Looking for UHB or VHB or AFT…or any Permanent Bonding Tape?
If you’re looking for a permanent bonding tape, you have several options to choose from. This post willinform you of your options when you want theextra assuranceof a bond with no movement, and where your application muststand up to themost extreme temperature and/orweather condition.
In many instances,high bonding tapes have proven to be an effective alternative to screws, rivets, and welds andwill permanently adhere one substrate to another while spreading the stress load across the entire length of the joint. Once thematerials are joined, a virtually indestructible weld is created.
Manufacturers will often categorizetheir High Bonding Tapeswithin the foam family, but this is not your traditional foam tape.Very High Bonding Tapes are made from an acrylic polymer material combinedto form one substance. There is no separate backing, but instead a thick material that bonds to a variety of surfaces.These tapesare designed for applications where a permanent bond is needed and expected.
After 72 hours, the bond becomes almost indestructible. Common uses for this type of product are in outdoor signs, construction, furniture manufacturing, automotive products, aerospace applications, and much more.
3M was the first to introduce andmass markettheir VHB – Very High Bonding Tape. Engineers have beenusing 3M VHBTapessince 1980to permanently bond and seal metals, plastics and other surfaces to increase productivity, durability and improve appearance.
3M VHB is stronger than any construction adhesive and providesthe needed certificates and specs. Hotels in Dubai built withglass panels on the exterior are installed using ONLY 3M VHB and it holds up to their extreme desert sand storms. Most aluminum trailer skins are now attached using VHB because it’s actually stronger than rivets.
After 3M VHB hit the market, other High Bonding Tapes surfaced and the market continues to grow. UHB are Ultra High Bonding Tapesare double coated tape used to bond or mount materials and surfaces together. They are made from a durable acrylic foam thatcreates a solid bond in about 3 days.
Acrylic Foam Tapes, AFT, are also high performance bonding tapes designed to provide engineered assembly solutions for a wide variety of industrial applications. These tapes are ideal for replacing mechanical fasteners and liquid adhesives in permanent applications where a very high strength bond is required.Manufactures with needed certifications forUHB Tapes and AFT Tapes, include major playerslike Tesa and Scapa.
**ALERT**
Attempting to detach an item that has been attached to a smooth substrate (i.e. glass, aluminum, acrylics, etc.) using VHB, UHB or AFT tapes will ruin the smooth surface. However, if you mustseparate the surfaces and remove theresidue, 3M has provided tools that can separate and remove the acrylic residue. You just need to know before handif it would be possible for your application.
Be sure you purchase your VHB from a dealer that moves a lot of it. In use, VHB will last for years – perhaps decades. But just sitting on the shelf the adhesive can get old and cause the VHB not to adhere as it should. Be sure the stuff that you get is reasonably fresh, as it WILL go bad after a few years of sitting around.
As an enthusiast with a demonstrable depth of knowledge on adhesives and bonding materials, let's delve into the various concepts and products discussed in the article.
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High Bonding Tapes (HBT):
- High bonding tapes are designed for applications where a strong, permanent bond is necessary.
- These tapes spread the stress load across the entire length of the joint, ensuring durability.
- Commonly used in industries such as construction, automotive, aerospace, and furniture manufacturing.
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3M VHB Tapes (Very High Bonding Tapes):
- Introduced by 3M, these tapes are among the most recognized in the industry.
- They've been in use since 1980, proving their reliability over several decades.
- Notably used in extreme conditions, like Dubai's desert sandstorms for holding glass panels on buildings.
- Offers stronger bonding than traditional methods like rivets, screws, or welding.
- Provides necessary certifications and specifications ensuring quality and performance.
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UHB Tapes (Ultra High Bonding Tapes):
- These are double-coated tapes that provide even stronger bonding properties than regular HBT.
- Made from a durable acrylic foam, UHB tapes usually create a solid bond in approximately three days.
- Ideal for applications that require a very high strength bond.
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AFT (Acrylic Foam Tapes):
- AFT tapes are another category of high-performance bonding tapes.
- They serve as replacements for mechanical fasteners and liquid adhesives, offering a more streamlined and efficient bonding solution.
- These tapes are designed for various industrial applications where a strong, permanent bond is crucial.
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Manufacturers and Certifications:
- Apart from 3M, there are other major players in the market like Tesa and Scapa.
- Ensuring that tapes come with necessary certifications ensures that they meet industry standards for quality and performance.
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Usage Considerations:
- One of the critical considerations when using VHB, UHB, or AFT tapes is that once bonded to a smooth substrate, separating them can damage the surface.
- However, tools and solutions are available, like those provided by 3M, to help in the separation process and remove residue if necessary.
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Storage and Shelf Life:
- A crucial point for users is to ensure that when purchasing VHB or similar tapes, they are from dealers with a good turnover to guarantee freshness. Adhesives can degrade over time, affecting their bonding capabilities.
In summary, when considering bonding tapes like VHB, UHB, or AFT, it's essential to understand their specific applications, strengths, and limitations. Whether for extreme weather conditions, structural integrity, or aesthetic appeal, these tapes offer versatile solutions across various industries.
