9 May 2003
Durable, Permanent Bonding of Powder Coated Surfaces - 3M has it Taped
3M™ has extended its range of high strength double-sided VHB™ Acrylic Foam Tapes with new products that perform under high oven temperatures, offer greater flexibility, with the opportunity to reduce costs on powder coating production lines. For the first time in a tape, they provide the durability and strength of mechanical fasteners such as rivets and screws, without damaging painted finishes.
The new 3M™ VHB™ pre-powder coat tapes (Series 4611) have been formulated to perform with the extreme temperatures used in curing processes, delivering excellent holding strength when subjected to temperatures in excess of 230°C. With this ability to securely bond to metal prior to painting, manufacturers can achieve savings by reducing the number of parts through the paint plant. Bonding prior to painting also ensures that the tape is adhered to a surface ideally suited to bonding.
Until now the ability to bond to powder coated surfaces has been limited, with strong bonds difficult to achieve without additional surface preparation. Previously this has required a post-paint abrasion process that can negatively impact assembly times, damage the finish and introduce a variable into the production process. With the new 3M Series 4611 tapes there is no need to protect parts before assembly. By eliminating rivets and spot welds, problems with corrosion do not arise and the stress point loads associated with mechanical fixings are reduced.
New 3M™ VHB™ post-powder coat tapes (Series 5952) enable the bonding of most powder coats without the need for primer or abrasion, offering substantial savings in labour, time and materials and providing invisible and aesthetically perfect assembly, with a guaranteed watertight seal.
Achieving strong bonds has often proved difficult on powder coated surfaces, requiring the use of an adhesive primer or abrasion of the surface to be assembled. This new tape delivers the solution, saving time before assembly and improving production processes, thereby increasing productivity and competitiveness.
Ideal for bonding applications in metal fabrication, commercial signage, household appliances, and panelling and cladding in the transportation and construction industries, these new tapes deliver not only the ability to bond with consistent reliability, but also an inherent strength and durability in harsh environmental conditions. They offer excellent resistance to stress, fatigue, vibration, thermal shock, moisture and UV light.
Both are easy to apply and are available in a range of thicknesses. For more information call 0870 608 0050 or checkout the website: www.3m.com/uk/tag
3M and VHB are trademarks of the 3M Company.
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Notes for editors
3M is a $ 16 billion diversified technology company with more than 40 business units, which are organized into six markets: Transportation, Graphics and Safety, Health Care, Industrial, Consumer & Office, Electro & Communications and Specialty Material. 3M Engineered Adhesives Division provides manufacturers with a broad range of innovative bonding, sealing and fastening solutions to help improve the design, assembly and performance of their products.
Editorial enquiries
Suzanne Baeyens
3M
Anouk Luykx
EMG