Following the Afera 5001 test standard, steel is used as a substrate to test the adhesive strength of a tape. First, the employed steel plate with precisely defined dimensions and surface structure is cleaned and dried. Next, the outer layers of the adhesive tape roll to be tested are removed, before a test sample with clearly defined dimensions of 400 millimetres in length and 25 millimetres in width is cut out and applied onto the steel plate. In accordance with the test standard, this sample is now evenly pressed onto the substrate for four times with a 2-kilogram metal roller.

The test sample and plate are now clamped in the tester, which pulls the tape off the steel plate at a set speed of 300 (+/- 30) millimetres per minute at an angle of 180°. The force required for peeling is continuously measured, with the average value of the measurement giving the adhesive force on steel. The calculated value is expressed as the force (N) required to pull the adhesive tape off the steel surface multiplied by the sample width (25 mm) - i.e. N/25 mm.

Depending on the adhesive technology (natural rubber, acrylate, or hotmelt), the results vary. One product attribute is almost never considered separately, but rather in conjunction with immediate adhesion/tack and shear strength on cardboard. The reason is simple: Only the combination of these factors results in a permanently secure carton seal.