PSTC 16

Why Choose the VantageNX for PSTC 16 Loop Tack Testing?

With over 125 years of experience in materials testing, Thwing-Albert designs instruments built to meet the precision requirements of established standards. The VantageNX is a configurable universal testing machine with interchangeable load cells and precise crosshead speed control, making it well suited for the low-force, speed-sensitive measurements required in PSTC 16 loop tack testing. Because the TA-LTF-100 fixture mounts to any compatible universal testing machine, labs that already use the VantageNX for tensile, peel, seal strength, or other test methods can add loop tack testing to their existing setup without a separate dedicated instrument.

How PSTC 16 Loop Tack Testing Works

The TA-LTF-100 Loop Tack Fixture consists of a stainless steel test panel with a tab that fits in the lower grip of the VantageNX. A strip of pressure sensitive tape is formed into a loop, adhesive side out, and the loop is lowered by the crosshead until it contacts the stainless steel panel. The crosshead then reverses direction and the force required to peel the loop away from the panel is measured — this is the loop tack value.

• Test panel: standard 1″ × 3″ (2.5 cm × 7.5 cm) stainless steel plate — not included with fixture
• Fixture tab mounts in the lower grip of the VantageNX
• Sample type: pressure sensitive adhesives, tapes, and labels
• Compatible with optional MAP4 Materials Testing Software for data analysis, graphing, and reporting

Common Applications for PSTC 16

PSTC 16 loop tack testing is used in quality control and R&D applications across the pressure sensitive tape, label, and adhesive industries. Loop tack is particularly relevant for products where immediate grab upon contact is a performance requirement — such as packaging tapes, label stock, and medical tapes. It is commonly tested alongside peel adhesion and shear strength as part of a complete pressure sensitive adhesive characterization program.

Related Loop Tack and Adhesion Standards

The VantageNX can also be configured with the TA-LTF-100 to meet related loop tack and adhesion standards, including:

• ASTM D6195 — Loop Tack of Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Tapes
• FINAT FTM 9 — Loop Tack of Self-Adhesive Labels
• PSTC 101 — Peel Adhesion of Pressure Sensitive Tape
• PSTC 4 — Relative Performance of Release Coatings

The standards listed above represent a selection of common adhesion test methods — not a complete list. If you don’t see your standard, contact us and our team can help confirm the right instrument and fixture configuration for your method.

Related Resource

For more on peel and adhesion testing applications and instrument selection, read our blog post: Take a Deeper Look at Peel and Seal Testing.