When it comes to the question of what sticks and what doesn’t, materials scientists are on two different paths. On one side, they’re working on developing ultra-nonstick materials, like diamond-coated frying pans and hydrophobic surfaces that mimic shark skin. On the other side, another group of scientists is focused on pushing the limits of bonding technology, working to create products that can firmly bond a wide range of materials.

In the early 1980s, 3M made its mark on the world of materials science with two revolutionary products. First came Post-it™, a virtually non-stick adhesive that held sticky notes in place without damaging surfaces. Then came VHB™ (Very High Bond) foam tape, a tape with extreme adhesion that revolutionized the way manufacturing connected things, giving designers more freedom to experiment with new ideas and structures.

VHB™ Foam Tape

3M™ VHB™ Tape is a super strong double-sided tape, known as “solid glue”, a polyacrylate double-sided foam tape produced using solvent-free manufacturing technology. This tape performs well in internal structure bonding, accessory bonding, external and bracket fixing bonding.

Due to its extremely high bonding strength and super weather resistance, as well as its easy operation, VHB™ foam tape has replaced traditional adhesives and mechanical fixing methods in many important application areas. The most typical application is to use VHB™ foam tape to directly stick and fix the heavy curtain wall of a building.

Structure of VHB™ Foam Tape

Ordinary foam tapes are composed of “polyethylene foam substrate + adhesives on both sides”, while VHB™ foam tapes are composed of a single layer of uniform acrylic polymer foam, which is not only elastic but also adhesive. Due to its stable chemical properties and the single-layer structure that avoids the problem of interlayer delamination of multi-layer materials under aging conditions, it has better weather resistance and higher bonding strength.

Upgrading VHB™ Foam Tape

3M’s material scientists have made technical improvements based on the classic model and launched the upgraded VHB™ LSE series foam tape. This tape not only has strong adhesion and good weather resistance, but also solves the problem of low surface energy materials being able to stick without a primer. Whether it is difficult to stick to PP plastic or easy to stick to stainless steel, the LSE series products perform very stably.

3M™ VHB™ tape LSE

In the field of material bonding, 3M™ VHB™ Tape LSE Series (such as LSE-160WF and LSE-110WF) has achieved a revolutionary breakthrough. It is specially developed for low surface energy materials such as polypropylene (PP), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO), etc., using advanced acrylic foam technology, without primer or adhesion promoter, to provide durable and high-strength bonding effect.

Applications and Benefits

With LSE series tapes, designers and manufacturers are no longer limited by material bonding issues and can freely create more innovative products and structures. Whether it is the assembly of automotive parts, structural connections inside and outside buildings, or complex splicing of consumer electronics, this tape can provide a reliable bonding solution. It not only simplifies the production process, but also improves the overall performance and appearance of the product.

Main Features

– No primer required, can bond low surface energy substrates (such as PP, TPE, TPO)

– Suitable for medium surface energy substrates (such as polycarbonate, HIPS, acrylic, nylon, ABS)

– Suitable for composite materials (such as fiberglass/glass fiber, carbon fiber, polyester coatings)

– Outdoor use, resistant to hot and cold cycles, UV light, moisture and solvents

– Low temperature bonding, high initial adhesion on frost-free surfaces as low as 0°C

– Easy to die-cut into various shapes

Product application industries and successful cases

– Specialty Vehicles: Utility/ATVs, Motorcycles, Trucks, Buses, RVs, Forklifts, Transporters

– Outdoor Power Equipment: Lawn Mowers, Agricultural Equipment, Construction Equipment

– Signage: Illuminated Signs, Restaurant Signage, Hotel Signage, Retail Signage

– Durable Goods: Large Appliances, Small Appliances, Smart Home, Fitness Equipment, Equipment Housings

Plastics Industry Trends

The use of plastics in various industries has increased significantly, and the application potential of LSE series tapes is unlimited. Overall, 3M™ VHB™ Tape LSE Series is the most adhesive tape around, and it lives up to its name. It provides an efficient solution to the bonding problem of low surface energy materials, allowing designers to create more innovative products and structures as they wish without worrying about bonding strength and durability. Through this technology, future possibilities are infinitely expanded, opening the door to the exploration of new materials and application fields.