High-adhesion Bonding that Meets UL Requirements
The outdoor luminaire in this story required a long-lasting seal and bond that met UL requirements. Marian provided a high-quality solution using 3M™ VHB™.
Acrylic foam tapes are high-strength, double-sided tapes that create a long-lasting, resilient bond with substrates and are composed of adhesive coating on both sides of a flexible foam carrier. These double-coated tapes can be used to bond dissimilar materials and fill gaps to create a uniform stress distribution over the bonded area.
Acrylic foam tapes have notable advantages. Application is easy, and the bond strength between substrates actually increases over time. Simply remove the liner and apply the foam tape with pressure to form the permanent bond. Bondable substrates include aluminum, steel, glass, plastics, powder-coated surfaces, and more.
Two common examples of foam tapes Marian can die-cut include 3M™ VHB™ and tesa® ACXplus.
Here are more examples (but not all) of the acrylic foam tapes we die-cut. Check out our data sheets to see more foam tapes and contact us if you have any questions related to your die-cutting needs. Be sure to view the resources on this page to learn more.
The outdoor luminaire in this story required a long-lasting seal and bond that met UL requirements. Marian provided a high-quality solution using 3M™ VHB™.
Marian provided a 3M™ VHB™ part to this beverage vending machine manufacturer that was aesthetically clean and could perform well in extreme conditions.
What materials can acrylic foam tapes bond to?
Acrylic foam tapes can bond to a wide range of materials, including metals, painted surfaces, glass, plastics, and composites. They are commonly used to join dissimilar substrates by accommodating differences in surface energy and thermal expansion. Proper surface preparation and material selection help ensure optimal adhesion and long-term performance.
Do acrylic foam tapes work on curved or uneven surfaces?
Yes. Acrylic foam tapes are well suited for curved or uneven surfaces because the foam core conforms to surface irregularities. This conformability allows the tape to maintain consistent contact and load distribution, even on non-flat substrates. As a result, acrylic foam tapes can provide reliable bonding on complex or contoured assemblies.
Can acrylic foam tapes be used outdoors or in extreme conditions?
Acrylic foam tapes can be used in outdoor and demanding environments due to their resistance to temperature extremes, moisture, UV exposure, and weathering. They are commonly selected for applications that require long-term durability and structural performance under varying environmental conditions.
Material selection should account for the specific exposure and performance requirements of the application.
Can I get custom shapes and sizes for my project?
Yes. Marian offers custom converting of acrylic foam tapes into precise shapes and sizes to meet specific design and assembly requirements.
In-house converting capabilities support tight tolerances, complex geometries, and formats optimized for efficient installation, including sheets, rolls, and kiss-cut parts.
Are die-cut acrylic foam tapes reusable?
Die-cut acrylic foam tapes are generally not reusable once applied. These tapes are designed to form a permanent bond, and removal typically compromises the adhesive performance.
For applications requiring repositioning or removability, Marian can help evaluate alternative materials or adhesive solutions.