3M™ VHB™ Tapes

Application Techniques
Clean: Most substrates are best prepared by cleaning with a 50:50 mixture of isopropyl alcohol (IPA*) and
water prior to applying 3MT VHBT Tapes.
Exceptions to the general procedure that may require additional surface preparation include:

 Heavy Oils: A degreaser or solvent-based cleaner may be required to remove heavy oil or grease from a
surface and should be followed by cleaning with IPA/water.
 Abrasion: Abrading a surface, followed by cleaning with IPA/water, can remove heavy dirt or oxidation
and can increase surface area to improve adhesion.
 Adhesion Promoters: Priming a surface can significantly improve initial and ultimate adhesion to many
materials such as plastics and paints.
 Porous surfaces: Most porous and fibered materials such as wood, particleboard, concrete, etc. need to be
sealed to provide a unified surface.
 Unique Materials: Special surface preparation may be needed for glass and glass-like materials, copper and
copper containing metals, and plastics or rubber that contain components that migrate (e.g. plasticizers).
Refer to 3M Technical Bulletin "Surface Preparation for 3MT VHBT Tape Applications" for additional
details and suggestions. (70-0704-8701-5)

*Note: These cleaner solutions contain greater than 250 g/l of volatile organic compounds (VOC). Please
consult your local Air Quality Regulations to be sure the cleaner is compliant. When using solvents,
be sure to follow the manufacturer's precautions and directions for use when handling such materials.

Pressure: Bond strength is dependent upon the amount of adhesive-to-surface contact developed. Firm
application pressure develops better adhesive contact and helps improve bond strength. Typically, good surface
contact can be attained by applying enough pressure to insure that the tape experiences approximately 15 psi
(100 kPa) pressure. Either roller or platen pressure can be used. Note that rigid surfaces may require 2 or 3 times
that much pressure to make the tape experience 15 psi.
Temperature: Ideal application temperature range is 70ЇF to 100ЇF (21ЇC to 38ЇC). Pressure sensitive
adhesives use viscous flow to achieve substrate contact area. Minimum suggested application temperatures:
 50ЇF (10ЇC): 3MT VHBT Tapes 4950, 5952, 4910, 4952, 4611, 4622 families.
 60ЇF (15ЇC): 3MT VHBT Tapes 4941, 4945 families.
 32ЇF (0ЇC): 3MT VHBT Tape 4951 families.
Note: Initial tape application to surfaces at temperatures below these suggested minimums is not
recommended because the adhesive becomes too firm to adhere readily. However, once properly
applied, low temperature holding is generally satisfactory.
To obtain good performance with all 3MT VHBT Tapes, it is important to ensure that the surfaces are dry
and free of condensed moisture.

Time: After application, the bond strength will increase as Bond Typical Build vs. Time
the adhesive flows onto the surface. At room temperature
PERCENT OF FULL BOND

100

approximately 50% of ultimate bond strength will be achieved
after 20 minutes, 90% after 24 hours and 100% after 72 hours. 80
This flow is faster at higher temperatures and slower at lower 60
temperatures. Ultimate bond strength can be achieved more
quickly (and in some cases bond strength can be increased) by 40
.
1 HOUR 24 HOURS 72 HOURS
exposure of the bond to elevated temperatures (e.g. 150ЇF [66ЇC]

20

 ROOM TEMP  50ЇF  150ЇF or ABRADE
0
for 1 hour). This can provide better adhesive wetout onto the

20 MIN

substrates. Abrasion of the surfaces or the use of primers/

adhesion promoters can also have the effect of increasing bond
strength and achieving ultimate bond strength more quickly.