Description
This demo shows how 3M™ PTFE Film Tape 5490 and 3M™ Traction Tape 5401 help control surface friction in different ways. Designed for converters, flexo printers, web-handling teams, plant managers, press teams, and machine operators working with rollers, web tension, and material movement. Request a sample: https://s.3m.com/xk1tmhh7
Some surfaces need to stay slick. Others need grip. This coin race demo compares a low-friction PTFE surface, an intermediate vinyl tape surface, and a high-traction surface.
Demo summary
• Three surfaces are prepared using 3M™ PTFE Film Tape 5490, 3M™ Vinyl Tape 471, and 3M™ Traction Tape 5401.
• A coin is placed on each surface.
• The surfaces are gradually inclined at the same time, keeping the angle consistent across all three surfaces.
• The demo compares which coins slide first and which surface provides the most resistance to slipping.
Product highlights
• 3M™ PTFE Film Tape 5490 helps create a smooth, low-friction surface for easier material movement.
• 3M™ PTFE Film Tape 5490 is used in roll-wrap lay-flat applications, low-friction web movement, easy-release surfaces, mold release, and chemical-resistant sealing or masking.
• 3M™ Traction Tape 5401 provides a traction surface while also offering non-stick properties.
• 3M™ Traction Tape 5401 is designed for wrapping rollers where tracking, tension, or controlled web movement is needed.
• The fiberglass reinforcing in 3M™ Traction Tape 5401 provides a durable, conformable structure for wrapping applications.
• The silicone adhesive on 3M™ Traction Tape 5401 adheres well to many surfaces and removes cleanly.
Observed results
• The coin on the 3M™ PTFE Film Tape 5490 surface slides first.
• The coin on the 3M™ Vinyl Tape 471 surface slides next.
• The coin on the 3M™ Traction Tape 5401 surface remains in place as the incline increases.
• In this demo, 3M™ PTFE Film Tape 5490 creates the slickest surface, while 3M™ Traction Tape 5401 creates the highest-friction surface among the three tested surfaces.
Why it matters
• In web handling, different surfaces need different friction behaviour: some areas need smooth movement, while others need traction and tension control.
• Low-friction PTFE surfaces can help materials move across rollers, formers, plates, and belts.
• Traction surfaces can help support drive rollers and rollers where tension is desired in the web.
• A roller surface may need traction for web movement while still offering non-stick properties when adhesives pass over the same surface.
• Choosing the right tape can help teams tune surface behaviour without redesigning the roller or equipment surface.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:16 Test preparation
00:35 Coin race test
01:10 Conclusion
Resources & next steps
• Request a sample: https://s.3m.com/xk1tmhh7
• Product details, 3M™ PTFE Film Tape 5490: https://s.3m.com/l2afd4we
• Product details, 3M™ Traction Tape 5401: https://s.3m.com/ec5htn4c
• Find the right engineered industrial tape: https://s.3m.com/m46tdiwj
#3MEngineeredIndustrialTapes #EngineeredForEngineers