PROGRAMME
A unique educational event designed for the European tape industry
Held in the accessible city of Munich, Afera's Tape College is a well-established technical learning event providing tape business professionals with the fundamentals and current technical essentials of adhesive tape technology. During this back-to-school experience, field experts will educate you on the principles involved in the selection, manufacture, conversion, application and testing of tapes.
We are currently finalising the last programme details. The provisional programme can be found below. Please check back for updates.
Tuesday, 12 March 2024
12.00 - 13.15
Buffet Lunch
13.15 - 13.25
Opening by Reinhard Storbeck (Afera Technical Committee Chairman)
13.25 - 13.30
Welcome words from Afera's President Evert Smit
SESSION 1: WHY TAPES?
Chaired by Reinhard Storbeck - tesa SE
13.30 - 14.10
Evert Smit
Lohmann GmbH & Co. KG
Made to Stick - A General Introduction to Tapes
Business books have adopted terms like "stickiness", "bonding" and "made to stick", although they don't discuss applications in bonding technology. What magic is Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Technology creating in our everyday life? Why are surfaces made to stick and why do some bonds not Survive? A key to making an idea sticky is to tell it as a story. This presentation tells the story of "adhesive tapes", their construction and their applications.
14.10 - 14.50
Caroline Sperling
tesa SE
Introduction Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Tape Technology
The cornerstones of tape performance are peel, creep and tack. These features are relevant for many application-related properties. This presentation provides a survey of the most important relationships between physical performance and application properties. The lecture will align adhesive tape technology available with the demands of today and tomorrow´s industrial processes.
14.50 - 15.30
Break
SESSION 2: TAPES DECONSTRUCTED
Chaired by Reinhard Storbeck - tesa SE
15.30 - 16.10
Anja Schneider
Henkel
The World of Acrylic PSA Solvent Based and UV Hotmelt
This presentation will take you on a journey through the world of acrylic PSA with the focus on solvent based as well as UV Hotmelt technologies. We start with a short overview on related markets, adhesive technologies and performance characteristics, before we dive deeper into the chemistry behind. You will learn how such adhesives are designed to meet technical requirements and the applicability on converting lines of the industry.
16.10 - 16.30
Matthias Renka
Organik Kimya San. ve Tic. A.S.
Fundamental Emulsion Polymerisation for High Performance Water Based Pressure Sensitive Adhesives
TBC
16.30 - 17.15
Panel discussion with presenters of first day
18.30 - 20.00
Welcome Cocktail
Wednesday, 13 March 2024
SESSION 2: TAPES DECONSTRUCTED (continued)
Chaired by Martijn Verhagen - Lohmann
09.00 - 09.25
Geert Vermunicht
TSRC Corporation
The Use of Styrenic Block Copolymers in Hotmelt Pressure Sensitive Adhesives
09.25 - 09.50
Jarno Weemers
Synthomer
Chemistry of Hotmelt PSA Formulations
An overview of the chemistry of several PSA formulations in which tackifying resins are used will be presented. This includes styrene block copolymers (SBCs), natural rubber and polyolefins. Tackifier resins discussed will include hydrocarbon resins and rosin resins, as well as their modifications. Tools to characterise these types of resins will be given, making it easier for formulators to choose the right resin for the right application. The interaction and compatibility of tackifying resins with several polymers will be discussed, focussing on block copolymers and their use in HMPSA formulations.
09.50 - 10.15
Thomas Gröer
Wacker Chemie AG
The Best of Both Worlds – How Silicones Serve as High Performance Adhesives and Release Agents in Tape Applications
The unique properties of silicones have made them become inevitable materials in all industry segments. Their uses range from automotive, through electronic industries as well as the medical segment. The most fascinating fact is that they can be tailorized to even present oppositional effects.
This paper will show the versatility of silicones in tape applications and present their use in such adverse fields as adhesives and release coatings. It will present the chemical and physical background of these exceptional properties and the benefits silicones thus give for a variety of uses in this area.
10.15 - 10.40
Dr. Hans Peter Dette
3M
Viscoelastic Properties of High Performance Tapes
All pressure sensitive adhesives have in common that they show viscous and elastic behavior at the same time, making them so-called viscoelastic materials. Which of these two quite different properties dominates depends on the structure of the PSA itself as well as on the outer conditions it experiences.
