Pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) are used in applications ranging from labeling food packaging to assembling electronic devices to mounting graphics displays. Although they have been around for decades and their use is widespread, manufacturers, converters, and printers may not understand the key differences between the adhesive choices available, how they’re constructed, or which are best suited for a particular job.
This article explains what a pressure-sensitive adhesive is, how it’s constructed and what adhesive options are available. The advantages and disadvantages of the primary adhesive types will be addressed, as well as how they are formulated and their common applications.