Markets for Adhesive Films and Tapes Positioned for Growth

5 July 2000

Demand will be Strong in Automotive, Aerospace and Electronics Markets

    AMHERST, N.H. - Recent advances in adhesives technology are creating new opportunities for adhesive films and tapes in a number of industrial applications. These adhesive products are finding new structural bonding and joining applications in the automotive, aerospace, and electronics markets. Films and tapes with enhanced performance are reaching the market as several important developments are occurring which will spur new demand.

    In the automotive industry, the drive to reduce car weight and increase quality has renewed interest in film and tape adhesives for structural bonding. Adhesive usage in cars will increase as automakers continue to replace steel with light-weight and corrosion-resistant materials such as plastics, composites and aluminum.

    Aerospace applications for tapes and films include primary structural joints involving advanced composites and metals, bonded laminated sheet metal sections, and laminated combinations of sheet metals and high-modulus composites. Heat activated adhesive films are gaining widespread use in the aircraft industry. Their use in bonding aluminum skins to aircraft, missiles and space vehicles continues to increase.

    Promising growth potential for films exists in electronics applications ranging from device manufacture and assembly to fabricating circuit boards. Conductive adhesive films are becoming increasingly important in the manufacture of semiconductor devices. Conductive tapes which conduct in only one axis are receiving strong interest for EMI applications, joining flexible circuits, and mounting components.

    To take advantage of the opportunities presented by these new technology and market developments, adhesives suppliers must be fully aware of the market potential for tapes and films, as well as the design and product objectives of major manufacturers. Suppliers must also be willing to act on this information by teaming with manufacturers to develop the assembly processes and pilot programs that will be required to bring these new applications to market.

    Growth Markets for Adhesive Films and Tapes has been researched and written to be of maximum value to adhesives suppliers. It consists of in-depth analyses, descriptions and evaluations of current and probable future market developments, technology issues and business factors - information necessary to compete effectively in this evolving market.

    We believe Growth Markets for Adhesive Films and Tapes to be an important publication for adhesives marketing professionals. Publication date is July 31st.