This presentation will give a short summary on what viscoelasticity is, how structure and outer conditions influence the viscoelasticity of a PSA and how this affects its properties and performance.
10.40 - 11.10
Break
11.10 - 11.35
Lukas Berger
Sekisui Alveo
Polyethylene Foams as Backing Material for Technical Tapes
Polymeric foams and polyolefin foams in particular are widely used in the industry to produce a large range of tapes for industrial, household, electronic, medical and construction applications.
This presentation will give a short outline on the production process of polyolefin foams, followed by an overview on physical and chemical properties of such foams. Depending on the density and the composition, the properties can be tailored to meet the requirements of the application, so the foam is suitable for e.g. a sealing tape, a fixation tape, a high performance mounting tape or an ECG electrode.
Particularities which need to be taken into account when producing a foam tape will also be considered.
11.35 - 11.55
Dr. Ingo Neubert
tesa SE
Polymeric Films for Technical Tape Applications
Polymeric films and paper webs are the most important backing materials for self-adhesive tapes. The backing material of the tape determines its mechanical
properties (like conformability, stiffness and tensile strength) as well as its application-related properties (like thermal stability, UV stabilization and optical properties).
Choosing the best backing material is therefore crucial for the final tape application. This presentation will provide an overview of different polymeric films and paper webs regarding their specific properties and some typical applications. It will also point out features of manufacturing and processing of the backing materials. Additionally, some aspects of cloth and non-woven backing materials will be discussed.
11.55 - 12.20
Mikko Rissanen
UPM Specialty Papers
Designed for Recycling – Call for Value Chain Collaboration
Raising sustainability awareness among consumers and a strong regulatory push is setting new standards for a responsible business conduct. As a producer of release liner UPM has developed a circular concept that makes use of liner waste generated from various end uses. To ensure efficient closed loop recycling the tape, label and adhesive handling value chain has to go through a systemic change where the materials are designed for recycling and reuse. This is a call for the value chain participants to start the action.
12.20 - 13.00
Panel discussion with presenters of Wednesday morning
13.00 - 14.00
Lunch
SESSION 2: TAPES DECONSTRUCTED (continued)
Chaired by Michel Sabo - Nitto
14.00 - 14.25
Michael Ortner
Mondi (Functional Paper & Films Release Liner segment)
Release Coatings Applied
Silicone release coatings exist in different chemistries and delivery forms. Coating technology needs to be adapted to best apply these coatings on substrates. An overview about these coating technologies will be presented. Applications of silicone coated release liners are very varied and different release liner constructions are manufactured to suit these requirements. Examples of release liner type per end-application will be explained. A brief introduction of release performance, influenced by silicone formulation and an example of a typical release liner for a tape application is explained
SESSION 3: TAPE PRODUCTION
Chaired by Michel Sabo - Nitto
14.25 - 14.50
Thomas Birr
Entex
Co-extrusion Manufacturing of Adhesives
TBC
14.50 - 15.20
Steffen Lambertz
JHT
Coating and Drying Technologies in Roll-to-Roll Production - State of the Art Processes and Current Developments for Coating and Lamination Lines
JHT Jakobs‑Houben Technologie GmbH is a renowned manufacturer of coating, laminating and impregnating lines for roll-to-roll production. Since 2001 the company stands for tailor-made machines and components in the coating and converting industry. Regardless of their size – lab, pilot or production scale – JHTs’ machines process paper, film, foils, fabrics, membranes and also metal strips. With our slogan “Together for your process!” JHT underlines the company’s claim: highly specialized technical solutions developed to suit your roll-to-roll production process.
In our lecture, we will present state of the art technologies regarding coating and drying processes in R2R-applications. We’ll address different coating methods – for example roller, knife and slot die coating – to give an overview of advantages and disadvantages for each technology.
However, the best coating is useless without the right drying process. Which is why we will be addressing drying technologies in R2R-production such as convection and laser drying, IR- and UV-curing etc. An overview of current developments and upcoming technologies, including possibilities in JHTs’ technical center, will round off our presentation at this years’ Afera Tape College 2024.
