Chosen Solution
The normal 3M tape that is sold everywhere doesn’t seem to be a long term fix as the digitizer starts to lift after a couple of months (in multiple spots; not just near the digi cable). There is a black adhesive tape that seems to work a little better that is sold in a few spots but I was wondering if anyone has had better luck with anything else. I heard that Apple uses some kind of Thermal tape on the original process. Is there any truth or proof to this rumor? Update (12/18/2013) UPDATE: I have been using a custom adhesive solution from Bowler Tech And they have been working fantastically. We have been using them for about 3 months now and they are by far the best we have seen. If you can, get the Digitizers without any adhesive and use the Bowler Tech adhesive. Thats been working best for us. They cost a little more but they are worth it.
Reposted from @ibroke as his answer was lost Repair professionals and basement “hacks” can be differentiated by the quality of adhesives they use. You want to use what is called VHB tape (very high bond) 3M sells VHB tapes that are approximately 10 lbs/inch which are very adequate … but if you want the piece of mind that your repair is not going to lift or separate until the next time you are repairing their cracked screen, you want to find RED TAPE (Tesa tape part #4695) VHB tape, which has a bond rate of 16 lbs/inch. Just as important as the quality of tape you are using, is that the frame of the iPad/iPhone is properly prepped with 91% (or better) Isopropyl alcohol and a microfiber cloth, to remove 100% of the old adhesive residue. **If you are only removing 88% of the adhesive residue, you are wasting your time, you need to remove 100% of the old residue. And lastly, to get the “factory” seal on your iPad repair, you need to apply a very slight pressure to the digitizer for 4-6 hours, to make sure that the adhesive remains in contact with the frame of the iPad while it is drying/curing. You can buy iPad presses made for this purpose, or at very least place your iPad face down on a towel, and put a 3" thick textbook/phonebook on it. Too much pressure will crack your new glass. If you follow these simple steps, you will end up with a professional quality repair.
Tesa Tape is know as the orginal “Red Tape” and there quality is superb. I have had no issues with Tesa Tape
I work for a company that does device repair and we use a so called “Red Tape” to re-adhesive new glass to iPads all the time. This tape can be found on many online cell phone parts vendors websites. It comes in many different sizes and is great for all kinds of repairs. We also use a little heat from a hot plate then place something heavy on the back side with the screen face down to help bond the screen and adhesive.
Looking for something better too. I have been using the 3M clear ones for a while with mixed results, it helps to clean the old adhesive off, but even then it can be hit and miss. I have ordered some of the black pre cut ones today for the iPad 3, will see how they fare.
