Zone Tapes
PTFE Tape with Adhesive-Free Centre for Heating Elements
Last updated: March 2026
Zone tapes are a specialised type of PTFE coated glass fabric tape designed specifically for heat sealer heating elements. Unlike standard PTFE tape which has adhesive across the full width, zone tapes have two strips of adhesive (typically 10 to 15mm wide, customisable) running down each edge, with an adhesive-free centre zone. This means the tape covers the heating element wire without leaving messy adhesive residue when replaced.
What Are Zone Tapes Used For?
Zone tapes are used on impulse heat sealers and other heat sealing machines where a thin heating element wire generates the heat to seal plastic film. The wire sits under the adhesive-free centre of the zone tape, while the adhesive edges hold the tape securely to the sealing jaw on either side. When the tape wears out and needs replacing, it peels off cleanly without leaving baked-on adhesive residue on the heating wire — saving time on maintenance and extending wire life.
Zone Tape vs Standard PTFE Tape
| Feature | Zone Tape | Standard PTFE Tape |
|---|---|---|
| Adhesive placement | Edges only (adhesive-free centre) | Full width |
| Best for | Impulse sealers with exposed heating wires | Hot bar sealers, conveyor surfaces, general non-stick |
| Replacement | Clean removal — no residue on wire | Adhesive may bake onto wire over time |
| Maintenance time | Faster — no cleaning needed | May require scraping residue off wire |
How to Apply Zone Tape
- Remove the old tape from the sealing jaw. If residue remains on the wire, clean gently with a soft cloth.
- Cut the new zone tape to the length of the sealing jaw.
- Align the tape so the heating element wire sits within the adhesive-free centre zone.
- Press the adhesive edges firmly onto the sealing jaw surface on both sides of the wire.
- Ensure no wrinkles or air bubbles — the tape should lay flat for even heat transfer.
Available Thicknesses
GORTEF zone tapes are available in two thicknesses to suit different machine requirements:
- 3 thou (TZT003AD) — 0.075mm backing, 0.125mm total thickness. Provides better heat transfer for machines that need fast seal times. Backing weight 135 g/m².
- 5 thou (TZT005AD) — 0.115mm backing, 0.165mm total thickness. Greater durability for high-cycle applications. Backing weight 235 g/m².
Standard widths are 38mm and 50mm, with custom widths available on request. Both options are rated for continuous use from -73°C to +260°C.
GORTEF Zone Tapes
TZT003AD
TZT005AD
Frequently Asked Questions
Zone tape is a PTFE coated glass fabric tape with adhesive strips only along the edges, leaving the centre adhesive-free. This design allows the tape to cover heating element wires on heat sealers without leaving adhesive residue on the wire when replaced.
Regular PTFE tape has adhesive across the full width. When applied over a heating element wire, the adhesive contacts the wire directly. Over time, this adhesive bakes onto the wire and leaves residue when the tape is replaced, requiring cleaning. Zone tape eliminates this problem because only the edges have adhesive.
GORTEF zone tapes are available in 3 thou (TZT003AD, 0.125mm total) and 5 thou (TZT005AD, 0.165mm total). The 3 thou option provides better heat transfer for fast seal times, while 5 thou offers greater durability for high-cycle applications.
Zone tapes are available in 38mm and 50mm standard widths, with custom widths available on request. The adhesive strips on each edge are typically 10 to 15mm wide. Choose a width that covers the heating element wire with adequate edge overlap for secure adhesion to the sealing jaw.
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