15.20 - 15.45
Peter Harendt
Lohmann GmbH & Co KG
Insight Tape Conversion Technology
For the final users, one of the key advantages of tapes is the ability to do pre-converting in customized designs. Like slitting large rolls into smaller ones fitting the applicators, cross-winded spools to improve efficiency, and customer-specific die-cuts that fit the final design. With this, the highest level of qualified application process is assured by pre-defining the bonding areas in thickness, width and design. An overview of converting technologies, per tape, will be given: slitting, laminating, spooling, laminating and different die-cutting technologies.
15.45 - 16.10
Jürgen Pomorin
Evonik Operations GmbH
Chemistry of Release Coatings
Most self-adhesive products like labels and tapes require a release coating to protect the adhesive layer prior to its use. The release coating usually comes on a carrier called the release liner. Self-adhesive tapes may have a release layer on the backside. The release performance contributes substantially to the conversion properties of a self-adhesive product and therefore require attention. Today, various release systems are available, dominated by silicone types. The aim of this paper is to explain the main differences between common release systems with a view on chemistry and the required coating and curing technology.
16.10 - 16.50
Panel discussion with presenters of Wednesday afternoon
19.00
Conference Dinner
Thursday, 14 March 2024
SESSION 4: TAPE USE & TESTING
Chaired by Matthias Renka - Organik
09.00 - 09.45
Prof. Dr. Andreas Gross
Fraunhofer IFAM
Modern Surface Treatment Methods
This lecture gives an overview about surface treatment methods enlarging the adhesion of (pressure sensitive) adhesives on several materials surfaces. Especially plasma treatments show an excellent influence. Therefore their different modes of functioning will be explained using examples. Economical and ecological aspects will also be regarded as possible fields of application in the future.
09.45 - 10.15
Karsten Seitz
Afera Standardisation Consultant
Forget About Your Thumb: How to Test Tape in a More Reliable Way
For sure, testing and evaluating pressure sensitive tapes through a “thumb test” still is common practice. But for sure, there are methods to test tapes in a much more reliable and reproducible way with better, more meaningful results. The presentation will introduce to the most important standard test methods for PSA tapes with a special focus on those methods that deal with the adhesive performance of the tapes: peel adhesion, shear resistance and tack. The measurement principles are described and notes on some important parameters will be given, including discussion of potentials and limits of the tests. In addition, examples for test methods directly related to specific applications will be shown and their link to the results of standard tests will be briefly discussed.
10.15 - 10.35
Pablo Englebienne
Afera Regulatory Affairs & Sustainability Manager
The Afera Flagship Sustainability Project
Sustainability is a major driver for all aspects of the adhesive tape industry. The Afera Flagship Sustainability Project (AFSP) is an initiative of the adhesive tape value chain to contribute to achieve the goals of the European Green Deal. In this presentation we will update members about the progress of the three workstreams of the AFSP on the development of harmonized calculation methods, optimizations in waste management and advocacy activities.
10.35 - 11.00
Break
11.00 - 11.25
Pablo Englebienne
Afera Regulatory Affairs & Sustainability Manager
Regulatory Update
The last years we have seen a whirlwind of new regulations and initiatives in areas relevant to the adhesive tape value chain. The European Green Deal, with major strategies like the Chemical Strategy for Sustainability and the Circular Economy Action Plan, is putting additional pressure to increase the sustainability of the complete value chain by optimizing the use of resources, reducing waste and avoiding hazardous substances. In this presentation I will give an overview of the most significant recent developments and provide an outlook into what to watch out for in the near future in European policies.
11.25 - 11.55
Michel Sabo
Nitto
The Versatile World of Pressure Sensitive Tape
Pressure sensitive adhesive tapes are used for a variety of applications in different markets. They have multiple functions going from protection of sensitive surfaces, masking during a paint job, processing tapes, medical bonding different surfaces …. The type to be used depend on the job to be done. Pressure sensitive tapes have to be considered as functional sheet having different functions than just a sticky material.
11.55 - 12.25
Panel discussion with presenters of Session 4
12.25 - 12.30
Closing/Wrap-up by Reinhard Storbeck
12.30 - 13.30
Lunch