ASTM D3330 Peel Adhesion Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Tapes

ASTM D3330 is one of the more popular testing standards to determine the adhesive strength of pressure sensitive tapes. This unique standard consists of Methods A through F, identifying ways to measure peel adhesion with 180 degree and 90 degree peel methods. Our test engineers are experienced with ASTM D3330 and can help guide you through the process. Although we can provide you with guidance, we recommend you purchase and closely follow the ASTM International testing standard.

Method A - 180 Degree Peel Adhesion Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Tapes

ASTM D3330 Test Method A measures the peel adhesion of single-coated adhesive tape, when peeled at a 180 degree angle. The purpose of ASTM D3330 data results help assess the uniformity of adhesion for pressure sensitive tapes. The test materials consist of preparing several strips of tape to be tested and a hard substrate, such as a metal plate. The tape is applied to the substrate with an even pressure using a handheld roller. The tape is then pulled from the plate at a 180 degree angle at a specified rate, and peel adhesion is measured.

Method A Testing Procedure

Remove a 300 mm specimen of the tape to be tested. Fold over 12 mm at one end, adhesive to adhesive to form a tab. Adhere the tape specimen onto the test panel using a handheld roller. Place the panel into the peel test machine grips and peel back 22 mm of the bottom half of the tape sample so that the specimen is doubled over itself at 180 degrees. Secure the loose end of the tape with the tab into the upper grip.

Method B - 180 Degree Peel Adhesion to the Backing of Single-Coated Tapes

ASTM D3330 Test Method B is very similar to Method A, but Method B measures the adherence of two layers of single-coated tapes to each other. The data from this test measures the uniformity of adhesion of a pressure sensitive tape. In this test a strip of tape is applied to a rigid substrate and then another strip of tape is applied to the backing of the first strip, then tested for peel adhesion.

Method B Testing Procedure

For Method B, measure out several strips of the tape according to the standard. Now apply a strip of the tape to a rigid panel, such as the standard stainless steel panel. Use a TestResources Sample Roller to firmly apply the tape to avoid bubbles. Apply a second strip of the tape to the backing of the first strip on the test panel, taking care to align the edges of the second specimen with those of the strip in the test panel. Fold a tab of the tape and double back at an angle of 180 degrees. Next, clamp the substrate panel into the moveable jaw of testing machine and free end of tape into other jaw.

Method C - 180 Degree Peel Adhesion of Double-Coated Tapes

ASTM D3330 Test Method C gives a measure of the adherence of double-coated tape to a standard steel panel or other surfaces. This method is the same procedure as Method A, but measured for the thin polyester film applied to double-coated tape. The data obtained provide a means of assessing the uniformity of the adhesion of a given type of pressure-sensitive adhesive tape.

Method C Testing procedure

When testing face side adhesion, the double-coated tape is adhered to a stainless steel panel (or your chosen substrate), liner side up. The liner is removed and the exposed adhesive covered with a strip of thin polyester film. The resulting tape is then tested in the same manner as Method A for 180 degree peel adhesion. When testing liner side adhesion, the face side adhesive is adhered to a thin polyester film. The liner is removed and the tape is applied adhesive down to the substrate. Testing is then conducted for 180 degree peel adhesion.

Method D - 180 Degree Peel Adhesion of Release Liner to Pressure Sensitive Tape Adhesive

ASTM D3330 Test Method D gives a measure of the adherence of the release liner to the adhesive of either single- or double-coated tape. ASTM D3330 Test Method D provides a means of assessing the uniformity of the adhesion of a given type of pressure-sensitive adhesive tape. The tape is adhered to a standard steel test panel with the liner side up. The liner is peeled from the adhesive in the same manner as in peeling a single-coated tape from a standard panel. This test also measures peel adhesion with a 180 degree peel.

Method E - 180 Degree Peel Adhesion of Adhesive Transfer Tapes

ASTM D3330 Test Method E gives a measure of the adherence of an adhesive transfer tape. In a face-side application, the tape is adhered to a standard steel panel (or your chosen substrate) in the same manner as the previous methods mention with pressure sensitive tape. The liner is removed and a 0.025-mm thick strip of polyester is adhered to form a film-backed strip of tape. The peel adhesion of the liner is measured using a 180 degree peel test. In a liner-side application, the transfer tape is applied to a strip of 0.025-mm thick polyester film, liner removed and the resulting tape.

Method F - 90 Degree Peel of Single-Coated Tapes

ASTM D3330 Method F measures the adherence of single-coated tapes to a standard steel panel (or your chosen substrate) when peeled at a 90 degree angle. The data obtained provide a means of assessing the uniformity of the adhesion of a given type of pressure-sensitive adhesive tape. A strip of tape is applied to a standard test panel that with controlled pressure from a TestResources Sample Roller. The plate is placed horizontally into the test machine and the free end of the tape is grasped in the machine grips. The tape is peeled from the panel at 90 degree angle at a constant speed, during which time the force required to effect peel is measured.

Testing Advice from Our Engineers

A key issue that many people encounter when testing 180 degree peel tests to ASTM D3330, is that both sides of the adhesive specimen can accidentally rub together during testing. If this occurs, the friction of that touching will cause errors in the peel force data. For this test we recommend that care be taken in aligning the grips to prevent the backside of the tape specimen from rubbing.

It is also important to align the specimen perpendicular in the grips so that the peel line is straight across. If the adherent is set on an angle, that will cause an error. Pneumatic grips are useful for easily aligning your specimen to reduce any rubbing issues.

ASTM D3330 Peel Test Machine

A 100P250 Peel Tester is recommended for all methods of ASTM D3330. The 100P250 consists of a vertical load frame, an electromechanical actuator, load cell, a test controller, test software and peel grips. For ASTM D3330, we would configure a small capacity load cell (10 or 25 pound) for this low force peel test.

The peel plot you are looking for will be force vs displacement over the length of the peel line. This plot will be an important aspect of data retrieval and therefore we highly recommend our software. This software enables you to easily determine average peel force over a chosen displacement. If you would rather see the data in real-time and study the peel interface at the same time, we would provide you with our Software.

The G240k Mechanical Vice Peel Grips are a popular option for testing to ASTM D3330. These simple and effective grips have 30mm wide jaws, perfect for the majority of sample sizes. Another option for customers testing smaller samples are the G227 Mechanical Vice Peel Grips. The G227 are small and precise, perfect for very small load cells testing at low loads. The 25mm wide jaws are better for aligning smaller sample sizes.

Pneumatic peel grips are another option that many of our customers prefer for testing to ASTM D3330. TestResources G229 Pneumatic Peel Grips make 90 degree and 180 degree peel testing easy. The clamping force is all air operated giving more consistent test results, less work for the operator, less room for error, and is quicker and easier for testing numerous samples. We highly recommend you use a ASTM D3330 sample cutter and weighted roller to ensure your specimens are created per the standard. 

Give one of our engineers a call today for guidance through the ASTM D3330 testing process. They can help you configure the best test machine and grips for your specimens.