary repairs.

How to use vulcanizing tape

The first and most important thing to do is to ensure that the conditions required for the effectiveness of the vulcanizing tape are met. The surface to be taped must be clean and dry. They must be free of any dust, grease, oil or other petroleum derivatives. The temperature in the area of application must be above 0 degrees Celsius. Once this is done, the tape is wrapped around the object to be vulcanized without the plastic separator between the sheets.

What are the properties of the vulcanising tape?

Vulcanizing tape is an extremely flexible material, so it can be stretched to the point where it is about two-thirds as wide. The tape must stretch properly, which is very important to achieve the self-vulcanizing effect. When applying the tape, note that the self-vulcanisation process will be triggered by the contact of the tapes with each other. Therefore, when winding successive layers, always ensure that there is at least 50 % overlap between them. This will guarantee a tight adhesion of the tape to the object and between its layers. After use, fold back the end of the tape to prevent the risk of it sticking to the roll under pressure, which would make it difficult to unwind later.

What material is the vulcanising tape made of? Does it contain any special materials or coatings?

Vulcanising tape is made from a special type of rubber which, when wrapped around itself and overlapped, fuses together under the effect of heat. To achieve this, manufacturers use different materials. You can find vulcanizing tape made of polybutylene, silicone or ethylene propylene diene rubber. Both EPDM, which is short for ethylene propylene diene rubber, and PIB, which is short for polybutylene, are highly resistant to UV and ozone, making them particularly suitable for outdoor use. These raw materials give vulcanising tapes the special properties that make them suitable for a wide range of applications.

How long and wide is the self-vulcanising tape? Is it available in different sizes or types?

Vulcanising tapes are not as widely available as insulating tapes, but we can't complain about that either. This type of tape can be purchased in lengths of 3, 5 and 10 metres. They are usually available in widths of 19 and 25 millimetres.

What temperature and pressure can the tape be used at? Under what conditions does it provide effective insulation?

The self-vulcanising tape is resistant to extreme temperatures, making it the perfect choice for use in harsh environments. What does this mean in numbers? There are vulcanizing tapes that have a heat resistance between - 40 and + 90 degrees Celsius. But in general, these types of tapes can be used between + 5 and + 60 degrees Celsius. Since these tapes are self-winding, it is also worth considering their coefficient of rupture. This is ≥ 900 percent. Their tensile strength is 3.0 N/mm². Dielectric constant: 2.8. Volume resistivity: 10000000M Ohm

How flexible is self-vulcanising tape? How easy is it to stretch and mould for the application?

The vulcanizing tape can shrink up to one third of its own size when exposed to heat. This also shows that this tape is extremely flexible. Thanks to its base material, it forms a durable coating on the surface where it is applied. It is also ozone resistant, non-sticky and even waterproof.

What type of adhesive is used on the vulcanising tape? How strong is its adhesion and on what surfaces does it work effectively?

Vulcanizing tape does not have an adhesive in the traditional sense. It shrinks and fuses together when exposed to heat, and almost instantly forms a homogeneous, void-free surface on the material it covers. This is what makes it so special, as it is the perfect solution for irregularly shaped objects. It is mainly used for covering and insulating wires and cables of different thicknesses. But because this type of tape is non-flammable, it is also often used in the aerospace industry. It's also perfect for sealing holes and leaks, which is why this tape is also often found sealing moulds.

DND offers quality self-vulcanizing tapes in five and ten metre lengths for sealing antenna and cable connectors, moisture protection, gasketing and electrical insulation. Our products come with a two-year warranty period, and as a related service, we offer the production of custom cables and the assembly of connectors, whether 1 or 1000 pieces, using our vulcanizing tapes.