VHB™ Tapes
Technical Data
October 2014
Product Description:
3M™ VHB™ Tapes provide the convenience and simplicity of a tape fastener and are ideal for use in many interior and exterior bonding
applications. In many situations, they can replace rivets, spot welds, liquid adhesives and other permanent fasteners.
These 3M™ VHB™ Tapes are made with acrylic foam which is viscoelastic in nature. This gives the foam energy absorbing and stress
relaxing properties which provides these tapes with their unique characteristics. The acrylic chemistry provides outstanding durability
performance.
These tapes utilize a variety of specific foam, adhesive, color and release liner types to provide each product/family with specific features.
These features can include adhesion to specific or a broad range of materials, conformability, high tensile strength, high shear and peel
adhesion, resistance to plasticizer migration, and UL746C recognition. All 3M™ VHB™ Tapes have excellent durability and excellent
solvent and moisture resistance.
The tapes included in this data page represent products most commonly used by customers. Please refer to “3M™ VHB™ Tape Specialty
Tapes” technical data sheet for additional 3M™ VHB™ Tapes that may be required in special circumstances.
3M™ VHB™ Tape Products
4941 Family
This family utilizes multi-purpose acrylic adhesive on both sides of
a conformable adhesive foam core. The adhesive provides excellent
adhesion to a broad range of high and medium surface energy
substrates including metals, glass, and a wide variety of plastics, as
well as plasticized vinyl. The conformable adhesive foam core provides
good contact, even with mismatched substrates. The combination of
foam strength, conformability, and adhesion makes this family one of
the most capable all-around 3M™ VHB™ tapes.
Tape Number
Color
Thickness in (mm)
4919F
4926
4936(F)
4941(F)
4947F
4956(F)
4979F
4991
4991B
Black
Gray
Gray
Gray
Black
Gray
Black
Gray
Black
0.025 (0.6)
0.015 (0.4)
0.025 (0.6)
0.045 (1.1)
0.045 (1.1)
0.062 (1.6)
0.062 (1.6)
0.090 (2.3)
0.090 (2.3)
Tape Number
Color
Thickness in (mm)
5906
5907
5908
5909
5915(P)
5915WF
5925(P)
5925WF
5930(P)
5930WF
5952(P)
5952WF
5958FR
5962(P)
5962WF
Black
Black
Black
Black
Black
White
Black
White
Black
White
Black
White
Black
Black
0.006 (0.15)
0.008 (0.20)
0.010 (0.25)
0.012 (0.30)
0.016 (0.4)
0.016 (0.4)
0.025 (0.6)
0.025 (0.6)
0.032 (0.8)
0.032 (0.8)
0.045 (1.1)
0.045 (1.1)
0.040 (1.0)
0.062 (1.6)
0.062 (1.6)
Tape Number
RP16(F)
RP25(F)
RP32(F)
RP45(F)
RP62(F)
Color
Gray
Gray
Gray
Gray
Gray
Thickness in (mm)
0.016 (0.4)
0.025 (0.6)
0.032 (0.8)
0.045 (1.1)
0.062 (1.6)
5952 Family
This family utilizes modified acrylic adhesive on both sides of a very
conformable adhesive foam core, providing adhesion the broadest
range of substrates, including most powder coated paints.
RP Family
This family utilizes multi-purpose acrylic adhesive on both sides
of a conformable adhesive foam core. The adhesive provides good
adhesion to a broad range of high and medium surface energy
substrates including metals, glass, and a wide variety of plastics.
The conformable adhesive foam core provides good contact, even
with mismatched substrates
(P) or (F) after the product number designates that both a paper and film liner product version are available. [e.g. 4941 (paper liner) and 4941F (film liner), 5915 (film
liner) and 5915P (paper liner). See page 2 for specific details.
-1-
3M™ VHB™ Tapes
Note: The following technical information and data should be considered representative or
typical only and should not be used for specification purposes.
