Learn About 3M™ Medical Tapes

3M medical tape. (Image source: 3M)

You have a great design. Now you must attach it to human skin. While that may seem like a straightforward process, it’s often not. Factors such as ergonomic requirements, target patient population characteristics, and skin allergens are just a few of the considerations designers need to take into account when selecting the right adhesive material. It’s an important decision, as a wrong choice could result in re-engineering delays.

3M™ CAN HELP! With over 55 years in the medical adhesive business, no one knows skin better than 3M. 3M understands the unique challenges of this delicate surface and of the larger design process. As your partner from the beginning, 3M can help you choose the right materials for your needs and navigate your way to market, with confidence.

Medical Tape from 3M can be used for health care medical devices, other applications or integrated with additional 3M technologies for finished device innovations. The chart below will provide you a better understanding on the backing from Polyester, Nonwoven, Polyethylene, Foam, and TPE Film. There are also different types of adhesives available, such as tackified Acrylic, for an extended wear application. How about typical moisture vapor transmission rates, or if the tape can be repositioned, is it conformable, fluid resistance, and how long can this tape be attached to skin? These are all very common questions, please look at the chart below to pick what best works for your application.

These products are stocking at digikey.com and the data/spec sheets are on the part detail pages on our website. If you’d like a specific die cut shape, or widths/lengths - DigiKey can offer you a quote on your secondary services. For more information on 3M available options or if you need assistance, contact [email protected]. Please send outline dimensional drawings to the aforementioned e-mail address.

*MVTR value and length of wear time are dictated by the substrate that the Transfer Adhesive is applied to

Light = Single Coated Tapes

Bold = Double Coated Tapes & Transfer Adhesives