Which 3M VHB Should You Use? 3M VHB Tape Selection Guide

 Is VHB Tape intended for ‘Violent Hairy Beasts’? Thankfully, no. Manufacturers use 3M’s Very High Bonding products to create powerful, long-lasting bonds between substrates. These tapes will withstand water damage, solvents, temperature extremes, and anything else you can think of… apart from the aforementioned ‘beasts.’ You’re on your own, there.  

Strouse is committed to helping customers discover the right material, and when VHB meets their specifications, we dedicate ourselves to finding the best version for each project.

If you’re hoping to find the strongest VHB tape for your application, this guide will present options and advice for matching them to specific use cases.

What is 3M VHB Tape?

3M VHB Tapes are durable, double-sided foam tapes that conform to the shape of an object and provide long-term sealing. Made from high-performance acrylic adhesives, VHB tape is used for long-term bonding applications.

What is the Strongest 3M VHB Tape?

Ultimately, your application will determine which adhesive fits best. The most essential factor in choosing a tape is whether it will adhere to your desired material; this requires careful evaluation of the substrates to be bonded.

Recommended VHB Family By Substrate

Each VHB tape family has unique design considerations and properties. This list does not include all 3M VHB adhesive tape options, but it may serve as a starting point for your application and bonding materials.

VHB Family Specifications

Once you’ve deduced which substrate you’re bonding to, you’ll need to consider its technical specifications.

The information above was sourced from the 3M VHB Tape Product Selector and other official resources.

VHB Case Studies

While the information above might help you narrow down which materials to test, you must ultimately perform functional testing to determine which tape is best for your application. For example, here are a few cases where Strouse helped our customers prototype and build parts using VHB.

VHB Panel Assembly For Aerospace

Strouse built this VHB part for a high-durability satellite assembly project. Using our flat bed laser, we were able to test and adjust the customer’s design dimensions and material before they ordered a fully fledged machine run.

The viscoelastic nature of VHB allows it to act as both a viscous liquid and an elastic solid, absorbing shock and dampening vibration between aerospace components. Its lightweight nature also makes it the ideal material to reduce heavy metal fasteners in aircraft and automotive assemblies.

Bonding PPE Components

Strouse built these gaskets to bond the components for a gas mask respirator. We cut and converted the VHB tape inside our ISO-7 Cleanroom to reduce bioburden, which could otherwise contaminate the adhesive (an unwanted risk in PPE or medical products).

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do You Apply VHB Tape?

A successful VHB application comes down to preparation and patience.

1. Start by cleaning the surfaces: Use an isopropyl alcohol mix to remove dirt, oil, or residue. If the material is especially slick or painted, a light abrasion or primer might be needed to improve adhesion.
2. Apply the tape with firm pressure and avoid touching the adhesive with your fingers. While VHB bonds instantly on contact, it takes up to 72 hours to fully cure; during that time, avoid repositioning or stressing the part.
1. Some VHB tapes are designed to pass significant strength tests by reaching 90% of their strength within seconds of application, while others increase their strength over 72 hours.

If you’re scaling up production, you’ll want to consider automating the application. Custom die cuts, tabbed liners, or automated rollers can improve speed and quality while reducing material waste.

Is VHB Tape Waterproof?

Yes, there are many VHB tapes designed for waterproofing, weatherproofing, and high- or low-temperature conditions.

Does VHB Tape Thickness Matter?

The more precise the surfaces of the two materials being joined, the thinner the tape can be. However, mismatched or textured surfaces will require thicker tapes. The thickness should be up to 50% of the mismatch for an excellent bond.

When bonding large pieces of material, the material should be *at most* 2X the thickness of the tape. In other words, a 1.0 mm tape can bond a sheet of 2.0mm material.

The tape thickness to cover thermal expansion and contraction in a joint should be at most 3X the tape thickness. For instance, a 2.4 mm plastic sheet can be bonded to a metal surface using 1.1mm-thick tape.

Find The Best Durable Bonding Tape For Your Project

Finding the right VHB tape depends on your application plans, and even once you’ve found your dream material, what’s the best place to source it from?

For tape rolls, you might order from 3M. However, if you have a design in mind, are planning automation, or want tape rolls in more specific lengths and specifications, talk to a converter; we can help you achieve cost-effective deals for your project quantities.