Applying Cuben Tape?

[Scott Nelson]

I want to make a Cuben Tarp and am confused about how best to tape instead of sew it. I am mainly concerned about making the ridge seam of this basic "pup tent" design. Do you "butt" the fabric pieces up next to each other and have tape join them? Do you tape on both sides of the seam? Since the Cuben fabric is really two layers of the clear stuff around the encased fibers, how can you make the strongest seam? Has anyone sewn a simple seam and then taped over that? Thanks, Scott

[Aaron Sorensen]

Hey Scott,
Just adding to your question as I would like to know how much the tape weighs per yard and what tape works the best???

The only tape I've heard of is the 3M and the Cuben Tape sold by quest outfitters, (is this the 3M as well)?

Also, I've heard that some if not all of the tapes don't work in the cold?

[Mike Barney]

Here's the info I recently received from Cuben Fiber Corp.
I'm also interested in building a 1 lb or less 1 man enclosed tarp /tent.
Regards,
MikeB

Some bonding techniques for Cuben are:
Q Bond http://www.q-bond.com/
Ultra Bond sold by Dimension Polyant http://www.dimension –
polyant.com/e_docs/home/home_fr.htm
RBS Systems http://www.rbssystem.com/default.htm

3M -product 0485 PC
LOCTITE® Hysol® FL

or any other bonding technology that bonds well to plastic and stays flexible.
Melt point of our fabric ~ 270°F.

Best Regards,
Chris Adams
Cuben Fiber Corp
phone 480 641 0438
fax 480 641 0439
web http://[email protected]

[Aaron Sorensen]

Hey Mike,
The enclosed tarp/tent on my picture profile is made of ripstop and weighs 10 oz.
I don't think you should have any problem with that pound barrier.
Thanks for the info.

[Graham Williams]

>Do you "butt" the fabric pieces up next to each other and >have tape join them?

Yes. You could also do a fell seam equivalent.

>Do you tape on both sides of the seam?

You don't have to.

>Since the Cuben fabric is really two layers of the clear >stuff around the encased fibers, how can you make the >strongest seam?

With tape.

>Has anyone sewn a simple seam and then taped over that?

Bad idea. The weakest point by far will be the sewn seam. Just tape it.

>Can I use tape in the cold?

I just finished a couple of bags using tape that were put in a very deep freeze (-70c) for two weeks and then pull tested. They were fine.

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