3M VHB tape provides solution for difficult-to-bond materials
The tape works as a bonding solution for LSE substrates like polypropylene, thermoplastic olefins and thermoplastic elastomers, as well as composite materials like glass-reinforced plastic or fiber-reinforced plastic.

3M’s VHB tape LSE series
3M’s VHB tape LSE series is designed to eliminate design challenges associated with difficult-to-stick-to composites and low surface energy plastics.
The tape works as a bonding solution for LSE substrates like polypropylene, thermoplastic olefins and thermoplastic elastomers, as well as composite materials like glass-reinforced plastic or fiber-reinforced plastic. Made of double-sided acrylic foam, it creates a long-lasting, high-strength bond across a wide temperature range. This provides a durable alternative to ultrasonic welding and other adhesion methods, 3M says.
The 3M VHB tape LSE series is made to:
- Bond without primer to difficult-to-bond-to substrates
- Increase speed and productivity
- Reduce the use of chemicals, like primers, which can contain volatile organic compounds or chemicals of concern
- Offer long-term durability outdoors
- Provide greater design flexibility
- Lower manufacturing costs
The 3M VHB Tape LSE Series enables high initial tack at low temperatures with faster and more reliable bonds in cold environments, such as outdoor applications or unheated factory floors. This low-temperature capability also enables immediate handling strength in various environments, eliminating time spent waiting to continue through the production process.
The LSE series’ acrylic construction resists cycling temperatures, exposure to UV light, moisture and solvents. Its holding power under a wide temperature range makes it a durable alternative to rivets, ultrasonic welds, and liquid adhesives.
While designed specifically to meet the needs of low-surface-energies, the LSE Series also bonds well on medium surface energy plastics, metals and more. It can be applied by hand, with semi-automatic equipment or robotics. The new tape is available in 0.6 mm, 1.1 mm, and 1.6 mm thicknesses.
Related Content
-
Plant tour: Collins Aerospace, Riverside, Calif., U.S. and Almere, Netherlands
Composite Tier 1’s long history, acquisition of stamped parts pioneer Dutch Thermoplastic Components, advances roadmap for growth in thermoplastic composite parts.
-
JEC World 2024 highlights: Thermoplastic composites, CMC and novel processes
CW senior technical editor Ginger Gardiner discusses some of the developments and demonstrators shown at the industry’s largest composites exhibition and conference.
-
Plant tour: Daher Shap’in TechCenter and composites production plant, Saint-Aignan-de-Grandlieu, France
Co-located R&D and production advance OOA thermosets, thermoplastics, welding, recycling and digital technologies for faster processing and certification of lighter, more sustainable composites.