Tapes suit difficult splicing applications.

Press Release Summary:

Original Press Release:

Adhesives Research Expands ARclad®

GLEN ROCK, Pa. (July 25, 2002) - Adhesives Research Inc., a leading developer of high-performance pressure-sensitive adhesives systems, introduces ARclad® 9031 to its line of "ugly tape" products - tough tapes that help eliminate even the most challenging of splicing problems. ARclad® 9031 joins ARclad® 516, affectionately known throughout the industry as "The Ugly Tape" for its characteristic amber color, to provide superior quick-stick performance for high- speed splicing applications. Instead of amber, ARclad® 9031 is a highly visible black color, which allows for easy splice detection by operators. Both ARclad® 9031 and ARclad® 516 are clear polyester films double-coated with an extremely aggressive pressure-sensitive adhesive for splicing difficult substrates including low-energy surfaces. Their superior overall performance helps reduce costly downtime caused by missed splices. ARclad® 9031 and ARclad® 516 provide excellent adhesion to a variety of different surfaces such as silicone release papers, polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, plastic and high-slip films, cloth, nonwovens, and specialty papers and boards. Both of these tapes can be used in numerous splicing applications, including high-speed flying splices, zero-speed splices, unwind and rewind splices, overlap splicing and automatic core starts. Suitable types of operations that benefit from these tapes include extrusion coaters, film and foil converting, sheeters, laminators, off-machine coaters and packaging pressrooms for flexo and rotogravure printing. These high-performance tapes are conformable and provide superior quick-stick performance for excellent splicing even when running at top line speeds, as well as when making roll-to-roll transfers onto high-tech foils, plastic, films, laminates, or polycoated stock. The Adhesives Research line of ARclad® splicing tapes ranges from non-repulpable, high-performance splicing tapes to advanced repulpable splicing tapes used in such applications as converting, laminating, extrusion and metallizing, as well as in the pulp and paper sector. ARclad® splicing tapes offer quick tack, consistent caliper, high quality, measurable performance and environmental stability. They do not require costly equipment for application. Adhesives Research also offers custom adhesive solutions and can engineer a large variety of custom splicing tape configurations to meet the needs of its customers. We offer a team-based approach to solving our customers' splicing needs including cross-functional teams that usually consist of experienced R&D scientists, process engineers, quality, manufacturing and technical sales personnel. Where a standard tape may not be available, we utilize a "toolbox of capabilities" to develop the customer solution needed, which includes polymer synthesis, adhesives formulation, adhesives coating, release liner design and custom finishing. The Splicing Business Unit offers two unique customer service programs to its splicing customers: ARclad® Direct and ServicePLUS. ARclad® Direct provides customers with a direct link to Adhesives Research's high-performance splicing products and superior service. The innovative ServicePLUS program offers customers technical assistance within 24 hours, splicing tape audits, trial analysis reports, splicing seminars, free samples, technical training and testing services, dispenser maintenance and order acknowledgments. Overall, both ARclad® Direct and ServicePLUS provide many benefits that allow customers to increase productivity and, more importantly, reduce costs. Adhesives Research also provides www.SplicingSolutions.com, an innovative web site that provides companies around the world direct access to Adhesives Research's R&D and technical sales departments for technical expertise in solving splicing application problems. Users can contact Adhesives Research's dedicated technical experts via the web site, e-mail, phone or fax with specific splicing application problems and receive quick, timely advice on technical solutions. Adhesives Research Inc. is one of the world's leading independent developers and manufacturers of specialty pressure-sensitive adhesive-coated products. Founded in 1961, Adhesives Research offers problem-solving capabilities and custom solutions in splicing tape design supported by extensive product development and analytical technology. The Company has been ISO 9001 registered since 1992 and was certified to the updated ISO 9001:2000 standard in 2001. Adhesives Research's pressure-sensitive adhesives are used around the world in the electronics, automotive, display, appliance, pulp and paper, flexible packaging, nonwoven and converting industries, as well as in healthcare markets such as in-vitro and molecular diagnostics, medical devices, wound care, pharmaceuticals/transdermals and cosmetics. Based in Glen Rock, Pennsylvania, Adhesives Research also operates manufacturing facilities in Ireland, Australia and Colombia, has sales offices in Great Britain, Germany and Singapore and has sales representation in France and Canada. For more information on the Splicing Business Unit and its products, contact Adhesives Research Inc. at 1-800-445-6240 or visit the Adhesives Research web sites at www.adhesivesresearch.com or www.SplicingSolutions.com. Adhesives Research® is a registered trademark of Adhesives Research Inc. for engineering and design services in the field of pressure-sensitive adhesive systems.