Learn more about how applying 3M™ VHB™ Tape right, consistently and fast can help you get strong, reliable bonds.
Once you’ve decided 3M™ VHB™ Tape is the strong, reliable, durable solution your application needs, how do you optimize your process? Are there ways to make the application more consistent? Should the tape be pressed down when applied? Can you reduce manual labor in the application? This page can help answer some of these questions.
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Cleaning the substrate surface helps any adhesive or tape achieve a better bond
Getting the surface right up front can save time and trouble later. Cleaning helps form a better bond, and some contaminants require more attention than others. Priming and abrading can also improve the ability of the adhesive to stick to the substrate in certain situations.
Use a disposable towel or cloth (light colors preferred to show contaminant removal) with a solvent.
Solvent
Cleaning
Priming can help improve bond performance on plastics, paints and other Low Surface Energy substrates
Steps:
A primer creates a new surface for the adhesive to bond to and can improve initial and ultimate adhesion to many materials such as plastics, paints and other Low Surface Energy substrates.
Suggested Products:
Adhesion Promoter
Glass Treatment
Film-Forming Primer
Primer Applicator
Abrasion can remove heavy levels of dirt or oxidation as well as smooth the surface
Steps:
Abrasion can help remove heavy dirt or oxides, create additional surface area or smooth a textured surface for improved contact.
Light abrasion by hand
Powered abrasion with coated abrasive
Clean the substrate after abrading to make sure all sanding debris is removed from the bond area.
Suggested Products:
Light Abrasion of Bond Areas
Abrasion of Steel Posts
The specific application and production volume can help determine which application method is best for your situation
By Hand
3M™ VHB™ Tape
Tape Applicator (Optional)
Cut-to-Length Dispensers
Tape Laminator (Push Thru)
Utility Knife
Scissors
File Cleaner
Automated application has two levels. For a simple linear application, a machine can be set up to tape pieces as they pass by on a conveyor, for instance to put down 8-inch tape strips with 5-inch gaps between them. A more complicated application would involve a robot arm programmed to apply tape in multiple locations, such as adding die-cut pieces and tape strips to every piece.
Watch an animated video that describes how a robot arm can apply primer and 3M™ Attachment Tapes, both as die-cut pieces and strips from a tape roll.
Tape Laminator (Automated)
Applying pressure to the applied tape facilitates optimal wet-out onto the substrate
A 3M Application Engineer explains the need to apply pressure across the width of the tape and demonstrates how to do so.
The amount of pressure required to achieve what is typically known as wet-out or acceptable contact. Typically, this is achieved by the application of greater than 15 psi at the tape bond line.
Repairs or mis-application may necessitate removal of 3M™ VHB™ Tape from your substrates
Mis-application or damage to components may require the removal of 3M™ VHB™ Tape from bonded surfaces.
Adhesive Removal
Oscillating Multi-Tool
Multi-Tool Blade
Not seeing what you’re looking for? Click here to view more 3M™ VHB™ Tape resources.
Need help finding the right product for your project? Contact us if you need product, technical or application advice or want to collaborate with a 3M technical specialist, or give us a call at 136-136.
Need help finding the right product for your project? Contact us if you need product, technical or application advice or want to collaborate with a 3M technical specialist, or give us a call at 136-136.