3M™ VHB™ Tape

What is 3M™ VHB™ Tape?

In the world of adhesive bonding tape, one solution stands above the others: 3M™ VHB™ tape.

Very High Bonding (VHB) tapes, introduced in 1980 by 3M, are very durable, improve a product’s appearance, and create a permanent bond, becoming almost indestructible after 72 hours. VHB tape is a fully cured pressure sensitive adhesive tape made with a viscoelastic acrylic polymer foam, which is energy-absorbing. Since 3M VHB tape was introduced, similar bonding tapes have entered the market: Ultra High Bonding (UHB) tapes and Acrylic Foam Tapes (AFT).

IMPORTANT VHB INFORMATION

Blog: Your Guide To 3M VHB Tape →

Blog: Why 3M VHB Tape is a Superior Bonding Solution →

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The Benefits VHB Tape vs. Other Bonding Options

For years, when engineers needed to permanently bond substrates, they used mechanical fasteners, rivets, screws, bolts, welding, or liquid adhesives. These traditional materials work for some projects, yet they’re often heavy, messy, from an uneven bond, create vulnerable stress points, or disrupt the assembly process.

IMPRESSIVE STRENGTH

With recent innovations, some self-curing adhesives create bonds that are nearly as strong as the components to which they’ve adhered. VHB tape is 10x stronger than rivets and outperforms other traditional bonding solutions.

STRESS DISTRIBUTION

Traditional solutions create concentrated stress points. VHB tape strips spread stress loads across the entire area on which they’re applied. This high-performance, permanent bond holds up better against shear stress.

VERSATILITY

VHB tape is available in many thicknesses, widths, and colors, so it matches the exact specifications and performance the product requires, including being a lightweight permanent bonding solution. It can also be converted and die cut to custom shapes and sizes.

EASY APPLICATION

Many traditional bonding solutions are challenging to apply, especially using primers, which slow down production and expose employees to harsh chemicals. Not all VHB tapes require the use of a primer. By hand or using machine automation, VHB tape is easily applied and creates smooth and clean bond lines.

APPEARANCE

VHB tape creates a tight, seamless bond without adding unsightly bulk, protruding fasteners, or weld burns. On product designs where graphics and exteriors are highly visible, this is extremely important.

Top VHB
Applications

When thinking about possible uses of VHB tape, it’s easiest to consider every possible product on which you would typically use a traditional bonding material: weld, rivet, mechanical fastener, etc. Simply replace those with VHB tape, a permanent bond that doesn’t negatively impact a product’s performance. That process has been embraced by engineers and product designers for thousands of different applications.

Yet, applications benefitting from VHB tape go further, especially when it comes to using VHB’s conformable nature to apply to curvatures and irregular surfaces. Demanding industries in which VHB tape excels include construction and manufacturing solutions, automotive products, outdoor signs, medical devices, aerospace applications, electronics, and more.

While traditional options typically bond metal-to-metal or plastic-to-plastic, VHB tape can create secure bonds between two or more different surfaces. Material examples include:

GLASS AND CERAMICS

POSSIBLE 3M VHB SOLUTIONS:

4941 Family 5952 Family RP Family GPH Family

EPOXY OR POLYURETHANE PAINTED SURFACES

POSSIBLE 3M VHB SOLUTIONS:

4941 Family 5952 Family RP Family GPH Family

POLYESTER, ABS, NYLON, POLYCARBONATE, ACRYLIC

POSSIBLE 3M VHB SOLUTIONS:

4941 Family 5952 Family RP Family GPH Family

PLASTICS AND PLASTICIZED VINYL

POSSIBLE 3M VHB SOLUTIONS:

IT DEPENDS, CONTACT STROUSE

METALS

POSSIBLE 3M VHB SOLUTIONS:

4941 Family 5952 Family RP Family GPH Family

POWDER COATED PAINTS

POSSIBLE 3M VHB SOLUTIONS:

LSE Tape Family

CONCRETE, BRICK, WOOD

POSSIBLE 3M VHB SOLUTIONS:

IT DEPENDS, CONTACT STROUSE

PVA, POLYSTYRENE, ACETAL, EVA, POLYETHYLENE, POLYPROPYLENE, PTFE

POSSIBLE 3M VHB SOLUTIONS:

LSE Tape Family

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

Another reassuring thing about VHB tape is its durability and versatility, being incredibly effective both indoors and outdoors, and amongst many different environmental factors:

HUMIDITY

High humidity doesn't hurt performance

MOISTURE

Resistant to freshwater and saltwater, even submersion

TEMPERATURE

Handles -40°F to 200°F

CHEMICALS

Stands up to splash test of acetone, ammonia, isopropyl alcohol, oil, etc.

UV LIGHT

Ultraviolet rays, both natural and artificial, have little effect

TIPS FOR USING VHB TAPE

Blog: 7 Keys to Using this Superior Bonding Solution →

Web Page: 3M VHB Adhesive Tape →

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Read how tolerances play a critical role in performance and profits.

