Benefits
- Provides quick and reliable initial bonding
- Helps securely mount flexographic printing plates to print cylinders
- Supports efficient paper, film, foil, and fabric splicing
- Provides dependable temporary holding during manufacturing processes
- Thick paper construction provides dimensional stability for converting applications
- Suitable for manual application and industrial tape converting
- Can be slit, rewound, or converted into custom widths and shapes
Technical Specifications
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Product | 3M™ Double Coated Paper Tape 401M |
| Product Type | Double Coated Paper Tape |
| Adhesive | 3M™ Adhesive 860 |
| Adhesive Family | Natural Rubber-Resin |
| Carrier | Treated Paper |
| Tape Color | Off-White / Natural |
| Liner | Paper |
| Liner Color | Green Plaid |
| Liner Thickness | 0.075 mm / 3 mil |
| Total Tape Thickness | 0.23 mm / 9 mil |
| 90° Peel Adhesion to Stainless Steel | 7.1 N/cm |
| Short-Term Temperature Resistance | 82°C / 180°F |
| Long-Term Temperature Resistance | 66°C / 150°F |
| UV Resistance | Good |
| Solvent Resistance | Medium |
The above values are typical technical data and should not be treated as specification limits. Confirm the latest applicable 3M TDS for the exact configuration before production use.
Applications
- Flexographic printing plate mounting
- Mounting rubber printing plates
- Mounting photopolymer printing plates
- Printing plate mounting to print cylinders
- Paper splicing
- Film splicing
- Foil splicing
- Fabric splicing
- Core starting
- Temporary part holding
- Golf club grip attachment
- Industrial fabrication and finishing processes
Compatible Materials
3M™ 401M is designed for bonding a variety of commonly used materials, including:
- Paper
- Films
- Foils
- Fabrics
- Rubber
- Photopolymer printing plates
- Metal print cylinders
- Stainless steel
- Selected plastics and industrial substrates
Actual adhesion depends on the substrate surface, cleanliness, roughness, temperature, contact pressure, and application conditions.
Industries
- Flexographic Printing
- Printing & Packaging
- Paper Converting
- Film & Foil Converting
- Label Printing
- Flexible Packaging
- Industrial Manufacturing
- Fabrication
- Construction
- Sporting Goods
Why Choose
3M™ Double Coated Paper Tape 401M combines a strong paper carrier with 3M™ Adhesive 860 to provide high initial adhesion and reliable holding performance. Its 9 mil thick double-coated construction makes it particularly suitable for flexographic printing plate mounting, as well as splicing and core-starting applications.
For B2B converting requirements, Yousan can provide custom slitting, rewinding, narrow-width rolls, laminating, die-cutting, and other tape converting services based on application requirements.
Installation Guide
- Ensure the bonding surfaces are clean, dry, and uniform.
- Remove dust, oil, grease, and other contaminants.
- Apply the tape to the first substrate.
- Apply firm, even pressure to maximize adhesive-to-surface contact.
- Remove the paper liner before applying the second substrate.
- Position the second substrate accurately and apply firm pressure.
- For flexographic plate mounting, ensure the plate and print cylinder are properly aligned before final bonding.
- Avoid application below 10°C (50°F) because the adhesive can become too firm for effective initial bonding.
- The recommended application temperature range is approximately 21–38°C (70–100°F).
Storage
Store 3M™ 401M in its original packaging under normal conditions of 16–27°C (60–80°F) and 40–60% relative humidity. Keep the product away from direct sunlight.
For best performance, use within 18 months from the date of manufacture.
FAQ
Q1: Is 3M™ 401M a masking tape?
No. 3M™ 401M is a double coated paper tape, not a crepe paper masking tape. It is primarily designed for mounting, splicing, core starting, and temporary holding applications.
Q2: Is 3M 401M suitable for flexographic plate mounting?
Yes. 3M specifically lists mounting rubber or photopolymer printing plates to print cylinders as an application.
Q3: What adhesive does 3M 401M use?
It uses 3M™ Adhesive 860, a soft natural rubber-resin pressure-sensitive adhesive system.
Q4: What is the thickness of 3M 401M?
The total tape thickness excluding the liner is approximately 0.23 mm / 9 mil.
Q5: Is 3M 401M heat resistant?
Yes, within its specified limits. The TDS lists 66°C (150°F) long-term and 82°C (180°F) short-term temperature resistance.
Q6: Can 3M 401M be used for paper and film splicing?
Yes. 3M lists splicing and core starting of papers, foils, films, and fabrics among the recommended applications.
Q7: Can Yousan provide custom 3M 401M converting?
Yes. Yousan can support custom slitting, rewinding, narrow-width rolls, laminating, and die-cutting according to project requirements.
Downloads
Available upon request:
- 3m 401M Double Coated Paper Tape Technical Data Sheet (TDS)
- Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
- Adhesive Tape Selection Guide
- Product Brochure
- Die-Cutting Capability Guide
Please contact our sales team if you require the latest technical documentation.