Typical Physical Properties
3M™ VHB™ Tapes
RP
5952
4941
Family
Adhesive and Foam
Release Liner
Density
lb/ft3 (kg/m3)
Number
Color
Tape Thickness
Inches (mm) Tolerance
4919F
Black
0.025 (0.6) ± 15%
Multi-Purp
Conform
45 (720)
PE Film
0.005 (0.13)
Red (printed)
4926
Gray
0.015 (0.4) ± 15%
Multi-Purp
Conform
45 (720)
Dk Paper
0.003 (0.08)
White (printed)
4936
Gray
0.025 (0.6) ± 15%
Multi-Purp
Conform
45 (720)
Dk Paper
0.003 (0.08)
White (printed)
4936F
Gray
0.025 (0.6) ± 15%
Multi-Purp
Conform
45 (720)
PE Film
0.005 (0.13)
Red (printed)
4941
Gray
0.045 (1.1) ± 10%
Multi-Purp
Conform
45 (720)
Dk Paper
0.003 (0.08)
White (printed)
4941F
Gray
0.045 (1.1) ± 10%
Multi-Purp
Conform
45 (720)
PE Film
0.005 (0.13)
Red
4947F
Black
0.045 (1.1) ± 10%
Multi-Purp
Conform
45 (720)
PE Film
0.005 (0.13)
Red (printed)
4956
Gray
0.062 (1.6) ± 10%
Multi-Purp
Conform
45 (720)
Dk Paper
0.003 (0.08)
White (printed)
4956F
Gray
0.062 (1.6) ± 10%
Multi-Purp
Conform
45 (720)
PE Film
0.005 (0.13)
Red (printed)
4979F
Black
0.062 (1.6) ± 10%
Multi-Purp
Conform
45 (720)
PE Film
0.005 (0.13)
Red (printed)
4991
Gray
0.090 (2.3) ± 10%
Multi-Purp
Conform
45 (720)
PE Film
0.005 (0.13)
Red (printed)
4991B
Black
0.090 (2.3) ± 10%
Multi-Purp
Conform
45 (720)
PE Film
0.005 (0.13)
Red (printed)
5906
Black
0.006 (0.15) ± 15%
Modified
Very Conf
45 (720)
PET
0.003 (0.08)
Clear
5907
Black
0.008 (0.20) ± 15%
Modified
Very Conf
45 (720)
PET
0.003 (0.08)
Clear
5908
Black
0.010 (0.25) ± 15%
Modified
Very Conf
45 (720)
PET
0.003 (0.08)
Clear
5909
Black
0.012 (0.30) ± 15%
Modified
Very Conf
45 (720)
PET
0.003 (0.08)
Clear
5915
Black
0.016 (0.4) ± 15%
Modified
Very Conf
43 (690)
PE Film
0.005 (0.13)
Red (printed)
5915P
Black
0.016 (0.4) ± 15%
Modified
Very Conf
43 (690)
PCK Paper
0.004 (0.10)
White (printed)
5915WF
White
0.016 (0.4) ± 15%
Modified
Very Conf
43 (690)
PE Film
0.005 (0.13)
Red (printed)
5925
Black
0.025 (0.6) ± 15%
Modified
Very Conf
37 (590)
PE Film
0.005 (0.13)
Red (printed)
5925P
Black
0.025 (0.6) ± 15%
Modified
Very Conf
37 (590)
PCK Paper
0.004 (0.10)
White (printed)
5925WF
White
0.025 (0.6) ± 15%
Modified
Very Conf
37 (590)
PE Film
0.005 (0.13)
Red (printed)
5930
Black
0.032 (0.8) ± 15%
Modified
Very Conf
37 (590)
PE Film
0.005 (0.13)
Red (printed)
5930P
Black
0.032 (0.8) ± 15%
Modified
Very Conf
37 (590)
PCK Paper
0.004 (0.10)
White (printed)
5930WF
White
0.032 (0.8) ± 15%
Modified
Very Conf
37 (590)
PE Film
0.005 (0.13)
Red (printed)
5952
Black
0.045 (1.1) ± 10%
Modified
Very Conf
37 (590)
PE Film
0.005 (0.13)
Red (printed)
5952P
Black
0.045 (1.1) ± 10%
Modified
Very Conf
37 (590)
PCK Paper
0.004 (0.10)
White (printed)
5952WF
White
0.045 (1.1) ± 10%
Modified
Very Conf
37 (590)
PCK Paper
0.004 (0.10)
White (printed)
5958FR
Black
0.040 (1.0) ± 10%
Modified
Very Conf
50 (800)
PE Film
0.005 (0.13)
Red (printed)
5962
Black
0.062 (1.6) ± 10%
Modified
Very Conf
37 (590)
PE Film
0.005 (0.13)
Red (printed)
5962P
Black
0.062 (1.6) ± 10%
Modified
Very Conf
37 (590)
PCK Paper
0.004 (0.10)
White (printed)
5962WF
0.062 (1.6) ± 10%
Modified
Very Conf
37 (590)
PE Film
