Tesa Softprint 52818 Plate Mounting Tape – Secure X-Soft 17 mil
Product Overview
Tesa Softprint 52818 Plate Mounting Tape is an extra-soft, double-coated foam tape engineered for high-quality flexographic printing. Part of the tesa Softprint® Secure line, the 52818 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 X-Soft density tape is ideal for fine line work, high screen counts, and delicate printing plates. 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
- Super Soft Foam (X-Soft): Wide impression window minimizes dot gain and allows quick pressure settings—even with high screen counts and fine line work.
- 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.
Technical Specifications
| Product Number | tesa® 52818 (Secure X-Soft) |
| Thickness Category | 380 µm / 15 mil |
| Total Thickness | 430 µm / 16.9 mil |
| Foam Hardness | Extra Soft (X-Soft) |
| Logo Color | Yellow |
| 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 52818 Secure X-Soft is designed for:
- Narrow Web Label Printing: Optimized for 380µm thickness category, ideal for label and narrow web flexo presses.
- Fine Detail Printing: High screen counts (150+ lpi), fine line work, and delicate vignettes.
- High-Speed Presses: Absorbs press vibrations and bouncing stripes without requiring impression readjustment.
- 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 vignette smoothness copy after copy.
Installation & Best Practices
Follow these steps for optimal plate mounting with tesa Softprint 52818:
- 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 52818 vs. 52817, 52816, 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 (This Product) | 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 |
| tesa 52816 | Medium | Purple | Solid printing, lower screen counts, higher press speeds |
| tesa 52815 | Medium-Hard | Blue | Heavy solids, rough substrates, maximum stability |
Need a different hardness? View the full Tesa Softprint Secure line.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between tesa 52818 and 52817?
The 52818 is X-Soft (extra soft) density, while the 52817 is Soft density. The 52818 has a wider impression window and is better suited for fine line work and high screen counts. The 52817 offers a balance between compressibility and stability for general process printing.
Can I use tesa 52818 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 52818 is a CLASSIC design with PET reinforcement.
What is the total thickness of tesa 52818?
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 52818 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.
How do I store tesa Softprint 52818 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.
What plates work best with tesa 52818?
The 52818 is designed for 1.14 mm (0.045") and 1.70 mm (0.067") PET-backed photopolymer plates. It is ideal for fine detail, high screen count plates used in label and narrow web flexographic printing.
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