Adhesion testing of double-sided tapes performed by 3M experts proves the qualities of VHB tapes. To test the strength of the adhesive bond of the double-sided adhesive tapes, experts use open landfills in Arizona, Florida, Minnesota and many other places. This collects the necessary data on the characteristics of 3M products.
The tests prove a 100% strong bond between the adhesive materials for at least 5 years in Arizona, the tropical climate of Florida, and the north – in Minnesota. The adhesive of the double-sided adhesive tapes withstood sharp temperature differences and large temperature amplitudes.
The tests were performed with materials with different bases – glass, PVC, Plexiglas, aluminum, painted metal, and lacquered wood. According to the tests performed – adhesion testing, the experts found that the connections with the double-sided adhesive tapes of the VHB series of the American company tolerate both periodic and short-term exposure to a large temperature range – from +150 to -50 ° C.
3M has published a specialized VHB selection guide, which compares all types. In this way, the user can easily choose the type of tape he needs according to his goals.
Bonding testing in extreme conditions
3M VHB double-sided adhesive tapes have also passed resistance tests in salt and fresh water. In all these experiments, the 3M VHB tapes repeatedly proved their resistance to moisture. Only the polymer becomes more elastic and stretchable with prolonged soaking in water. When removed from the water, the 3M tape dries and fully regains its original properties.
The double-sided adhesive tapes from the VHB group perform perfectly even when sprayed or under short-term exposure to alcohol-based solvents, detergents, fuels, and even weakly concentrated bases and acids. In cases of contact with solvents, no negative effect on the bond strength was reported. Only long-term treatment with hazardous chemicals can reduce the bond strength between surfaces.
For example, transparent double-sided adhesive tapes such as 3M VHB 4910 have been tested for the risk of darkening. For this purpose, the strips are glued to glass panels, inserted into the air conditioning simulator chamber for 3000 hours. Exposed to high temperatures and intense long-term ultraviolet radiation, VHB double-sided tapes reduced their transparency by only 1 percent. However, when exposed to moisture, the strips absorbed a certain amount of water molecules and acquired a slightly hazy appearance.
VHB strips for signs, billboards, and road signs
As indicative as the results of countless tests may be, the best examples of the strength and reliability of fastening straps come from their application in real conditions. Fortunately, there are many examples, as this unique product appeared in the late 70s of the last century. The first applications of VHB tapes were in the installation of signs and road signs, which have successfully withstood natural disasters for more than 30 years. The tape is widely used in larger projects such as the construction of suspended facades. 3M VHB is trusted by architects and engineers to build a variety of major public buildings, including O’Hare Airport in Chicago, the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, the Treasury in Singapore, and the Jumeirah Beach Hotel in Dubai.
… For caravans and trucks
Another popular application of double-sided tape is in caravans and trucks, including ambulances. The panels that make up the luggage compartment can be mounted very quickly and easily for the frame with VHB, and the connection is more than secure and long-lasting. An example of the durability of the tape when attaching automotive components was tested at a special test site Bendix in the US state of Indiana. A semi-trailer with a sleeping cabin was assembled there, the panels and doors of which were glued to the mainframe with the 3M VHB 4611F high-temperature tape. It then ran a simulated 300,000-mile run on a special obstacle course. After this brutal adhesion test, the panels remained intact. This is particularly impressive, given that at the same time welded and mechanically connected parts did not last and had to be repaired to complete the test. So if you are looking for a strip for the moldings of your car 3M VHB is the best choice.
… For the exterior of aircraft
However, one of the most revealing and extreme applications of VHB is in the exterior of aircraft. In some aircraft models, stainless steel strips are attached to the aluminum flaps on the wings. These panels, subjected to strong vibrations during take-off, landing and turbulence, must protect the parts from wear and corrosion. That is why the designers trust the special VHB tape 9473. From 1984 to the present day it ensures the fastening of the important elements. Endurance is key, as the connection can be subjected to extremely high runway temperatures, and after take-off and reaching a great height – to freeze to -54 degrees Celsius. This process can be repeated several times in one day, but the 3M tape resists the challenge.
VHBs are also used in everyday life
VHB has hundreds of other applications – in insulation, in technology, and home. For many, this little ribbon is simply irreplaceable. You can also take advantage of the high technology of 3M at home or in the workshop – when gluing mirrors, glass, and whatever else is needed. For this purpose, a special tape with a width of 12 mm and a length of 1.50 meters is available in disposable rolls. You can do your own testing with our tapes. You will definitely be satisfied.
Conclusions
After testing the adhesion of the double-sided adhesive tapes, the experts recommend the use of the 3M series VHB double-sided adhesive tapes in all cases, even in extreme loads – desert climate, areas with high humidity, even at risk of acid rain.
