APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY All taped up
In order to safely and effectively bond substrates to ensure robust and consistent performance, it is crucial that the most suitable fastening system is selected for the application. Here 3M looks at the benefits of tape adhesives compared to traditional mechanical fasteners.
where speed is of the essence, appearance cannot be compromised, or the influence of the elements is greater than usual. As alternative media solutions develop and become more
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easily accessible, new methods of fixing are coming to the fore. Tape adhesives in particular are seeing increased usage through their inherent performance advantages over mechanical or fusion fastening.
Mechanical fastenings vs tape adhesives Although traditionally popular, there are many downsides to
using mechanical fastenings. The application process, for example, can be highly time and labour intensive and also requires the drilling of holes which can cause leaks or weaken the substrate (although some modern products get round this). Mechanical fixings are also often visible, marring the final appearance. Mechanical fixings also do not offer anything in regard to
sealing, leaving the substrate open to the elements – water penetration, for example – if outdoors or in aggressive environments. Finally, the use of mechanical fixings creates points of stress around each fixing – the stress is not evenly spread across the surface, meaning that the failure of a single mechanical fixing can potentially be very dangerous.
hilst mechanical fastenings have provided satisfactory results for many decades, it is becoming apparent that there are more and more scenarios where they no longer offer the most effective solution – for example,
In contrast to mechanical fastenings, tape adhesives offer
aesthetic advantages, with cleaner lines and no protruding nails, rivets or weld marks, while their flexibility and durability frequently ensures consistent performance long after mechanical fixings start to loosen or fail. They are generally quicker and easier to apply than
mechanical fastening systems as they offer simultaneous bond and seal, aid the uniform distribution of stress throughout the cladded surface, and do not require the drilling of holes, leaving the substrate intact. Adhesives tapes offer excellent resistance against the
elements and most importantly bond to a variety of materials, including metals, sealed wood, glass, plastics, composites, paints and powder coatings. They are conformable to allow a perfect bond line between two surfaces with no air bubbles, preventing the ingress of dirt and moisture. Furthermore, the surface preparation and product application
process could hardly be simpler. Usually, the tape is manually applied to the clean, dry substrate and pressure placed on the area with a hand roller. The liner is then removed and the second substrate added. Further pressure is then applied to the bond areas, with 50 percent bond strength achievable within 10 minutes, and full strength in 72 hours; far quicker than by using traditional methods and less affected by the elements and other external factors. Given the speed of application, costs are further minimised in this area too.
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