Sealant Tape
Vacuum sealant tape and tacky tape for airtight sealing in vacuum applications
What is the function of vacuum sealant tape in vacuum bagging processes?
A vacuum sealant tape is used in laminate construction to provide an airtight seal along the edge of the vacuum film at the tool flange. During resin infusion or thermal curing, it prevents both air ingress and resin leakage. It can also serve to position auxiliary components such as spiral tubing or vacuum connectors. Thanks to its malleable structure, the sealant easily conforms to irregular surfaces, ensuring uniform contact pressure. In practice, this kneadable butyl-based sealant adheres reliably to materials such as metal, CFRP, GFRP, wood, or plastic. Depending on the version, the tape can often be removed cleanly after processing, simplifying post-processing and preserving the surface of the mold.
Which vacuum sealant tape variants are available from HP-Textiles?
HP-Textiles offers three specialized vacuum sealant tape variants tailored to different processing needs. HP-ST12X3/80 is a double-sided adhesive, plastic-based tape with temperature resistance up to 80 °C, ideal for medium-temperature infusion applications. The HP-ST12X2.5/140 is suitable for temperature curing cycles up to 140 °C and features very high tack with the benefit of residue-free removal, especially advantageous for sensitive mold surfaces. For autoclave applications, the high-temperature version HP-ST12X3/210 is designed to withstand up to 210 °C. This yellow tacky tape made of synthetic rubber ensures maximum sealing performance and remains dimensionally stable even under extreme processing conditions.
How is sealant tape applied in the lamination process?
The sealant tape is applied along the flange of the mold or other sealing line before the vacuum bag is laid down. Light pressure ensures continuous contact between the tape and film, resulting in a fully airtight seal. Depending on the product, the tape may be single- or double-sided adhesive. The unique consistency of the butyl sealant allows it to adapt to any geometry – whether curved, angular, or complex. Especially in high-temperature cycles such as long curing stages or autoclave processes, the thermally resistant variants maintain a reliable seal. After processing, many HP-Textiles tapes can be removed without leaving residue, protecting the tool surface and minimizing cleanup.
Where are vacuum sealant tapes typically used?
Vacuum sealant tapes are used in a wide range of vacuum-assisted composite manufacturing processes. Common fields include mold making, lightweight CFRP/GFRP construction, aerospace, automotive, and prototype fabrication. Choosing the right sealant depends on factors such as temperature range, adhesive strength, geometry, and overall resin process strategy. No matter the use case, products in the Vacuum Sealant Tape / Tacky Tape category from HP-Textiles offer structured, secure, and repeatable sealing performance – whether used for vacuum infusion or autoclave curing.