ASTM D3330 Peel Test: Determination of the Peel Resistance of Adhesive Tape
ASTM D3330 describes methods for determining the peel adhesion of pressure-sensitive tape. It encompasses various methods for evaluating the adhesive properties of both single-coated and double-coated tape as well as adhesive transfer tape.
Additional test methods for determining the adhesive force of tape are described in DIN EN 1939.
Objective & applications Specimens & dimensions Running a test Test equipment Downloads Request a consultation
ASTM D3330 objective & applications
The ASTM D3330 standard is of particular importance for quality assurance and product development of adhesive tape in the industrial sector. It supports manufacturers in ensuring consistency and reliability of their products and enables customers to objectively compare the performance of different types of adhesive tape.
ASTM D3330 specimens and dimensions
According to ASTM D3330, specimens for the peel test must be prepared from pressure-sensitive tape of a specific size in order to measure the peel adhesion. The exact dimensions of the specimens vary according to the test method within the standard. In general, however, the specimens must be cut to meet the specified width and length requirements to ensure consistent and accurate measurement of their adhesive strength.
The most commonly used ASTM D3330 compliant specimen has a width of 24 mm (approximately 1 inch), with a permissible tolerance of ±0.5 millimeters. The length of the specimen is about 300 mm (approximately 12 inches). If the tape is wider than 24 mm (1 inch), the specimens must be cut from the center of a strip that has been removed from the roll.
Running a test to ASTM D3330
Performing the peel adhesion test according to ASTM D3330 involves applying the specimen onto a standard test panel, then applying controlled pressure and peeling the tape off the panel under specified conditions, such as angle and speed.
The ASTM D3330 standard includes six methods (A to F) for measurement of the peel adhesion of pressure-sensitive tape:
- ASTM D3330 test method A measures the adherence of single-coated tape when peeled at a 180° angle.
A strip of adhesive tape is applied to a standard test panel, the free end is inserted into the specimen grip and directly pulled off the steel panel at a 180° angle. During the test, the force required to pull off the tape is measured. - ASTM D3330 test method B measures the adherence of the backing of single-coated tape.
A strip of adhesive tape is applied to a steel panel. A second strip of the tape is applied to the backing of the first strip of tape and tested for peel adhesion as described in method A. - ASTM D3330 test method C measures the adherence of double-coated tape.
Both the front and backside of the adhesive tape are peeled off the panel, using a strip of 0.025 mm thick polyester film as a backing. The test is performed as described in test method A. - ASTM D3330 test method D measures the adherence of the release liner to the adhesive of either single- or double-coated tape.
The tape is adhered to a standard steel test panel with the liner side up. The liner is separated from the tape and inserted into the specimen grip. The liner is peeled off the adhesive as described in test method A. - ASTM D3330 test method E measures the adhesion of adhesive transfer tapes.
Both the face side and the linear side of the tape are peeled off the panel. The tape is adhered to a standard panel (or other surface of interest). The liner is removed and a 0.025 mm (0.001 inch) thick strip of polyester is adhered to form a film-backed strip of tape. The adherence is tested as described in test method A. - ASTM D3330 test method F measures the adherence of single-coated tapes when peeled at a 90° angle.
A strip of tape is adhered to a standard test panel which is attached to the 90° peel test kit. The free end of the tape is inserted in the clamp and pulled off directly from the steel panel. The force required to pull off the tape is measured.
ASTM D3330 test tools and testing machines
For standard-compliant performance of the test methods described in ASTM D3330, ZwickRoell offers the following test tools: 180° peel test kit and 90° peel test kit. These can be used with our zwickiLine and ProLine universal testing machines.
Frequently asked questions regarding ASTM D3330
ASTM D3330 describes methods for determining the peel adhesion of pressure-sensitive tape. It covers different methods used to measure adhesive properties under varying conditions and angles (such as 180° and 90°). The objective is to standardize the evaluation of adhesive performance as it applies to the quality assurance and development of adhesive tape.
The peel test, or peel adhesion test is a method used to determine the strength of adhesive bonds for tape, film, coatings or laminates on different surfaces. One end of the material is pulled off the surface to which it has been applied at a defined angle and at a constant speed in order to measure the force required to overcome the adhesion. This test delivers important data about the quality and reliability of the adhesive bond.