Applications of 3M™ VHB™ Tapes

Applications of 3M™ VHB™ Tapes™

3M™ VHB™ tapes have been used extensively throughout manufacturing industries since the 1980s. VHB™ tapes from 3M™ seal, bond, and attach a wide variety of materials; including plastics, metals, and glass.

The tapes are used in many bonding applications, both indoor and outdoor, and they are often selected as an alternative to liquid adhesives and mechanical fasteners.

Viscoelastic acrylic foam is used in the construction of 3M™ VHB™ tapes. The viscoelasticity provides the foam with the unique properties of stress dissipation and energy absorption. The advanced acrylic chemistry provides exceptional durability and performance.

Depending on the user’s requirements, 3M™ VHB™ tapes, provides specific properties such as adhesion to differential materials, high tensile strength, conformability and high shear and peel adhesion. These properties come from a combination of different foams, colours, adhesives and release liners.

Applications

The versatility of the 3M™VHB™tapes enables their use in a vast range of applications, some of which are listed below.

Automotive and Transportation

3M™ VHB™ tapes are used extensively within the automotive sector due to the adhesive system providing the highest level of pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) bond. The solid core of a VHB™ tape provides extremely high cohesive strength whilst maintaining sufficient movement to tolerate different rates of expansion and contraction. Recent product development includes thermally conductive VHB™, adhesion at 0˚C and adhesion to LSE substrates.

The tapes provide various bonding solutions and can bond plastic to metal, glass to metal, or metal to metal. Applications within the vehicle include interior and exterior trim mounting and bonding and component attachment. Further to providing a clean, precise bonding system, VHB™ tapes absorb vibration and help to enhance fuel and weight efficiency whilst also improving assembly and manufacturing processes.

Electronics

Rapid developments within the electronic industry, including increasingly smaller and more lightweight compact systems, have been aided in no small way, by the comparable rapid developments within VHB™ adhesive technology.

Manufacturing processes are made simpler and product designers are given more creative freedom due to the many benefits of using 3M™ VHB™ tapes over traditional bulky fixing methods.

Televisions, smartphones, tablets, etc. all benefit from the use of 3M™ VHB™ tapes. The tight seal ensures water and dirt are prevented from entering the electronics and using the tapes to attach metal and plastic parts eliminate the need for additional large parts to cover bulky fasteners.

Signage

Mechanical fasteners are traditionally used to hold signs together, but they are prone to rust and damage in harsh conditions. High performance bonding tapes provide a cost effective and quick result for the signage industry by eliminating the need of labour intensive operations such as drilling holes. With fewer structural weak points and due to the adhesive layer spreading stress evenly, 3M^™ VHB™tapes provide a stronger and more durable bond.

3M™ VHB™ tapes can be used both internally and externally due to the UV resistance levels, ensuring longevity without requiring repair or to be replaced entirely.

3M™ VHB™ Tapes Available from Tecman

3M™ VHB™ tapes are a proven and trusted solution for a wide range of bonding requirements, and a core selection is available from Tecman – all of which can be seen on our website.

At Tecman we provide a large range of bespoke, self-adhesive solutions that are designed to optimise assembly and manufacturing processes. We have the capability to supply nearly all our products, including 3M™ VHB™ tapes as die-cut components. Our purpose built, state-of-the-art conversion facility includes high speed precision rotary die-cutting equipment, multi-layer lamination, Inline Corona Treatment and advanced slitting and sheeting methods. By combining our processes with comprehensive industry and application knowledge, enables us to support the specific needs of our customers and provide high levels of technical and product support.