3M VHB Tape: Ultimate Bonding for Challenging Composites & Low‑Energy Plastics

 

3M’s VHB tape LSE series is designed to eliminate design challenges associated with difficult-to-stick-to composites and low surface energy plastics.

The tape works as a bonding solution for LSE substrates like polypropylene, thermoplastic olefins and thermoplastic elastomers, as well as composite materials like glass-reinforced plastic or fiber-reinforced plastic. Made of double-sided acrylic foam, it creates a long-lasting, high-strength bond across a wide temperature range. This provides a durable alternative to ultrasonic welding and other adhesion methods, 3M says.

The 3M VHB tape LSE series is made to:

• Bond without primer to difficult-to-bond-to substrates
• Increase speed and productivity
• Reduce the use of chemicals, like primers, which can contain volatile organic compounds or chemicals of concern
• Offer long-term durability outdoors
• Provide greater design flexibility
• Lower manufacturing costs

The 3M VHB Tape LSE Series enables high initial tack at low temperatures with faster and more reliable bonds in cold environments, such as outdoor applications or unheated factory floors. This low-temperature capability also enables immediate handling strength in various environments, eliminating time spent waiting to continue through the production process.

The LSE series’ acrylic construction resists cycling temperatures, exposure to UV light, moisture and solvents. Its holding power under a wide temperature range makes it a durable alternative to rivets, ultrasonic welds, and liquid adhesives.

While designed specifically to meet the needs of low-surface-energies, the LSE Series also bonds well on medium surface energy plastics, metals and more. It can be applied by hand, with semi-automatic equipment or robotics. The new tape is available in 0.6 mm, 1.1 mm, and 1.6 mm thicknesses.