0.005 (0.13)
Red (printed)
RP16
Gray
0.016 (0.4) ± 15%
Multi-Purp
Conform
45 (720)
Dk Paper
0.003 (0.08)
White (printed)
RP16F
Gray
0.016 (0.4) ± 15%
Multi-Purp
Conform
45 (720)
PE Film
0.005 (0.13)
Red (printed)
RP25
Gray
0.025 (0.6) ± 15%
Multi-Purp
Conform
45 (720)
Dk Paper
0.003 (0.08)
White (printed)
RP25F
Gray
0.025 (0.6) ± 15%
Multi-Purp
Conform
45 (720)
PE Film
0.005 (0.13)
Red (printed)
RP32
Gray
0.032 (0.8) ± 15%
Multi-Purp
Conform
45 (720)
Dk Paper
0.003 (0.08)
White (printed)
RP32F
Gray
0.032 (0.8) ± 15%
Multi-Purp
Conform
45 (720)
PE Film
0.005 (0.13)
Red (printed)
RP45
Gray
0.045 (1.1) ± 10%
Multi-Purp
Conform
45 (720)
Dk Paper
0.003 (0.08)
White (printed)
RP45F
Gray
0.045 (1.1) ± 10%
Multi-Purp
Conform
45 (720)
PE Film
0.005 (0.13)
Red (printed)
RP62
Gray
0.062 (1.6) ± 10%
Multi-Purp
Conform
45 (720)
Dk Paper
0.003 (0.08)
White (printed)
RP62F
Gray
0.062 (1.6) ± 10%
Multi-Purp
Conform
45 (720)
PE Film
0.005 (0.13)
Red (printed)
Adhesive
Type
Foam
Type
-2-
Type
Thickness
Inches (mm)
Color
3M™ VHB™ Tapes
Available Sizes
Maximum Roll Length
Width 1/4"up to 3/8"
(6.4mm up to 9.5mm)
Width >3/8" up to 1/2"
(>9.5mm up to 12.7mm)
Width 1/2" and wider
(12.7mm and wider)
yards (meters)
yards (meters)
yards (meters)
N/A N/A
N/A N/A
See Note Below
144 (131.7)
175 (160.0)
360 (329.2)
72 (65.8)
108 (98.8)
175 (160.0)
48 (1219)
72 (65.8)
108 (98.8)
175 (160.0)
48 (1219)
72 (65.8)
108 (98.8)
144 (131.7)
48 (1219)
72 (65.8)
108 (98.8)
144 (131.7)
46 (1168)
72 (65.8)
72 (65.8)
108 (98.8)
36 (32.9)
36 (32.9)
72 (65.8)
Tape Thickness
Standard Length
Minimum Width
Maximum Width
inches (mm)
yards (meters)
inches (mm)
inches (mm)
< 0.015 (0.4)
72 (65.8)
0.5 (13)
46 (1168)
0.015/0.016 (0.4)
72 (65.8)
0.25 (6)
48* (1219)
0.025 (0.6)
72 (65.8)
0.25 (6)
48* (1219)
0.032 (0.8)
72 (65.8)
0.25 (6)
0.040 (1.0)
36 (32.9)
0.25 (6)
0.045 (1.1)
36 (32.9)
0.25 (6)
0.062 (1.6)
36 (32.9)
0.25 (6)
0.090 (2.3)
36 (32.9)
0.25 (6)
46 (1168)
*Exception – 5915 (P) max. width 46 inches (1168 mm); 5925 (P) max. width 47 inches (1194 mm).
Note: 5 952 family tapes thinner than 0.015 in (0.4 mm) have max. length 360 yd (329.2 m) for widths 1 in (25 mm) to 8 in (203 mm) and 180 yd (164.6 m) for all other widths.
Slitting Tolerance
Standard slitting tolerance ± 1/32 inch (± 0.031 inch, ± 0.79 mm).
Precision slitting with slitting tolerance of ± 1/64 inch (± 0.016 in., ± 0.41 mm) is available on select products with minimum
order of full web increments.
Core Size
All products are provided on a 3 inch ID Core (76.2 mm)
Converted Parts
In addition to standard and custom roll sizes available from 3M through the distribution network, 3M™ VHB™ Tapes are also
available in limitless shapes and sizes through the 3M Converter network. For additional information, contact 3M Converter
Markets at 1-800-223-7427 or on the web at www.3M.com/converter.
Shelf Life
All 3M™ VHB™ Tapes have a shelf life of 24 months from date of shipment when stored at 40°F to 100°F (4°C to 38°C) and
0-95% relative humidity. The optimum storage conditions are 72°F (22°C) and 50% relative humidity.