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Choose an Adhesive Converter that Knows VHB

The ultimate goal of any project is to solve an application challenge while also creating assembly efficiencies and cutting costs. A full-service adhesive tape converter that knows VHB tape helps find the right materials, solves problems, and creates an adhesive solution that’s customized to meet a company’s needs; in other words, VHB tape in custom lengths, widths, sizes, shapes, and formats. Whatever format is most conducive to your process — whether that’s in rolls, die cuts, sheets, or multi-stack lamination — that converter helps select the right VHB tape for your job.

Choosing an adhesive converter is no easy task. Here are things to keep in mind when evaluating potential partners:

BEGINNING-TO-END SOLUTIONS

The entire process, from concept through the finished solution, can easily be handled. If the adhesive material for your job doesn’t exist, top-end converters create the material to meet your application’s demands.
PROBLEM SOLVERS
Converters that use comprehensive thinking know tolerances are vital to success, plus they have various capabilities available to achieve a project’s results, including:
FOCUSED ON A BUDGET

The right adhesive converter invests time in understanding needs and considering costs. VHB tape is already less costly than traditional fastening options, and if additional process efficiencies can be uncovered, it’s a win-win.
INDUSTRY KNOWLEDGE

High-end converters that really know VHB tape have close connections with high-end manufacturers. They’re often asked to test new adhesives, share real-world experiences, and explore new solutions. Seed the next section for more!

LEARN MORE ABOUT ADHESIVE CONVERTERS

Checklist: Choosing an Adhesive Tape Converter →

Q&A: Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Converter →

Blog: The Importance of Working with a Full-Service Adhesive Tape Converter →

The Advantage of
3M Preferred Converters

The most trusted VHB tape in the world is made by its originator: 3M. When an adhesive converter achieves 3M Preferred Converter level, it signifies that they’ve been honored for excellence by 3M as being the top of the top. It lets the world know that this converter deeply knows the industry leader, including 3M VHB tape.

When a converter says, “We’re 3M Preferred,” it means they:

have access to the most advanced adhesives in the world
are welcomed into 3M’s laboratory
know 3M design engineers
trial new technology and products
sell a high volume of 3M products
maintain a high level of excellence, and
can often offer customers quicker deliveries

While “3M Preferred” isn’t “only 3M,” it does show that a converter handles complicated and unique applications.

DIVE DEEPER INTO 3M PREFERRED CONVERTERS

Blog: What It Means to be a 3M Preferred Converter →

Web Page: 3M Preferred Converter and Supplier of the Year →

eBook: Working With Strouse →

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Can 3M VHB tape be converted in-house without using an adhesive converter?

Our handy resource guide covers 7 converting considerations to give you an idea. Download this quick-reference, side-by-side comparison by clicking the link below.

Converting In-House vs. Partnering with an Adhesive Converter →

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Welcome to a Resource Library for this Superior Bonding Solution

What is 3M™ VHB™ Tape?

IMPORTANT VHB INFORMATION

Get your Flexible Material Converting guide, loaded with answers and insights.

The Benefits VHB Tape vs. Other Bonding Options

IMPRESSIVE STRENGTH

STRESS DISTRIBUTION

VERSATILITY

EASY APPLICATION

APPEARANCE

Top VHBApplications

GLASS AND CERAMICS

POSSIBLE 3M VHB SOLUTIONS:

EPOXY OR POLYURETHANE PAINTED SURFACES

POSSIBLE 3M VHB SOLUTIONS:

POLYESTER, ABS, NYLON, POLYCARBONATE, ACRYLIC

POSSIBLE 3M VHB SOLUTIONS:

PLASTICS AND PLASTICIZED VINYL

POSSIBLE 3M VHB SOLUTIONS:

METALS

POSSIBLE 3M VHB SOLUTIONS:

POWDER COATED PAINTS

POSSIBLE 3M VHB SOLUTIONS:

CONCRETE, BRICK, WOOD

POSSIBLE 3M VHB SOLUTIONS:

PVA, POLYSTYRENE, ACETAL, EVA, POLYETHYLENE, POLYPROPYLENE, PTFE

POSSIBLE 3M VHB SOLUTIONS:

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

HUMIDITY

MOISTURE

TEMPERATURE

CHEMICALS

UV LIGHT

TIPS FOR USING VHB TAPE

Read how tolerances play a critical role in performance and profits.

Choose an Adhesive Converter that Knows VHB

BEGINNING-TO-END SOLUTIONS

PROBLEM SOLVERS

FOCUSED ON A BUDGET

INDUSTRY KNOWLEDGE

LEARN MORE ABOUT ADHESIVE CONVERTERS

The Advantage of3M Preferred Converters

DIVE DEEPER INTO 3M PREFERRED CONVERTERS

See how our team focuses on solving your application challenges.

Can 3M VHB tape be converted in-house without using an adhesive converter?

Top VHB
Applications

The Advantage of
3M Preferred Converters