VHB tape makes a virtually invisible and durable connection between different materials

Thin sheet material, glass with steel or stainless steel, plastic with aluminum, it can be a challenge to make a beautiful and durable connection between different materials. Who is not familiar with the warping or corroding of thin sheet material by bolts. Sealant is often used with glass but can be difficult to process properly and quickly. Not every material is suitable for a welded connection and if it is visible work, it often requires post weld grinding.

The solution may be to use a VHB tape connect. VHB stands for Very High Bonded and is a double-sided tape from 3M. VHB tape can be used in critical conditions with large temperature fluctuations, humid environment, etc. Due to its heat resistance, it can even be applied before a powder coating process.

Fokke Bronsema, director of Metaaltechniek talks enthusiastically about this unique product. I am really impressed with this unique product. There are so many possibilities that we often bring along a technical specialist from 3M to give our customers really good advice. Then we know for sure that also in the long term the connection remains in place.

An elevator builder who does a lot of visible work with thin plates used sealant until now. During processing, this always gave a lot of pressure, because a lot had to be glued in a short time. With tape bonding, a lot of preliminary work could be done in quiet hours. Now when the parts to be glued come in, it's just a matter of removing the cover sheet from the tape, plate on, press and ready. Productivity increases and stress decreases.

Features of VHB tape:

• The VHB tape is composed of 100% acrylic adhesive with a closed cell structure. Surface roughness and tolerances are compensated as the adhesive runs into the surface. See also the illustration for this.
• VHB tape gives a very high immediate adhesion and after the prescribed waiting time excellent adhesion properties with high tensile and shear strength.
• VHB tape can briefly withstand high temperatures as high as 230⁰. This means that materials can be bonded even before they are powder coated or painted.
• The tape connects materials with high surface energy to materials with low surface energy.
• VHB has insulating and moisture-resistant properties and dampens vibrations.

Benefits of joining with VHB tape

Because of these unique features, connecting with VHB tape several advantages:

• The connection remains invisible unlike screws or rivets.
• Reduces point loads, forces are evenly distributed. This often makes it possible to work with thinner plate material (weight reduction!). Also, no thermal warping occurs.
• Different coefficients of thermal expansion can be compensated for (e.g. plastic and metal)
• No holes for fixing are required, the surface protection will not be damaged.

Processing of the VHB tape

• Clean the surface with appropriate cleaning agents.
• Press down after applying tape.
• 50% of final adhesive strength is achieved after 20 minutes. Final adhesive strength is achieved after 72 hours. Optionally, heat can accelerate this process to one hour waiting time at 65⁰.

Freedom in design

Connecting differently often starts at the drawing board. VHB often gives a lot of design freedom to engineers and industrial designers. Consult with them what possibilities arise with a different type of connection.

Always seek advice on which tape is appropriate for your application. Many factors come into play.

For a no-obligation appointment, call Metaaltechniek Handelonderneming in Amersfoort: 033-4558788. We will gladly visit you together with 3M's tape specialist.

On our website you will find several brochures and more information.

www.metaaltechniek.nl/kennisbank/3m-vhb-tape-maakt-een-sterke-verbinding