Performance of tapes is not projected to change even after shelf life expires; however, 3M does suggest that 3M™ VHB™
Tapes are used prior to the shelf life date whenever possible.
The manufacturing date is available on all 3M™ VHB™ Tape cores as the lot number. The lot number, typically a 4 digit code,
is a Julian date (Y D D D). The first digit refers to the year of manufacture, the last 3 digits refer to the days after January 1.
Example: A lot number of 9266 would translate to a date of manufacture of Sept. 22 (266th day of year) in 2009. On most
products this is found as the 4 digits after the “9” following the product number. For tapes printed continuously around the
core (e.g. 3M™ VHB™ Tape 5952 family) the lot number typically will be the string of 4 digits preceding the product number.
Special Cases:
Plasticized Vinyl – Plasticizers compounded in soft vinyl can migrate into adhesives and significantly change their performance
characteristics. 3M™ VHB™ Tapes 4941 family has very good plasticizer resistance and adhesion to many vinyl formulations.
Because of the wide variation in vinyl formulations, however, evaluation by the user must be conducted with the specific vinyl
used to ensure that performance will be satisfactory over time. Problems related to plasticizer migration can often be predicted
by accelerated aging of assembled parts at 150°F (66°C) for one week).
-3-
3M™ VHB™ Tapes
Typical Performance
Characteristics
Note: The following technical information and data should be considered representative or
typical only and should not be used for specification purposes.
3M™ VHB™ Tapes
Product
Number
Color
Dynamic Adhesion Performance
Thickness
Inches
90° Peel Adhesion
lb/in N/cm
Normal Tensile
lb/in2 kPa
Dynamic Overlap Shear
lb/in2 kPa
4919F
Black
0.025
17 (30)
90 (620)
80 (550)
4926
Gray
0.015
14 (25)
95 (660)
90 (620)
4936(F)
Gray
0.025
17 (30)
90 (620)
80 (550)
4941(F)
Gray
0.045
22 (39)
85 (590)
70 (480)
4947F
Black
0.045
22 (39)
85 (590)
70 (480)
4956(F)
Gray
0.062
22 (39)
80 (550)
70 (480)
4979F
Black
0.062
22 (39)
80 (550)
70 (480)
4991
Gray
0.090
22 (39)
70 (480)
65 (450)
4991B
Black
0.090
22 (39)
70 (480)
65 (450)
5906
Black
0.006
9 (16)
100 (690)
100 (690)
5907
Black
0.008
10 (18)
100 (690)
100 (690)
5908
Black
0.010
12 (21)
100 (690)
100 (690)
5909
Black
0.012
12 (21)
100 (690)
100 (690)
5915(P)
Black
0.016
14 (25)
90 (620)
90 (620)
5915WF
White
0.016
14 (25)
90 (620)
90 (620)
5925(P)
Black
0.025
17 (30)
90 (620)
90 (620)
5925WF
White
0.025
17 (30)
90 (620)
90 (620)
5930(P)
White
0.032
19 (33)
90 (620)
85 (590)
5930WF
Black
0.032
19 (33)
90 (620)
85 (590)
5952(P)
Black
0.045
22 (39)
90 (620)
80 (550)
5952WF
White
0.045
22 (39)
90 (620)
80 (550)
5958FR
Black
0.040
20 (35)
100 (690)
100 (690)
5962(P)
Black
0.062
22 (39)
90 (620)
80 (550)
5962WF
White
0.062
22 (39)
90 (620)
80 (550)
RP16(F)
Gray
0.016
12 (21)
95 (660)
90 (620)
RP25(F)
Gray
0.025
17 (30)
90 (620)
80 (550)
RP32(F)
Gray
0.032
18 (32)
85 (590)
75 (520)
RP45(F)
Gray
0.045
20 (35)
85 (590)
70 (480)
RP62(F)
Gray
0.062
20 (35)
80 (550)
70 (480)
RP
5952
4941
Family
90° Peel Adhesion - Based on ASTM D3330 -To stainless steel, room temperature, jaw speed 12 in/min (304.8 mm/min). Average force to remove is measured.
XXXXX
72 hour dwell.
XXXXX
Normal Tensile (T-Block Tensile) - ASTM D-897 - To aluminum, room temperature, 1 in2 (6.45 cm2), jaw speed 2 in/min (50.8 mm/min) Peak force to separate is
measured. 72 hour dwell.
