Polyimide tape — often called Kapton tape after — is one of the most versatile high-temperature tapes in electronics manufacturing. In this guide, we explain what it is, why its 260°C rating matters, and how to pick the right version for your process.

Polyimide tape is a thin film of polyimide (PI) coated with a high-performance adhesive, typically silicone. Its defining feature is exceptional thermal stability: it remains intact and leaves no residue at temperatures up to 260°C, and can briefly withstand even higher peaks. It also offers excellent electrical insulation and chemical resistance.

During PCB assembly, boards pass through extreme heat:

· SMT reflow soldering peaks around 240–260°C

· Wave soldering exposes boards to molten solder and high preheat temperatures

Ordinary tapes char, melt, or leave sticky residue at these temperatures. Polyimide tape holds up cleanly, which is why it is the standard choice for:

· Masking gold fingers and connectors during soldering

· Protecting PCB areas from flux and solder splash

· Masking during conformal coating

· Securing components during reflow

The result: cleaner boards, fewer defects, and no costly rework.

PI tape comes in a range of thicknesses, each suited to different jobs:

· 0.03 mm — ultra-thin, ideal for tight spaces and fine masking

· 0.05 mm — general-purpose, balancing strength and conformability

· 0.08 mm — heavy-duty, for demanding insulation and abrasion resistance

The silicone adhesive is standard for high-temperature work, but we can also formulate acrylic or other adhesives to match your exact process. Need a custom width or liner? We slit to ±0.1 mm tolerance.

· Coil and transformer insulation

· Battery and motor winding insulation

· Masking for powder coating and 3D printing build plates

· High-temperature labelling