A Brief Overview Of VHB Tapes
VHB (Very High Bond) tapes were first introduced by 3M in the 1980s as a solution for bonding and attaching items without the need for mechanical fasteners or adhesives that required long curing times. Due to their innovative nature, they quickly gained popularity in various industries for their application capabilities.
In this guide, we'll break down what makes them so revolutionary, application best practices, and more for a comprehensive look at this incredible product line. Read on to learn all about VHB tapes today.
What Makes VHB Tapes Unique
3M VHB tapes have revolutionized the way design engineers work. Stronger than traditional adhesives, they can achieve the same reliable bonds and attachments as metal fasteners without compromising a project's appearance. By eliminating distracting rivets, screws, and bolts that can loosen over time, VHB tapes have since redefined how our buildings, appliances, and even smartphones look.
Made from durable acrylic foam, these double-sided adhesive tapes are resistant to temperature, humidity, and other environmental factors. Their unique properties allow them to bond with a variety of materials, including aluminum, steel, glass, plastics, painted and powder-coated surfaces, and more.
Over the years, VHB tapes have evolved with new technology and materials to improve their performance and durability. This evolution has even resulted in a product where the bond created is sometimes stronger than the substrates themselves.
Common Application Of VHB Tape
And because VHB tapes are also easy to use, cost-effective, and customizable, they are ideal for the following industries and applications:
- Construction: For bonding and attaching items such as windows, doors, and skylights.
- Automotive: For attaching mirrors, trim, and other components.
- Signage: For adhering signs, graphics, and other marketing materials to buildings, vehicles, and other surfaces.
- Medical: For use in medical devices and equipment, such as catheters and sensors.
- Aerospace: For attaching panels and other components on air crafts and space crafts.
- Industrial: For attaching components in machinery, equipment, and electronics.
- Consumer: For use in various consumer products, such as household items, office supplies, and other everyday items.
- Food Industry: For use with indirect contact with food (3M VHB LVO food-grade tapes)
Don't see your application listed or are unsure? Reach out to a member of our team for help today.
How To Prepare Your Surface For Application
For whichever application need that you have in mind, it's important to know how to prep your surface. Keep these instructions handy to ensure a smooth application process:
- Clean and dry the surfaces you plan on bonding. They should be free of dust, dirt, oil, and other contaminants.
- Cut the VHB tape to the desired length, carefully maintaining a straight edge.
- Peel the release liner from one side of the tape.
- Carefully align the tape with one of the surfaces to be bonded and press down firmly, working out any air bubbles as you go.
- Peel the release liner from the other side of the tape.
- Again, carefully align the tape with the second surface to be bonded and press firmly to work out any air bubbles.
- Apply firm pressure to the tape and surfaces to ensure a strong bond.
While VHB tapes will bond with many substrate types, they are not suitable for all surfaces or applications. It's important to read and follow the manufacturer's guidelines and recommendations for the specific tape you're using, including recommended surface preparation, application techniques, and limitations.
Is 3M The Only Company That Makes VHB Tape?
While 3M is the company that invented and trademarked VHB tapes and is undisputedly one of the largest manufacturers, other companies make similar products. For example, Infinity Bond offers a more cost-effective version of these acrylic foam tapes. Although these "VHB-style" or "VHB-like" tapes share comparable properties with their 3M counterparts and can typically be used in the same way, it's important to note that they may not be identical in composition, strength, and other characteristics.
But choosing the correct tape for your application doesn't have to be overwhelming. For help finding the right product for you, your budget, and your application, chat with one of our experts.
