The strength of rivets, the simplicity of tape.

Screws, rivets, bolts and welds are all traditional mechanical fasteners used to permanently bond components together and are the most common method used in the industry. But there is a better and more efficient way. One that uses adhesive tapes to create a permanent and strong bond when adhering two surfaces together that is being used in a range of sectors, such as building & construction, general manufacturing, aerospace and commercial vehicles.

The problem with mechanical fasteners.

Traditional joining methods often present difficulties in the assembly process. Metal distortion and tearing under heavy loads or fatigue reduces the reliability and longevity of assembled parts. To counteract this problem, manufacturers decrease the gap size between rivets or bolts, thereby increasing the number of fasteners required, along with the associated manufacturing costs. Even welding can damage metals by causing heat distortion or burn-through, especially with lighter weight substrates. This method often requires additional work to return the welded parts to a condition suitable for finishing and painting.

In an effort to become more sustainable many operators are opting for lighter weight materials in place of traditional heavy metals. Unfortunately, however, traditional joining methods can pose a problem making this a difficult task. Lighter composite or plastic materials cannot always be easily welded, and thin sheet metal parts are prone to distortion and tearing at the concentrated points where fasteners like rivets and bolts (pictured) are placed. While mechanical fasteners provide structural strength, the level of holding power that they provide can be overkill for many common applications. In this way, mechanical fasteners are used out of convenience rather than a necessity, when there are more simple and effective joining options available.

Can tapes really replace mechanical fasteners?

A double sided tape has a fairly simple job, to hold two things together. It seems unimaginable that tape can really replace traditional fasteners and provide the same, if not better, strength and durability. However, the answer is yes. High strength bonding tapes are a proven alternative to screws and rivets to join materials and have been used in industry for many years by those aware of its performance and looking for ways to keep ahead of their competition. Tapes provide outstanding durability and resilience to withstand water, dirt, dust, chemicals and other environmental factors, as well as dynamic loading that can cause screws and rivets to loosen or fail over time.

Industrial adhesive tapes are an easy alternative that solves the problems presented by traditional joining methods. They do this so well that manufacturing companies are choosing to bond with tape for the following reasons:

• Immediate handling strength: These pressure sensitive adhesive tapes provide immediate handling strength after application of pressure, allowing the bonded parts to be further processed, handled or packaged.
• Reliability: The use of durable acrylic foam backing provides energy absorbing and stress relaxing properties which provide these tapes with their unique characteristics. The foam core absorbs and dissipates energy and disperses stress, making it ideal for many demanding applications – including window, door and sign assembly, electronics, construction, transportation and countless other uses.
• Improved appearance: Free from the protrusion of visible mechanical fasteners, designers can leverage the flexibility of tape to expand the range of material options available for more aesthetically-pleasing concepts and designs.
• Stress distribution: Given its high-performance and functionality tape can be used for attaching in a wide variety of bonding applications. In many situations, they can replace rivets, spot welds, liquid adhesives and other permanent fasteners. Because stress loads are spread across the entire tape area, rather than at one specific point like with traditional mechanical fasteners, tape is decidedly more versatile. Among the many viable bonding substrate options are a variety of metals, plastics, glass, composites and much more.
• Increased productivity: Time is money in any business. Easy-to-use peel-and-stick tapes can help assemblers and installers work faster, leading to increased productivity, a reduction in costs and the ability to bring their products and services to market faster and more efficiently.

3M™ VHB™ Tape...the proven, high strength alternative.

Bonding product parts with precision, ease, reliability and strength requires an approach that breaks the barriers of traditional construction elements. 3M™ VHB™ Tape is a closed cell, fully acrylic double sided, viscoelastic tape which is trusted by engineers to replace mechanical fasteners. Through the science of adhesion 3M™ VHB™ Tapes open up a world of possibilities by eliminating rivets, screws, bolts and welds to improve design construction, aesthetics and productivity. With unmatched strength, these tapes increase the overall durability and reliability of every product bond. For decades 3M™ VHB™ tape has been used in a range of industries, such as building & construction, general manufacturing, aerospace and commercial vehicles.

The name 3M™ VHB™ Tape comes from the abbreviation of Very High Bond (VHB), and these high-strength, double-sided acrylic foam tapes let you quickly and easily create a long-lasting attachment. With the ability to join a variety of materials including aluminium, steel, glass, plastics and painted and powder-coated surfaces, they provide resilient bonding solutions in just about anything. When you see all the things this tape can do, you realise that anything is possible with this amazingly strong fastener that’s designed to go unseen. Though some manufacturers may be sceptical of adhesives and tapes, their strength is often drastically underestimated. With the huge amount of adhesive technology developed by 3M, there is something available for every application imaginable. From thin, aesthetic mounting of trims and labels to high load-bearing insertions in parts that will see high stresses, there are adhesive or tape options for virtually every application. Strength, durability, longevity, versatility - see what 3M™ VHB™ Tapes could do for you and your application.

“At twenty years of age, the will reigns; at thirty, the wit; and at forty, the judgment.”

- Benjamin Franklin

3M invented VHB tapes in 1980, which were the first of their kind. In the forty years since, they have been providing bonding solutions that outperform mechanical fasteners in a variety of items, from planes, trains and automobiles to household appliances and electronics, you come across VHB tape almost every single day without realising. In the last 40 years 8.4 billion metres of 3M™ VHB™ Tape has been used, that’s enough tape for 10 trips to the moon and back. Its quick, easy, clean and simple, it bonds and seals at the same time and it can be applied almost anywhere, around corners and through curves, while offering a durable bond in a way that mechanical fasteners can’t. You bond it and its done, immediately you have strength. Rethink tape, the possibilities are endless.

3M™ VHB™ Tapes help you design beyond the limits of mechanical fasteners, to build better products, improve productivity and enhance performance. Experience the strength and reliability of 3M VHB Tapes, our Industrial Adhesive & Tape Specialists are here to help you find the correct VHB Tapes for your project, product design or production process.