Kapton Tape

[big10p]

I hear about this stuff occasionally, but don't really get what it's used for. Obviously, I've googled it a bit, and know what it is, but can anyone give me a practical example of when it is useful?

Just curious. Cheers.

 

[Ace`]

People use it to protect areas they're heating with hot air. When I dabbled with Nintendo Switch repairs I used it but it wasn't very good and often melted. I found copper tape (often sold cheap to keep slugs away) much more useful at protecting plastics and areas you don't want to heat.

 

[big10p]

People use it to protect areas they're heating with hot air. When I dabbled with Nintendo Switch repairs I used it but it wasn't very good and often melted. I found copper tape (often sold cheap to keep slugs away) much more useful at protecting plastics and areas you don't want to heat.

Ah, so mainly used in hot air SMD re-working, then? That's not something I dabble in, which may explain why I'm struggling to see why I'd need it.

 

[NivagSwerdna]

I use it when hot airing and also I tape some to my suitcase when I go on holiday so I can identify my case.

 

[NivagSwerdna]

I'm struggling to see why I'd need it.

Your life is probably incomplete without it... just because that's how it goes. It is quite pretty.

 

[big10p]

I was starting to get a bit of FOMO over it. lol.

 

[John Bennett]

It's a high temperature insulating tape, so I often see it in high voltage motor and drive setups.

 

[channel27]

Another use is in 3D printing. Some people cover the glass bed on their printer with Kapton tape to improve adhesion.
Blue painters tape works for me and is cheaper.