Dynamic
Overlap Shear - ASTM D-1002 - To stainless steel, room temperature, 1 in2 (6.45 cm2), jaw speed 0.5 in/min (12.7 mm/min) Peak force to separate is
XXXXX
measured. 72 hour dwell.
-4-
3M™ VHB™ Tapes
Typical Performance
Characteristics
Note: The following technical information and data should be considered representative or
typical only and should not be used for specification purposes.
Static Shear
3M™ VHB™ Tapes
Product
Number
Color
Thickness
Inches
72°F
(22°C)
150°F
(66°C)
200°F
(93°C)
250°F
(121°C)
Short Term
Long Term
(Minutes, Hours)
(Days, Weeks)
°F (°C)
°F (°C)
4919F
Black
0.025
1000
500
500
300 (149)
200 (93)
4926
Gray
0.015
1000
500
500
300 (149)
200 (93)
4936(F)
Gray
0.025
1000
500
500
300 (149)
200 (93)
4941(F)
Gray
0.045
1000
500
500
300 (149)
200 (93)
4947F
Black
0.045
1000
500
500
300 (149)
200 (93
4956(F)
Gray
0.062
1000
500
500
300 (149)
200 (93)
4979F
Black
0.062
1000
500
500
300 (149)
200 (93)
4991
Gray
0.090
1000
500
500
250 (121)
200 (93)
4991B
Black
0.090
1000
500
500
250 (121)
200 (93)
5906
Black
0.006
1000
500
500
250
300 (149)
250 (121)
5907
Black
0.008
1000
500
500
250
300 (149)
250 (121)
5908
Black
0.010
1000
500
500
250
300 (149)
250 (121)
5909
Black
0.012
1000
500
500
250
300 (149)
250 (121)
5915(P)
Black
0.016
1000
500
500
250
300 (149)
250 (121)
5915WF
White
0.016
1000
500
500
250
300 (149)
250 (121)
5925(P)
Black
0.025
1000
500
500
250
300 (149)
250 (121)
5925WF
Black
0.032
1000
500
500
250
300 (149)
250 (121)
5930(P)
Black
0.032
1000
500
500
250
300 (149)
250 (121)
5930WF
White
0.032
1000
500
500
250
300 (149)
250 (121)
5952(P)
Black
0.045
1000
500
500
250
300 (149)
250 (121)
5952WF
White
0.045
1000
500
500
250
300 (149)
250 (121)
5958FR
Black
0.040
1000
350
250
300 (149)
200 (93)
5962(P)
Black
0.062
1000
500
500
250
300 (149)
250 (121)
5962WF
White
0.062
1000
500
500
250
300 (149)
250 (121)
RP16(F)
Gray
0.016
1000
500
500
250 (121)
200 (93)
RP25(F)
Gray
0.025
1000
500
500
250 (121)
200 (93)
RP
5952
4941
Family
Temperature Tolerance
RP32(F)
Gray
0.032
1000
500
500
250 (121)
200 (93)
RP45(F)
Gray
0.045
1000
500
500
250 (121)
200 (93)
RP62(F)
Gray
0.062
1000
500
500
250 (121)
200 (93)
Static Shear - ASTM D3654 - To stainless steel, tested at various temperatures and gram loadings. 0.5 in2 (3.23 cm2). Will hold listed weight for 10,000 minutes
(approximately 7 days). Conversion: 1500 g/0.5 in2 equals 6.6 lb/in2; 500 g/0.5 in2 = 2.2 lb/in2.
Short Term Temperature Tolerance - No change in room temperature dynamic shear properties following 4 hours conditioning at indicated temperature with
100 g/static load. (Represents minutes, hours in a process type temperature exposure).
Long Term Temperature Tolerance - Maximum temperature where tape supports at least 250 g load per 0.5 in2 in static shear for 10,000 minutes. (Represents
continuous exposure for days or weeks).
-5-
3M™ VHB™ Tapes
Additional Typical Performance Characteristics
Note: The following technical information and data should be considered representative or typical only and should not be used
for specification purposes.
