3M VHB tape bonds metal prior to painting
3M VHB tape bonds metal prior to painting
Keywords: Painting, Metals, Tape automated bonding
A new line of 3M- VHB- Tapes can replace spot-welding in many metal assembly applications prior to most painting systems including powder coating. The 4611 Family of 3M- VHB- Tapes are available in three thickness' for varying applications. These tapes are stated to be capable of withstanding pretreatment wash cycles, paint application, and oven temperatures up to 450°F. Applications can include attaching metal stiffeners in metal cabinetry, office furniture, and electrical enclosures.
"Metal fabricators who have switched from spot welding to 3M- VHB- Tapes can realize immediate cost savings and improved product aesthetics", says Mark Jennings, 3M Engineered Adhesives Division marketer. "Pre-paint finish grinding and spot weld polishing can be eliminated. We can reduce costs associated with the automated welding process such as capital equipment, labour, energy usage,and ongoing maintenance issues. The application of 3M- VHB- Tapes can be less labour intensive than manual welding and is not as likely to be affected by operator variability."
The properties of 3M- VHB- Tapes said to have excellent sound and vibration damping characteristics, provided for thermal expansion, and can bond mismatched materials. "Thinner and even dissimilar metals can be bonded", says Jim Burger,3M Engineered Adhesives Division technical service engineer. "3M- VHB- Tapes offer greater design flexibility and thinner metals can reduce both material and shipping costs. Oil canning and distortion caused by the spot welding process is eliminated. The smoother metal surfaces can allow for higher gloss or lower coating weight finish choices."
Details available from: 3M Engineered Adhesives Division. Tel: +1 800 362 3550; Web site: www.3m.com/adhesives
