PSA Tape Standards

The PSA industry is in the process of unifying the several standards presently in use. The most active organizations are:

• ISO International Organization for Standardization - A European AFNOR committee is currently active in the definition of international standards; some of the most common test methods, such as Peel Adhesion, Static Shear Adhesion, Break Strength and Elongation are presently ISO standard
• ASTM : ASTM International has several Technical Committees which write standards related to pressure sensitive tape.
• PSTC : Pressure Sensitive Tape Council (tapes, North America)
• TLMI : Tag & Label Manufacturers Institute (labels, North America)
• AFERA : European Association for the Self Adhesive Tape Industry (tapes, Europe)
• FINAT : Féderation INternationale des fabricants et transformateurs d' Adhésifs et Thermocollants (labels, Europe)
• JATMA : Japanese Adhesive Tapes Manufacturers Association

ASTM International has dozens of standards related to pressure sensitive tape. Some of them are for general types of PSA tape: Others are for specific types. For example ASTM D1000 has test methods for electrical tapes. There are ASTM specifications for many tapes including: D2301 for vinyl electrical tape, D5486 for box sealing tape, etc. Several of the ASTM test methods are coordinated with PSTC, other trade associations, and other international organizations.

Following are a few examples of some ASTM standards and counterparts: