Metallic Tapes

Metallic tapes are versatile adhesive tapes designed to bond both conductive and non-conductive surfaces. Depending on their material composition and adhesive type, these tapes may provide thermal conductivity and are resistant to extreme temperatures and weather conditions, making them suitable for a wide range of industrial, commercial, and DIY applications.

Conductive metallic tapes are commonly used to attach electromagnetic interference (EMI) or radio frequency interferences (RFI) shields to electronic devices. They also serve to connect or bond different substrates for grounding purposes, ensuring proper electrical continuity.

Types of Metal Tape

Metal foil tape is available with different foil materials, each offering specific benefits for different tasks.

Copper Metal Tape

Copper tapes are available in both conductive and non-conductive forms. Made from thin, flexible copper foil, they can easily conform to various shapes and surfaces. Common applications include creating low-profile electronic traces, EMI/RFI shielding, making antennas, and soldering connections. Copper tape can also be used to keep snails and slugs out of your garden. Its excellent conductivity and flexibility make it indispensable for electronic and industrial setups.

Aluminium Tape

Also known as foil tape, aluminium tape is widely used across electrical, construction, and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) applications. It is flexible, strong, resistant to heat, and metallic silver in colour. Its durability ensures it remains intact under extreme temperatures, while its waterproof and chemical-resistant properties make it ideal for sealing duct seams, joints, and exterior surfaces. Aluminised foil tape is effective for weatherproofing, thermal insulation, and maintaining airtight seals in HVAC systems.

Key Features to Look for When Choosing Metal Backed Adhesive Tapes

When selecting a metallic tape, consider these technical features:

Foil Material: The type of metal (aluminium, copper, lead) determines the tape's core properties like conductivity, corrosion resistance, and strength.
Adhesive Type: The adhesive can be acrylic (good for a wide temperature range), silicone (for high temperatures), or rubber (high initial tack). Some adhesives are conductive, while others are not.
Conductivity: Determine if you need a metal conductive tape where both the foil and the adhesive are conductive, or if only the foil needs to be.
Thickness: Measured in mils or millimetres, the thickness of the foil affects the tape's durability and puncture resistance.
Temperature Range: Check the tape's specified operating temperature to ensure it can withstand the conditions of your application without the adhesive failing.
Adhesion Strength: This indicates how well the tape will stick to a surface, measured in adhesion to steel or other standard materials.

Benefits of Using Flexible Metal Tape for HVAC and Electronics

Using a flexible metal tape offers significant advantages over standard polymer tapes, especially in technical applications.

Excellent EMI/RFI Shielding: The conductive nature of materials like copper and aluminium makes them highly effective at blocking electromagnetic and radio frequency interference, protecting sensitive electronics.
Thermal Performance: Metal tape is excellent at conducting or reflecting heat. Aluminium tape is used to seal insulation and reflect heat, while other tapes can help dissipate heat away from components.
Durability and Longevity: Metal foil tape is resistant to UV light, extreme temperatures, and moisture, ensuring it won't degrade over time, making it ideal for permanent repairs and long-term installations.
Conformability: Being highly flexible, this tape can easily be shaped to fit irregular surfaces, corners, and complex geometries, ensuring a complete seal or contact.

How to Select the Right Metal Tape for Your Specific Project Needs

To choose the best metal adhesive tape, follow these steps:

Identify Your Primary Application: Are you sealing HVAC ducts, shielding electronics, or masking for a chemical process? For ducting, an aluminium foil adhesive tape is standard. For shielding, metallic copper tape is often preferred.
Assess the Environment: Consider the temperature, UV exposure, and potential contact with moisture or chemicals. Choose a tape with the right material and adhesive to withstand these conditions.
Determine Your Conductivity Requirements: If you need to create an electrical path for grounding or EMI shielding, you must select a metal conductive tape with a conductive adhesive. For sealing and thermal applications, a non-conductive adhesive is usually sufficient.
Check Surface Compatibility: Ensure the tape's adhesive is designed to bond effectively with the surface you are applying it to (e.g., sheet metal, plastic, insulation facing).

How Metal Foil Duct Tape Enhances HVAC System Performance

Metal foil duct tape plays a crucial role in optimising HVAC system efficiency:

Effective Sealing: Creates airtight seals on duct joints, seams, and connections, preventing air leaks that can reduce heating and cooling performance and increase energy costs.
Heat Reflection and Insulation: Reflects heat and enhances insulation, helping maintain consistent temperatures and improving overall system performance.
Durability and Resistance: Designed to withstand moisture, extreme temperatures, and environmental stress, ensuring long-lasting performance even in demanding conditions.

Industrial Applications of Metallic Tape

Metallic tapes have a wide range of uses across many industries and even for creative applications.

Manufacturing: Used for EMI/RFI shielding in electronic devices, masking in finishing processes (like anodising or electroplating), and for heat dissipation.
Construction Industries: Aluminium foil adhesive tape is used to seal joints in insulation boards, waterproof membranes, and as a vapour barrier.
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC): The primary tape for sealing seams and joints on both rigid and flexible ductwork to prevent air leaks and improve energy efficiency.
Creative & DIY Projects: A strip of metal adhesive tape can be used to create a surface that magnets will stick to, perfect for making a custom magnetic noticeboard for pictures, drawings, or plans.

Buy Metallic Tape from RS MY

RS is your trusted metallic tape supplier and distributor in Malaysia, offering a wide selection of high-performance tapes from leading brands like 3M, Tesa, and Advance Tapes. Our competitively priced inventory supports a variety of needs, from a roll of aluminium foil adhesive tape for HVAC repair to specialised metallic copper tape for electronics prototyping.

In addition to metallic tape, we also stock a full range of insulation tapes, cloth duct tapes, cable covers, and industrial consumables to support your project.

Order your metal tape and accessories online today and enjoy fast delivery across Malaysia. For details on how to place your order, estimated delivery times, and service fees, please refer to our Delivery Page.