Tesa Softprint 52816 Plate Mounting Tape | 15 MIL Medium Secure
Product Overview
Tesa Softprint 52816 Plate Mounting Tape is a medium-density, double-coated foam tape engineered for high-quality flexographic printing. Part of the tesa Softprint® Secure line, the 52816 features SNAP-ON adhesive technology for fast plate mounting, secure plate edges during print runs, and clean, residue-free demounting.
With a total thickness of 430µm (16.9 mils) in the 380µm thickness category, this Medium density tape offers excellent stability for solid printing, lower screen counts, and high-speed press operations. The closed-cell PE foam structure ensures consistent print quality from the first copy to the last, even on long runs at high press speeds.
Key Features & Benefits
- Medium Foam Density: Excellent stability for solid printing, lower screen counts (60-100 lpi), and high-speed press operations without bounce or vibration issues.
- SNAP-ON Adhesive Technology: Low tack surface enables fast, easy plate mounting with repositioning capability, then locks in securely once set.
- Solvent Resistant: Withstands ink and cleaning solvents without adhesive breakdown or plate lift.
- Structured PP Liner: Prevents air pocket formation during plate mounting for smooth, bubble-free adhesion.
- Consistent Recovery: Long-lasting foam recovery characteristics maintain print quality over extended runs and high-speed printing.
- Clean Demounting: Very cohesive adhesive structure removes without residue, protecting plates and cylinders.
- High-Speed Performance: Medium density provides maximum stability for high-speed presses, reducing bounce and ensuring consistent ink transfer.
- Solid Printing Excellence: Ideal for heavy solid coverage, block printing, and applications requiring maximum foam stability.
Technical Specifications
| Product Number | tesa® 52816 (Secure Medium) |
| Thickness Category | 380 µm / 15 mil |
| Total Thickness | 430 µm / 16.9 mil |
| Foam Hardness | Medium |
| Logo Color | Purple |
| Backing Material | PE Foam with Film Lamination (Closed-Cell) |
| Adhesive Type | Tackified Acrylic (Low Tack, Solvent Resistant) |
| Liner Type | Structured PP (Polypropylene) |
| Primary Application | Mounting 1.14 mm (0.045") and 1.70 mm (0.067") PET-backed photopolymer plates onto steel, aluminum, PU, and glassine cylinders/sleeves |
Ideal Applications
Tesa Softprint 52816 Secure Medium is designed for:
- Solid Printing: Excellent for heavy solid coverage, block printing, and applications requiring maximum foam stability.
- Lower Screen Counts: Optimized for 60-100 lpi screen work, where stability is more critical than compressibility.
- High-Speed Presses: Medium density provides maximum stability for high-speed presses (1000+ fpm), reducing bounce and ensuring consistent ink transfer.
- Label and Flexible Packaging: Optimized for 380µm thickness category, ideal for label and narrow web flexo presses.
- Clean, Standardized Pressrooms: Low tack adhesive performs best in controlled environments with proper cylinder/plate cleaning protocols.
- Long Print Runs: Consistent foam recovery maintains dot structure and solid uniformity copy after copy.
- Rough Substrates: Better suited for textured or uneven substrates where softer foams may compress too much.
Installation & Best Practices
Follow these steps for optimal plate mounting with tesa Softprint 52816:
- Clean Cylinder/Sleeve: Wipe with 100% isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth. Ensure surface is dry and free of ink, oil, or dust.
- Clean Plate Back: Remove all contaminants from the back of the photopolymer plate using isopropyl alcohol. Let dry completely.
- Apply Tape: Mount tape in a sweeping, line-by-line motion using a squeegee or mounting machine. The structured PP liner vents air to prevent bubbles.
- Mount Plate: Fix plate to a narrow area of tape first, then roll across the surface with a rubber roller for full adhesion. Avoid premature contact between plate and tape.
- Demount: After print job, remove plate gently from one edge. Peel tape at a flat angle to minimize tension and avoid residue.
- Storage: Store tape and plates at 73°F (23°C) and 55% relative humidity, away from direct sunlight and moisture.
Compare Tesa Softprint 52816 vs. 52818, 52817, 52815
All part of the tesa Softprint® Secure line (380µm / 15 mil), these tapes differ by foam hardness. Choose based on your plate type and print requirements:
| Product | Foam Hardness | Logo Color | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| tesa 52818 | Extra Soft (X-Soft) | Yellow | Fine line work, high screen counts, delicate plates, wide impression window |
| tesa 52817 | Soft | Red | General process printing, medium screen counts, balanced compressibility, 50% tone plates |
| tesa 52816 (This Product) | Medium | Purple | Solid printing, lower screen counts, high-speed presses, rough substrates, maximum stability |
| tesa 52815 | Medium-Hard | Blue | Heavy solids, rough substrates, maximum stability, very high press speeds |
Need a different hardness? View the full Tesa Softprint Secure line.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between tesa 52816 and 52817?
The 52816 is Medium density, while the 52817 is Soft density. The 52816 offers more stability for solid printing, lower screen counts, and high-speed presses. The 52817 provides better compressibility for general process printing and medium screen counts.
What is the total thickness of tesa 52816?
The total thickness is 430 µm (16.9 mils), with a thickness category of 380 µm (15 mils). This is the standard narrow web thickness for label printing.
Is tesa 52816 solvent resistant?
Yes. The tackified acrylic adhesive is solvent resistant, making it suitable for use with standard flexo inks and cleaning solvents. However, avoid excessive exposure to aggressive solvents like ethyl acetate in high concentrations.
What plates work best with tesa 52816?
The 52816 is designed for 1.14 mm (0.045") and 1.70 mm (0.067") PET-backed photopolymer plates. It is ideal for solid printing, lower screen counts (60-100 lpi), and high-speed press operations.
Can I use tesa 52816 on thin-walled sleeves?
Yes, but for critical thin-walled sleeve applications, consider the tesa Softprint FLEX product design (e.g., 73422 FE or 73522 FE-X), which includes a flexible PE reinforcement film to compensate for sleeve expansion. The 52816 is a CLASSIC design with PET reinforcement.
How do I store tesa Softprint 52816 tape?
Store at 73°F (23°C) and 55% relative humidity, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Proper storage prevents adhesive degradation and foam compression, ensuring consistent performance.
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