The new 3M™ VHB™ Extrudable Tape combines the benefits of its predecessor, 3M™ VHB™ Tape, with the versatility of a liquid adhesive to enable usage in various applications across the manufacturing process.
3M™ VHB™ Extrudable Tape combines the qualities of a high strength acrylic foam tape with the aspects of a liquid adhesive. While liquid adhesives offer flexibility, they can be messy, difficult to handle, increase waste and require longer curing times which lead to an increase of manufacturing time and overall costs. In contrast, this new bonding system eliminates liners and container waste whilst providing immediate material bonding and handling strength.
The product comes in the form of a long, coiled spool that is easily stored and doesn't require special packaging or handling. The 3M™ On Demand Bonding System has a small footprint and very few moving parts, allowing easy integration into assembly lines. Scalability for any size is also available, allowing manufacturers to move from design to scale-up throughout the automation journey.
The tape's stretch release technology also provides a quick and easy adhesive removal process that reduces scrap, waste, and rework, making component repair easier. The bonded parts are ready to be handled immediately, removing steps and increasing throughput. The system requires little to no surface preparation, further simplifying the process.
VHB™ Extrudable Tape works on curved surfaces, irregular shapes, and dissimilar materials. The system can manage most inline or offline bonding situations involving metals, glass, rubber, woven surfaces and plastics; either alone or in combination with each other. As a result, the product can be used across multiple parts of the manufacturing process as a single adhesive.
“3M™ VHB™ Extrudable Tape does things no tape or liquid adhesive could ever do,” adds Patrick Meifert, global portfolio director of 3M. “It's an entirely new category of product and bonding solution for manufacturing innovation. Whether you're a global multinational or a local manufacturing business, this bonding system creates endless design and application possibilities at scale.”
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