Enhancing Automation with Industrial Adhesive Tapes in Industry 5.0

Industry 5.0 describes a new way of working that emphasises human-centric automation, sustainability, and the collaboration between humans and machines. While computers and electronic systems in manufacturing and automation defined industry 3.0, a more complex definition is behind industry 4.0. It can be described as intelligent networking between machines and processes in the industry based on information and advanced communication technologies with the goal of achieving fully autonomous production, monitoring and delivering processes.

Today, most companies and processes are somewhere between industry 3.0 and 4.0. But what is industry 5.0 and why is it worth knowing if 4.0 isn’t even fully implemented until now? Let’s check its core principles and the importance of materials like tapes in this new era.

While industry 4.0 focuses on artificial intelligence, robotics, the internet of things, sensors and technologies to reduce the need of human intervention in autonomous processes, the concept of industry 5.0 is that man and machine need to work together to facilitate production processes in the industry and make products less automated and lacking in flexibility. In other words, the work of humans, cobots and robots should be united for better and more personalized results.

While industry 4.0 is mainly technology and automation focused, industry 5.0 consists of reviewing technological foundations and human resources and is dedicated to more individual and personalized customer experience.

Tapes are often overlooked in discussions about automation technology. However, they are critical in enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring seamless processes. In robotic and automation processes, industrial adhesive tapes provide several specific benefits that enhance operational efficiency and ensure seamless workflows.

For example, they allow for rapid assembly of components in robotic bonding applications without the need for additional curing or drying time. This may result in higher throughput, production speed and increased efficiency. Together with higher precision, accuracy and therefore better product quality and less defects, these specialized tapes can improve automation processes.

Created with durability in mind, Saint-Gobain® PTFE, UHMW (Ultra High Molecular Weight) and Silicone Rubber industrial adhesive tape solutions are designed for applications requiring long life and contamination-free wear surfaces. These extra strong and resistant tapes reduce maintenance efforts and allow for more flexible design choices and encourage innovation in automated systems. But before going into the details of each application benefit, let us have a look at different adhesive tape types used in automation systems.

Not all industrial adhesive tapes are created equal. Let us look at various types of tapes used in industrial automation applications and the benefits and added value they offer.

The most common types of adhesive tapes used in automation applications include:

• Double-sided tapes mainly for mounting and assembly tasks where a clean finish and ease of use is required.
• Electrical insulation tapes to protect electronic components.
• Foam tapes for sealing, dampening and thermal insulation applications.
• Masking tapes with good removability to protect surfaces during manufacturing.
• Polyimide and UHMW tapes for heat and abrasion resistant non-stick applications for extended lifetime and low friction applications.

What makes these tapes special and how manufacturers benefit from innovative tape technology can be seen in the following examples.

Saint-Gobain CHR® UHMW Tapes manufactured with “Ultra High Molecular Weight” polyethylene (PE) film are often coated with highly resistant pressure sensitive adhesives to provide excellent abrasion resistance and low coefficients of friction. This makes them an ideal choice where strong abrasion and wear resistance and protection against mechanical or chemical impact is needed. They outperform in a variety of slide and glide applications, conveyor belts and applications where protection is key. They are also good candidates for low to moderate-temperature range applications as a PTFE alternative due to better abrasion resistance than PTFE and Teflon™. Saint-Gobain UHMW-PE boasts the highest impact strength for applications that experience constant friction like chute and guide rail coverings.

Anti-static tapes like Saint-Gobain CHR SGK5-05 made from extra-strength, para-aramid (phenyleneterephthalamide) fiber cloth provides strength, flexibility, slip, chemical resistance and UV stabilization in harsh environments. Its low coefficient of friction adds another dimension to harness wrapping where abrasion resistance and added strength in high temperature applications are needed.

Not only the tape itself, but also the way it is provided can help increase automation efficiencies. For example, long length tapes aid with automation. Saint-Gobain Tape Solutions supplies long-length flat pads as well as long-length spooled tapes for use with robotic dispensers. The benefit of long length is that the robot does not need to be stopped frequently to change out the roll, so the manufacturing process is more continuous.

In addition, Saint-Gobain Dynafoam® is a liquid polyurethane foam solution designed to be applied with a robot. This solution can be used in combination with polyurethane foam tapes or as a standalone solution for fast-curing, highly conformable or even upside-down automated applications. 

Autonomous, automated and robotic manufacturing processes usually involve movement, which can create vibrations and shocks. Specialized and highly durable industrial adhesive tapes can dampen these effects, leading to smoother operation and reducing wear on robotic components, resulting in less downtime and maintenance costs and efforts. As downtime can be costly, a huge benefit of adhesive tapes is facilitated quick repairs and maintenance without the need for complex disassembly. This ease of repair ensures that robotic systems remain operational with minimal interruptions.

Reduced complexity as mentioned above, is one of the main advantages of industrial adhesive tapes in automation. Tapes can be incorporated relatively easily into automated assembly lines, robotic arms and automated dispensing systems to streamline the entire production process.

As automation is often used for complex operations in stressful environments, tapes can play a crucial role in protecting sensitive components and equipment. The right industrial adhesive tapes can provide sealing and insulation for electrical components, protecting them from heat, moisture, dust, chemicals and other contaminants or electricity which can be essential for maintaining the reliability and efficiency of automated processes.

In industrial applications, adhesive tapes are invaluable tools that can enhance operational efficiency, improve design flexibility, and ensure seamless workflows. By leveraging the unique properties of adhesive tapes, manufacturers can optimize their robotic systems and drive innovation in automation.

We have seen that on our way to industry 5.0 where human interaction with advanced technology and automation processes can lead to new and more individualized solutions and innovations, different types of industrial adhesive tapes can be indispensable enablers of improved efficiency, flexibility and protection in automation. If you are planning to step into the next industrial revolution, talk to your tape expert and let them guide you on your journey.

_{Teflon is a trademark of The Chemours Company FC, LLC.}