When it comes to duct tapes, the possibilities for applications are endless. Yet, one thing is for certain – a good quality duct tape should be able to hold anything together long enough to get the job done.
The original duct tape was developed during World War II to seal ammunition cases and were presumably given the name for the original “duck tape” material used in their production.
Tape pioneer 3M™ was the first to use duct tapes as a solution for its namesake: as a heat-resistant duct tape for heating ducts, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) applications. Over time, as experts in the science of adhesives, 3M has done extensive research and development to introduce duct tape to a much wider variety of applications.
Today, duct tape is frequently used as a solution in areas of repair and maintenance for industrial equipment. This includes grain harvesting equipment such as conveyers, hoppers, augers, grain vacuums, bunkers, and silos.
The 3M Heavy Duty Duct Tape products, available in Heavy and Extra-Heavy durability options are constructed from unique materials that allow for temporary or permanent solutions for repairs that are imminent or require a bit of flexibility.
This is particularly important during the harvest season where a stop in production could cost the farmers additional labour time and potentially loss of valuable product. Since the material being moved is organic food product, there is no room for error. As such, operators must move quickly or risk losses.
To achieve optimal results during harvest season, farmers must work on preventative maintenance by selecting the right products and solutions for their operation. They can do this by consulting with some of CBC’s experts like Michael Rowe.
Michael began his career as a fitter and turner by trade, working across the engineering, manufacturing, and maintenance fields. Today, he is Product Manager for Adhesives and Sealants at CBC and the go-to person for high-level technical knowledge on the vast array of bonding and sealing products that CBC offers.
Michael recommends 3M Heavy Duty duct tape for a range of agricultural applications.
“In terms of strengths, the 3M Heavy Duty duct tape products have an adhesive agent that bonds to not only smooth, but rough or irregular surfaces, even if there is dust or contaminants. They are fantastic if you are working with organic material, as you would be in an agricultural setting.”
“The 3M duct tape also has a great amount of flexibility which is ideal if you are working with pipework or ductwork where you do not need a rigid seal or hold. For example, a farmer may have ductwork on site that is conveying material. Rigidity could mean restricted movement and damage or wear to the equipment. The flexibility of duct tape allows for a secure hold, but also a bit of movement in all directions,” explains Michael.
Both 3M Heavy Duty Duct Tape 3939 and its sibling 3M Extra Heavy Duty Duct Tape 6969 come in classic, silver-coloured backing, and are constructed of polyethylene film laminated to cloth with a rubber adhesive. The thick cloth scrim and durable rubber adhesive combine with the water-resistant backing to produce a tensile, strong, and reliable tape.
Added features are handy tearing for dispensing the tape and a clean removal that leaves minimal stickiness behind.
“It is worth noting that the 3M Heavy Duty duct products all have surface properties that are abrasion and wear-resistant, heat-resistant, and the backing of the tape is water-resistant,” says Michael.
“Moisture will not destroy the tape or degrade its adhesive agents. The tapes can withstand harsh conditions, such as those during a harvest, and that’s why it has earned the classification as ‘Heavy Duty’ tape product.”
3M™ Heavy Duty Duct Tape 3939 Features and Benefits
• Industrial-grade duct tape for splicing, masking, patching, sealing, and seaming
• High tensile strength for a secure hold under stress
• Silver polyethylene surface resists wear, abrasion, and water
• Good choice for hanging polyethylene drapes for containment activities
3M™ Extra Heavy Duty Duct Tape 6969 Features and Benefits:
• Tough 10.7 mil tape is ideal for heavy bundling, joining, and sealing
• Water-resistant polyethylene backing seals out moisture, resists abrasion and wear
• Thick tape handles easily and tears cleanly and evenly without splintering
• Meets burn test requirements for UL 723, ASTM E-84, NFPA 255, UBC 8-1