3M™ VHB™ Tape
4941
5952
Units
Test Standard
Dielectric Constant
2.29
1.99
2.14
1.95
at 1 kHz
at 1MHz
ASTM D150
ASTM D150
Dissipation Factor
0.0245
0.0374
0.0065
0.0506
at 1 kHz
at 1MHz
ASTM D150
ASTM D150
Dielectric Breakdown Strength
14 (360)
18 (455)
V/µm (V/mil)
Thermal Conductivity (k value)
0.08 (0.5)
0.05 (0.4)
W/mK (BTU•in/hr•ft •°F)
Volume Resisitivity
2.1 x 1014
2.5 x 1014
Ω-cm
ASTM D257
Ω/sq
ASTM D257
g/m •day
ASTM F1249 at 38°C/100% RH
Surface Resisitivity
2.7 x 10
Water Vapor Transmission Rate
>10
14
25.6
ASTM D140
2
16
37.1
2
Thermal Properties of Modeling
Thermal Coefficient of Expansion
Shear Modulus (at 25°C, 1 Hz)
180 (100)
3 x 10
10-6 m/m/°C (10-6 in/in/°F)
Pa
5
Solvent and Fuel Resistance
3M™ VHB™ Tapes
UL746C Listings - File MH 17478
100
Category QOQW2 Component - Polymeric Adhesive Systems, Electrical Equipment
3M™ VHB™ Tapes/
Product Families
4919F, 4926, 4936,
4936F, 4941, 4941F,
4947F, 4956, 4956F,
4979F
Substrates
Ceramic
Aluminum, Galvanized Steel, Stainless
Steel, Enameled Steel, Nickel Coated
ABS, Glass (with or without Silane
Coating) PVC, Glass/Epoxy, PBT,
Polycarbonate, Acrylic/Polyurethane
Paint, Polyester Paint
Temperature Rating
Minimum Maximum
-35°C
-35°C
110°C
90°C
ABS
-35°C
75°C
4991
Polycarbonate, Aluminum, Acrylic/
Polyurethane Paint, Polyester Paint
-35°
90°C
5915, 5915P, 5915WF
5925, 5925P, 5925WF,
5930, 5030P, 5930WF,
5952, 5952P, 5952WF,
5962, 5962P, 5962WF
-35°C
90°C
Polycarbonate, Primer 94 Coated
Polycarbonate, Aluminum, Acrylic/
Polyurethane Paint, Galvanized Steel,
Polyester Paint, Epoxy Paint, Silane
Coated Glass, Uncoated Glass,
Stainless Steel, Enameled Steel,
Glass Epoxy, Polybutylene
Terephthalate, Nylon, Polyphenelene
Ether (PPE), Acrylic
90
80
80
70
70
60
60
50
50
40
40
30
30
20
20
10
10
0
Water
Salt Water
Hydraulic Fluid
10W30 Motor Oil
Glycol Antifreeze
Rigid PVC, ABS
-35°C
5952, 5952P, 5952WF
Cellulose Acetate Butyrate
-35°C
90°C
RP16
Aluminum, Silane Coated Glass
-35°C
90°C
75°C
PVC, ABS
-35°C
75°C
RP16F, RP25, RP32,
RP45, RP62
-35°C
90°C
RP62
Stainless Steel, Glass, Acrylic
-35°C
90°C
PVC, ABS
-35°C
75°C
Galvanized Steel, Enameled Steel,
Nylon, Polycarbonate, Glass Epoxy,
Phenolic, PPE/PS Blend, PBT, Epoxy
Paint, Polyester Paint, Adhesion
Promoter 111 Coated Epoxy Paint,
Promoter 111 Coated Polyester Paint,
Acrylic Urethane Paint, Epoxy/
Polyester Paint
100
% Adhesive Retention
90
A current list can be found at www.ul.com (select certifications, search file MH17478)
Kerosene
Isopropyl Alcohol
Jet Fuel
Gasoline
MEK
0
Test Method
• Tape between stainless steel and aluminum foil
• 72 hours dwell at room temperature
• Solvent immersion for 72 hours
• Test within 45 minutes after removing from solvent
• 90° peel angle
• 12 in/min rate of peel
• Peel adhesion compared to control
Note: Continuous submersion in chemical solutions is not recommended. The above information
is presented to show that occasional chemical contact should not be detrimental to tape
performance in most applications in ordinary use.
Burn Characteristics 3M™ VHB™ Tape 5958FR
Meets FAR 25.853 (a) 12 second vertical burn, Appendix F, Part I (a)(ii)
Meets NBS Smoking Density (ASTM F814/E662)
Meets Toxicity (Draeger Tube ABD0031, AITM 3.0005)
-6-
3M™ VHB™ Tapes
Design and Tape Selection Considerations
Choose the right tape for the substrate: Adhesives must flow onto the substrate surfaces in order to achieve intimate contact
area and allow the molecular force of attraction to develop. The degree of flow of the adhesive on the substrate is largely
determined by the surface energy of the substrate.
