What is Copper Foil Tape？

Copper Foil Tape is a thin strip of copper, often backed with adhesive. Copper Foil Tape can be found at most hardware and gardening stores, and sometimes electronic stores. Copper Foil Tape is used to keep slugs and snails out of certain areas in gardens, potted plants, and trunks of fruit trees, and other trees and shrubs. It is also used for other applications, such as electromagnetic shielding or low-profile surface mount transmission line in electronics and in the production of tiffany lamps. It comes in two forms Types ; conductive adhesive and non-conductive adhesive.

Copper Foil Tape is a conductive material but is available in two common types, known as conductive and non-conductive. Conductive tape can conduct electricity on both the top and bottom of the tape, whereas non-conductive copper tape is only conductive on the one side. This makes each of the different types best suited to varying applications.

Copper tape uses are varied and can include tasks such as:

Electromagnetic shielding
Creation of paper circuits
Wrapping wire or cables
Crafts and domestic applications
Slug and snail deterrent

There are two principal types : conductive and non-conductive?

Copper Tape
Conductive Copper Tape
Conductive copper tape is designed to conduct electricity on both sides of the tape. This enables electrical connections to easily be made simply by taping multiple lengths to one another. It is worth noting that the strength of this electrical connection can fade over time, so alternative methods of connection may be needed to ensure continued conductivity over prolonged periods. Similarly, a single continuous strip of copper foil tape will always be a more effective conductor than multiple strips joined together. Lastly, it should also be noted that the conductive adhesive is not designed to carry high levels of current.

Non-Conductive Copper Tape
Non-conductive copper tape is only conductive on one side (typically the top of the tape). If used to create an electrical connection, multiple lengths must be soldered together to ensure a reliable, conductive join. A quick, short-term (although much less reliable) alternative to soldering is to fold the ends of the tape at the join so that the conductive sides on each strip are facing one another. This can then be secured to serve the same purpose as conductive tape.

Copper Foil Tape

What is  The Function of Copper Foil Tape

The Application of Copper Foil Tape in industry

Copper Tape for Soldering
It is possible to solder copper tape, a practice which is largely used when working with non-conductive tape types. Separate strips can be soldered together, creating a strong join and a more reliable path for electrical connection to flow through multiple lengths.

Soldering is a relatively straightforward process, but it is important to solder safely and ensure the correct equipment and soldering iron tip is used to create a secure join. Safety is essential so always make sure you are fully prepared for the task before using soldering equipment.

Copper Tape for Shielding
Electro-magnetic interference (EMI) can be problematic in certain situations. It can damage delicate components and cause excess electronic feedback, so shielding is an important way to safeguard and protect a range of equipment. Shielding essentially works by creating a conductive, grounded enclosure (a Faraday cage) around the component/s.

Copper foil tape can be used to shield components in a range of applications and environments. This could include everything from RF shielding to shielding a guitar pickguard to protect the instrument’s electronics from outside interference.

Copper Tape for Plant Pots
Copper tape for plant pots is primarily used by gardeners to keep slugs away from plants. Slugs are pests which can ruin plants if left unchecked, and many gardeners choose to use copper foil tape to deter slugs and keep plants at their best.

The process is simple – merely sticking a strip of copper tape around the plant pot, just below the rim, to act as a barrier. There is discussion around the effectiveness of this method and whether copper tape does actually deter slugs, but many gardeners prefer to try using copper foil as opposed to less environmentally-friendly alternatives like certain slug and snail repellents.

Nano Carbon Copper Foil Tape

Copper Tape for Stained Glass
Copper tape can also be used in the craft space for working with stained glass. Hobbyists creating stained glass artwork can use copper foil to wrap the pieces, creating a handy guideline to follow when soldering separate pieces together into the final image. Different thicknesses of copper tape are also available, making it easy to select a tape width that suits the size of your stained glass project.

To use, simply peel the tape and place it on the edge of the first piece of glass. Press it firmly down around the edge of the shape, taking extra care if the glass is sharp or jagged. Ensure that each new section of tape you apply overlaps with the last to avoid any gaps.

Copper Tape for Walls
Although copper tape is not intended specifically for use on walls, some people have adopted it as a means of creating attractive, decorative wall art. Due to its high levels of versatility, copper foil can easily be adapted and shaped to suit a variety of patterns and designs.

Geometric designs are common, but there are certainly no restrictions on your creativity! Alternatives include the use of washi tape or simply using masking tape to enable precise, accurate lines between different colours or shades of paint on a wall.

Copper Tape for Crafts
As previously mentioned, copper tape can be incorporated into a selection of different crafts and DIY projects. This can include stained glass artwork and wall art, as explored above, but it can also include a wide range of innovative craft ideas.

Just a few examples include adding a shiny border to artwork, creating textured pieces of art, or combining with other types of tape to create bespoke, metallic creations.

Copper Tape for Paper Circuits
Paper circuits are low-voltage electrical circuits that can easily be created using a selection of common materials. They are often used in DIY or domestic settings, often to teach children about circuits and electrical conductivity.

Copper tape is used to provide the current from one part of the circuit to another. There are numerous different circuit designs you can use for activities like this, but copper tape makes a great addition and is ideal for conducting low levels of electricity around the circuit.

Copper foil tape has a wide range of applications in different industries, including electronics, aerospace, automotive, construction, and marine. Here are some of the common uses of copper foil tape:
1. Electromagnetic shielding: Copper foil tape can be used to shield electronic devices from electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI). It can block or absorb the unwanted signals that can cause malfunction or damage to the device.
2. Grounding: Copper foil tape can be used to connect different components of an electronic circuit to a common ground. This can prevent the build-up of static electricity and improve the overall performance of the circuit.
3. ESD protection: Copper foil tape can be used to protect electronic devices from electrostatic discharge (ESD). This can prevent the device from damage or malfunction due to the sudden surge of electric charge.
4. Heat transfer: Copper foil tape can be used to transfer heat from one surface to another. This can improve the cooling efficiency of electronic devices and prevent overheating.
5. Insulation: Copper foil tape can be used to insulate wires, cables, and pipes from heat, cold, moisture, and abrasion. This can protect the components from damage and improve the overall performance of the system.

Copper foil tape is a versatile material that offers several benefits for electrical and thermal applications. It has excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, easy handling, and durable performance. It can be used for electromagnetic shielding, grounding, ESD protection, heat transfer, and insulation. With its wide range of uses and benefits, copper foil tape is the ultimate solution for any application that requires high conductivity, durability, and reliability.