Metal components are widely used throughout manufacturing, construction, transportation, utilities, marine engineering, and many other industries. Metals provide strength and durability, but problems can occur when two different types of metal are placed in direct contact.
One of the most significant risks is galvanic corrosion. Over time, this form of corrosion can weaken metal components, damage finished surfaces, increase maintenance requirements, and shorten the working life of equipment.
Heskins Corrosion Protection Tape provides a practical way to help reduce this risk. By creating an insulating barrier between dissimilar metals, the tape helps prevent direct contact and interrupts the conditions required for galvanic corrosion to develop.
What Is Galvanic Corrosion?
Galvanic corrosion, also known as bimetallic corrosion, is an electrochemical process that can occur when two different metals are in contact with each other in the presence of an electrolyte.
An electrolyte is a conductive liquid, such as water, condensation, saltwater, or moisture containing dissolved salts. When the two metals have different electrode potentials, one acts as the anode and the other acts as the cathode.
The anodic metal begins to corrode more quickly than it would on its own. Meanwhile, corrosion of the cathodic metal is reduced. This can result in serious deterioration of one of the metal components, particularly when the assembly is regularly exposed to moisture.
Galvanic corrosion is commonly associated with combinations such as aluminum and steel. It can also occur between other dissimilar metals used in machinery, vehicles, structural assemblies, pipework, and outdoor installations.
How Does Corrosion Protection Tape Work?
One of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of galvanic corrosion is to separate the two metals. Heskins Corrosion Protection Tape is designed to create an insulating layer between metal surfaces that would otherwise be in direct contact.
The tape is applied to one of the prepared metal surfaces before the second component is installed. Once in position, it creates a protective barrier that helps break the electrical connection between the metals.
Without direct electrical contact, the electrochemical reaction required for galvanic corrosion is significantly reduced. This makes corrosion protection tape a straightforward and cost-effective solution for many assembly, fabrication, maintenance, and repair applications.
Strong Electrical Insulation
The ability of a material to resist electrical breakdown is measured by its dielectric strength. This is usually expressed in kilovolts per millimeter.
Heskins Corrosion Protection Tape has a dielectric strength of 20 kV/mm. This high level of electrical insulation helps the tape provide dependable separation between conductive metal surfaces.
The tape is not intended to replace specialist electrical insulation products where certified electrical protection is required. However, its dielectric properties make it highly suitable for separating dissimilar metals and helping prevent the electrical connection associated with galvanic corrosion.
Easy Self-Adhesive Application
Some corrosion prevention methods require liquid coatings, specialist equipment, or lengthy curing periods. A self-adhesive tape provides a cleaner and more convenient alternative.
Heskins Corrosion Protection Tape can be applied directly to a clean and properly prepared surface. There is no drying or curing time, meaning assembly work can continue immediately after installation.
The flexible construction allows the tape to conform to flat, curved, and irregular surfaces. This makes it suitable for a broad range of components and installation environments.
Its total applied thickness is approximately 0.03 inches, creating a durable protective barrier without adding excessive bulk to the finished assembly.
Where Can Corrosion Protection Tape Be Used?
Corrosion protection tape can be used wherever different metals must be joined, fastened, or positioned close together. Typical applications may include:
- Metal fabrication and manufacturing
- Automotive and transportation components
- Marine and offshore equipment
- Industrial machinery
- Structural metal assemblies
- Pipes, fittings, and ductwork
- Utility and infrastructure projects
- Outdoor equipment exposed to moisture
- Enclosed or underground metal installations
- Repair and maintenance work
In addition to helping separate dissimilar metals, the tape can provide a physical barrier against moisture, abrasion, and other environmental elements.
This versatility makes it suitable for both permanent installations and maintenance projects where corrosion prevention is an important consideration.
Rolls, Sheets, and Custom Die-Cut Shapes
Different applications require different product formats. Corrosion Protection Tape is available in rolls and sheets, providing flexibility for continuous sections, large surfaces, and general fabrication work.
For applications involving repeated component shapes, Heskins can also produce custom die-cut pieces. Die-cutting the tape to a specific shape can make installation quicker, more accurate, and more consistent.
Pre-cut components can also reduce material waste and simplify production processes. Instead of manually cutting each section during installation, operators can apply a ready-made shape directly to the required area.
This makes custom die-cut corrosion protection tape particularly useful for manufacturers working with repeatable parts or high-volume production.
Multiple Color Options and Custom Printing
Heskins Corrosion Protection Tape is available in black, beige, gray, clear, and white. These color choices allow the tape to match surrounding components or remain less visible within a finished assembly.
Clear tape is useful when the appearance, markings, or identification details beneath the tape must remain visible.
Custom printing is also available. Instructions, warnings, logos, identification details, or maintenance messages can be printed onto the material. A message such as “Protected Surface – Do Not Remove” can help prevent accidental interference during installation or future maintenance.
Prevent Corrosion Before Damage Occurs
Galvanic corrosion may develop gradually and can be difficult to detect during its early stages. By the time visible damage appears, the affected component may already require cleaning, repair, or replacement.
Installing an insulating barrier during the original assembly process is generally easier and more economical than correcting corrosion damage later.
Heskins Corrosion Protection Tape provides a durable, self-adhesive solution for separating dissimilar metals. With rolls, sheets, multiple colors, custom printing, and custom die-cutting available, it can be adapted to suit a wide variety of industrial and commercial applications.
Contact Heskins to discuss your corrosion protection requirements, request a sample, or find the most suitable size and format for your application.