Adhesive
Adhesive
— Substrate
High surface energy
— Substrate
Low surface energy
This illustration demonstrates the effect of surface energy on adhesive interfacial contact. High surface energy materials
draw the adhesive closer for high bond strength.
Relationship of Adhesion and Surface Energy for 3M™ VHB™ Tape Adhesive Families
4941 Family
Generally good
adhesion
5952 Family
Primer may be
needed for good
adhesion
RP Family
1100-400
50-42
39-38
(High)
37-36
(Medium)
33-18
(Low)
Surface Energy (Dynes/cm)
Aluminum
Stainless Steel
Copper
Zinc
Tin
Lead
Anodized Aluminum
Glass
Polyimide
Phenolic
Nylon
Alkyd Enamel
Polyester
Epoxy Paint
Polyurethane
ABS
Polycarbonate
PVC
PPE
Acrylic
PU Enamel
Powder Paint
PVA
Polystyrene
Acetal
PVDF Paint
Powder Paint
EVA
Polyethylene
Polypropylene
PVF
Silicone
PTFE
NOTES: There are a wide variety of formulations, surfaces finishes and surface treatments available on substrate materials which can affect adhesion. This chart is intended
to provide only a rough estimate of the adhesion levels which can be expected on some common materials relative to a reference surface such as aluminum.
Foam type can affect and/or limit maximum adhesive strength.
Use the right tape thickness: The necessary thickness of tape depends on the rigidity of substrates and their flatness irregularity.
While the 3M™ VHB™ Tapes will conform to a certain amount of irregularity, they will not flow to fill gaps between the materials.
For bonding rigid materials with normal flatness, consider use of tapes with thickness of 45 mils (1.1 mm) or greater. As the
substrate flexibility increases thinner tapes can be considered.
Use the right amount of tape: Because 3M™ VHB™ Tapes are viscoelastic by nature their strength and stiffness is a function
of the rate at which they are stressed. They behave stronger with relatively faster rate of stress load (dynamic stresses) and
will tend to show creep behavior with stress load acting over a long period of time (static stresses). As a general rule, for static
loads, approximately four square inches of tape should be used for each pound of weight to be supported in order to prevent
excessive creep. For dynamic loads, the dynamic performance characteristics provided on page 4 should be useful, factoring in
the appropriate safety factors.
Allow for thermal expansion/contraction: 3M™ VHB™ Tapes can perform well in applications where two bonded surfaces
may expand and contract differentially. Assuming good adhesion to the substrates, the tapes can typically tolerate differential
movement in the shear plane up to 3 times their thickness.
Bond Flexibility: While an advantage for many applications where allowing differential movement is a benefit, the tape bonds
are typically more flexible than alternative bonding methods. Suitable design modifications or periodic use of rigid fasteners or
adhesives may be needed if additional stiffness is required.
Severe Cold Temperature: Applications which require performance at severe cold temperatures must be thoroughly evaluated
by the user if the intended use will subject the tape product to high impact stresses. A technical bulletin “3M™ VHB™ Tape Cold
Temperature Performance” (70-0707-3991-0) is available for additional information.
-7-
3M™ VHB™ Tapes
Application Techniques
Clean: Most substrates are best prepared by cleaning with a 50:50 mixture of isopropyl alcohol (IPA*) and water prior to
applying 3M™ VHB™ Tapes.
Exceptions to the general procedure that may require additional surface preparation include:
• Heavy Oils: A degreaser or solvent-based cleaner may be required to remove heavy oil or grease from a surface and
should be followed by cleaning with IPA/water.
• Abrasion: Abrading a surface, followed by cleaning with IPA/water, can remove heavy dirt or oxidation and can
increase surface area to improve adhesion.
• Adhesion Promoters: Priming a surface can significantly improve initial and ultimate adhesion to many materials
such as plastics and paints.
• Porous surfaces: Most porous and fibered materials such as wood, particleboard, concrete, etc. need to be sealed
to provide a unified surface.
• Unique Materials: Special surface preparation may be needed for glass and glass-like materials, copper and copper
containing metals, and plastics or rubber that contain components that migrate (e.g. plasticizers).
Refer to 3M Technical Bulletin “Surface Preparation for 3M™ VHB™ Tape Applications” for additional details and
suggestions. (70-0704-8701-5)
*Note: These cleaner solutions contain greater than 250 g/l of volatile organic compounds (VOC). Please consult your
local Air Quality Regulations to be sure the cleaner is compliant. When using solvents, be sure to follow the
manufacturer’s precautions and directions for use when handling such materials.
