When your application requires a secure bond that lasts, 3M™ VHB™ tapes are the gold standard. These high-performance tapes can adhere to many different surfaces, including metals, plastics, and glass. Tons of different industries rely on 3M™ VHB™ adhesive tape, which can perform even in the harshest conditions.
In this guide, we’ll talk about different types of 3M™ VHB™ tapes, including which is the strongest. We’ll also discuss custom 3M™ VHB™ die cut services and different applications.
What Is 3M™ VHB™ Tape?
3M™ VHB™ (Very High Bond) tape is a high-performance adhesive tape that can contour to an object’s shape. It’s designed to provide strong bonds between different surfaces, making it an alternative to traditional fasteners like screws, rivets, and bolts. 3M™ VHB™ tapes are known for their high strength and long-lasting hold, even under extreme conditions, including heat, cold, moisture, and UV exposure.
Some of the benefits of 3M™ VHB™ tapes include:
- Shock absorption: 3M™ VHB™ adhesive tape is perfect for applications where vibrations or impacts are common. Its unique viscoelastic properties allow it to absorb and dissipate energy. This provides excellent shock absorption and reduces stress on bonded surfaces.
- Temperature resistance: 3M™ VHB™ tape can maintain its strength and adhesion even in extreme cold or heat when other tapes may fail. Some types of 3M™ VHB™ work in temperatures as cold as -40°F, while others can stand temperatures up to 450°F.
- Strong bonding: One of the major benefits of this tape is its strong bonding. In fact, it’s strong enough to replace traditional fasters like screws and rivets.
- Noise damping: The tape’s viscoelastic properties can minimize noise and dampen vibrations.
- Quick application: With no need for drilling or welding, 3M™ VHB™ tapes are fast and easy to apply.
- Long-term durability: These tapes can maintain a secure hold for a long time for structural integrity in demanding environments.
- Bond dissimilar materials: 3M™ VHB™ can bond dissimilar materials, such as glass to metal or plastic to glass.
Types of 3M™ VHB™ Tape
There are many different types of 3M™ VHB™ adhesive tape, which can make it difficult to choose the right kind for your needs. Some of the most common types of 3M™ VHB™ tape include:
- General purpose:
- The 4941 Series bonds on a wide range of surfaces, including metals, painted surfaces, and many plastics. It performs well in both indoor and outdoor settings.
- The RP+ Series performs well on a similar number of surfaces. It’s commonly used in general manufacturing and is more cost-effective than other types.
- High-temperature resistance: The GPH series is specially made for applications exposed to temps up to 450°F for long periods of time.
- Hard-to-bond: The LSE series works on certain types of plastic and powder-coated paints that are hard to bond.
- Conformable: For applications with irregular surfaces, the 5952 Series has a conformable foam core that allows it to contour to the shape of the surface.
Which 3M™ VHB™ Tape Is the Strongest?
Although all types of 3M™ VHB™ tapes form a very high bond, there are some that are designed to be extra strong and durable, including:
- 5952 series: This is generally considered the strongest overall. It has a strong adhesion with 90 lbs per inch of bonding strength, excellent shear, and peel adhesion for heavy-duty applications.
- GPH Series (General Purpose High Temperature): The GPH series is made to resist temperatures of up to 450°F while maintaining a strong bond with a wide range of surfaces like metals and high-energy substrates.
- Heavy Duty: Both Heavy Duty and Double-Sided Heavy Duty 3M™ VHB™ tapes offer industrial-strength bonding and are extremely versatile, working even on hard-to-bond surfaces like LSE plastic.
What Is Custom Die Cutting?
Custom die cutting is a fabrication process used to create specific shapes and designs. It’s similar to using a cookie cutter, only on materials like 3M™ VHB™ tapes. A custom-shaped blade, known as a die, is used to cut through the tape and produce intricate shapes that would be difficult to cut by hand.
Custom die cutting is:
- Precise, providing consistent results
- Efficient, especially for large-scale orders
- Flexible, allowing you to create complex shapes
As a 3M™ Select Converter, we offer bulk die cutting of 3M™ VHB™ tapes. Whether you’re in construction, automotive, or electronics, we can create VHB™ shapes that precisely match the contours of your applications. We’ll help you select the right type of VHB for your needs to help you streamline assembly processes and enhance performance.
Different Application Types
Custom die cut 3M™ VHB™ adhesive tapes are used in a variety of industries to provide tailored bonding solutions that precisely match the tape to specific project requirements. Some of the ways 3M™ VHB™ tapes are used include:
- Automotive Assembly: Custom die cut VHB™ is used to bond badges, emblems, and trim pieces and mount interior panels and electronic components. This provides a seamless fit without the need for mechanical fasteners.
- Electronics: In electronics, die cut 3M™ VHB™ tapes are used to secure screens, batteries, lenses, and frames on smartphones and laptops. The precision of die cutting allows for clean placement without adding bulk.
- Construction: 3M™ VHB™ tapes are ideal for bonding curtain wall panels, glass, and cladding materials for precise application and durability without adding screws or welds.
- Signage: Custom die cut 3M™ VHB™ is widely used in signage to mount letters, logos, and decorative panels. It allows for exact aligning and placement of signs both indoors and outdoors.
- Medical devices: For medical applications, custom die cut 3M™ VHB™ tapes provide secure bonds for device components like sensors, monitors, and housings. 3M™ VHB™ adhesive tape is biocompatible and durable, which makes it perfect for equipment that is frequently sterilized.
3M™ VHB™ Tapes Summary
3M™ VHB™ tapes offer high-performing bonding without the hassle of drilling or welding. While some have more specialty properties, such as heat resistance, all types of 3M™ VHB™ adhesive tape are extremely strong and durable. If you’re looking for custom die-cut 3M™ VHB™, Custom Label is here to help. Our Application Specialists will help you select the best type of VHB™ for your application. Contact us today, and we’ll help you get started.
