Foam tape is useful in a wide range of applications that require shock absorbing, insulation, water resistance, acid resistance, heat resistance or sound proofing. It are made of materials like polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, neoprene or acrylic.

Foam tape comes in two types, single sided foam tape and double sided foam tape. A double-sided foam tape can be used as a permanent adhesive on irregular surfaces, while a single-sided foam tape are suitable for applications, such as sound proofing, vibration resistance, insulating and ducting. Automotive parts, refrigerator components and electrical and electronic devices are some of the equipment for which you would require a foam tape.

Some important parameters you must consider before buying an adhesive foam tape are:

1. Application for which you need foam tape
2. Dimensions of foam tape: length, width and thickness
3. Properties of the foam tape, such as tensile strength, elongation, adhesion and thickness

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy adhesive foam tape from a reputable foam tape manufacturer

Buy a foam tape made of different type of materials depending upon your need. For example for gasket applications, use leakage resistant foam tapes materials such as urethane.

I recommend: Pres-On provides double-sided foam tape made of urethane, polyethylene and vinyl. 3M, a reputable adhesive manufacturer serving global markets, offers single sided foam tape that are chemical and abrasion resistant. Stik-2 Products is another reputable industrial foam tape manufacturer serving industries, such as automotive, electronic, and HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning).

Buy adhesive foam tape from a reputable foam tape supplier or distributor

You can buy industrial foam tape of different brands at various foam tape distributors. You can also find foam tape online at various retailers' website. Compare adhesive foam tape price for different vendors before buying in bulk.

I recommend: Tape-Rite, a reputable tape distributor, offers various double-sided foam tapes in bulk. TBP Group is a reputable tape distributor of various brands such as 3M, Saint-Gobain and ADCO. Tuff Industries is another retailer that sells wide range of double-sided foam tape and single-sided foam tape.

Buy custom adhesive foam tape from a reputable foam tape manufacturer

For non-standard requirements such as extra length or high temperature applications, you can buy specialty or customized foam tape.

I recommend: Arlon Engineered Coated Products is a provider of laminating and coating services that also manufactures adhesive foam tape according to your needs. International Tape is another custom tape manufacturer that can provide custom foam tapes, such as acrylic foam tape, vinyl tape and polyethylene tape.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Use a foam tape dispenser that measures and dispenses the foam tape automatically. This will save you time and avoid waste.