Die-cut tape solution for london taxis

The solution also had to improve productivity, by offering faster fitting of the sign on the production line at the Company's Coventry based manufacturing facility. The manufacturer approached midlands based industrial tapes and adhesives supplier Techsil. Working with Techsil's business development manager, Steve Morrow, several options were evaluated. And a semi closed cell EPDM foam tape called SF031 looked like the best solution. This double sided foam tape consists of an EPDM foam carrier with semi-closed cells and an acrylic adhesive. SF031 has a good resistance against UV light, water, wind, humidity, high and low temperatures, chemicals, such as acids and alkalis, and has very good sound damping properties. It has a flexible carrier that provides an excellent seal, even if the surface expands or contracts due to temperature changes, and possesses a low compression load that would not deform the roof when the sign is fitted. Tests were carried out using several thicknesses; SF031 needs to be compressed by 50% - 80% before a seal is achieved. This had to be tested over the whole sign base area due to the design and shape of the roof. The 20mm sample performed the best, passing all wet testing. Once this was established, the next part of the project was to determine the best way to fit the gasket. Techsil offered two solutions for this, either a standard roll slit to a precise width or a die-cut piece that covered the entire base of the sign. The die-cut option was found to be the best as it could be pre-assembled onto the base of the sign off-line and then quickly mounted by peeling off the second liner. Bolts can then be inserted from inside through die cut holes in the gasket to secure. Techsil's die-cut tape solution provided a robust seal which protects the interior against water ingress. The new gasket has reduced costs and increased productivity. The London Taxi Company is a retailer of fully-accessible purpose-built London Taxis and is universally recognised for providing the UK with the 'Black Cab', the icon of the world's best taxi system. The company produces around 1,800 vehicles per annum and employs more than 180 people across its network in the UK. The Black Cab can be seen operating on the streets of London, other cities and towns in Britain, and in more than 60 countries of the world.