Pressure: Bond strength is dependent upon the amount of adhesive-to-surface contact developed. Firm application
pressure develops better adhesive contact and helps improve bond strength. Typically, good surface contact can be
attained by applying enough pressure to insure that the tape experiences approximately 15 psi (100 kPa) pressure. Either
roller or platen pressure can be used. Note that rigid surfaces may require 2 or 3 times that much pressure to make the
tape experience 15 psi.
Temperature: Ideal application temperature range is 70°F to 100°F (21°C to 38°C). Pressure sensitive adhesives use
viscous flow to achieve substrate contact area. Minimum suggested application temperatures:
• 50°F (10°C): 3M™ VHB™ Tapes 5952 and RP families.
• 60°F (15°C): 3M™ VHB™ Tape 4941 family.
Note: Initial tape application to surfaces at temperatures below these suggested minimums is not recommended
because the adhesive becomes too firm to adhere readily. However, once properly applied, low temperature
holding is generally satisfactory.
To obtain good performance with all 3M™ VHB™ Tapes, it is important to ensure that the surfaces are dry and free of
condensed moisture.
Time: After application, the bond strength will increase as the
adhesive flows onto the surface (also referred to as “wet out”).
At room temperature approximately 50% of ultimate bond
strength will be achieved after 20 minutes, 90% after 24 hours
and 100% after 72 hours. This flow is faster at higher temperatures
and slower at lower temperatures. Ultimate bond strength can be
achieved more quickly (and in some cases bond strength can be
increased) by exposure of the bond to elevated temperatures
(e.g. 150°F [66°C] for 1 hour). This can provide better adhesive
wetout onto the substrates. Abrasion of the surfaces or the use of
primers/ adhesion promoters can also have the effect of increasing
bond strength and achieving ultimate bond strength more quickly.
-8-
Bond Typical Build vs. Time
PERCENT OF FULL BOND
100
80
60
40
20
ROOM TEMP
0
20 MIN
1 HOUR
50°F
24 HOURS
150°F or ABRADE
72 HOURS
3M™ VHB™ Tapes
Technical Information
The technical information, recommendations and other statements contained in this document are based upon tests
or experience that 3M believes are reliable, but the accuracy or completeness of such information is not guaranteed.
Product Use
Many factors beyond 3M’s control and uniquely within user’s knowledge and control can affect the use and performance
of a 3M product in a particular application. Given the variety of factors that can affect the use and performance of a
3M product, user is solely responsible for evaluating the 3M product and determining whether it is fit for a particular
purpose and suitable for user’s method of application.
Limitied Remedy
3M warrants for 24 months from the date of shipment that 3M™ VHB™ Tape will be free of defects in material and
manufacture. 3M MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOTLIMITED TO, ANY
IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. This limited warranty does
not cover damage resulting from the use or inability to use 3M™ VHB™ Tape due to misuse, workmanship in application,
or application or storage not in accordance with 3M recommended procedures. AN APPLICATION WARRANTY EXPRESSLY
APPROVED AND ISSUED BY 3M IS AN EXCEPTION. THE CUSTOMER MUST APPLY FOR A SPECIFIC APPLICATION WARRANTY
AND MEET ALL WARRANTY AND PROCESS REQUIREMENTS TO OBTAIN AN APPLICATION WARRANTY. CONTACT 3M FOR
MORE INFORMATION ON APPLICATION WARRANTY TERMS AND CONDITIONS.
Limitation of
Remedies and
Liability
If the 3M™ VHB™ Tape is proved to be defective within the warranty period stated above. THE EXCLUSIVE REMEDY,
AT 3M’S OPTION, SHALL BE TO REFUND THE PURCHASE PRICE OF OR TO REPAIR OR REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE 3M™
VHB™ TAPE. 3M shall not otherwise be liable for loss or damages, whether direct, indirect, special, incidental, or
consequential, regardless of the legal theory asserted, including negligence, warranty, or strict liability.
ISO 9001
This Industrial Adhesives and Tapes Division product was manufactured under a 3M quality system registered to ISO 9001 standards.
Industrial Adhesives and Tapes Division
3M Center, Building 225-3S-06
St. Paul, MN 55144-1000
800-362-3550 • 877-369-2923 (Fax)
www.3M.com/vhb
Recycled Paper
40% pre-consumer
10% post-consumer
Recycle, Neg
-9-
3M and VHB are trademarks of 3M Company.
Printed in U.S.A.
©3M 2014 70070938637 (10/14)