Skip to main content

FAQ: high-temperature bonding tape.

Metal sheet hanging from hook

Quality. Efficiency.

When manufacturing engineers evaluate their facility’s assembly processes, these are their main objectives – hands-down. They’re constantly researching manufacturing trends and technology to optimize product design and assembly time.

Heat is one hurdle they continue to face.

When you’re bonding lightweight metals or bonding dissimilar substrates with mechanical fasteners and liquid adhesives, high-temperature bonding can be a challenge. You could face design imperfections, such as rippling from rivets, and lose conformability and strength.

As an engineer myself, I understand this frustration. We work hard to design and manufacture products that our customers can trust. That’s why I’m so excited about the 3M™ VHB™ General Purpose High Temperature Tape3M’s solution to high-temperature bonding.

I’ve received a lot of questions about this high-temperature bonding tape – from functionality to durability to production line impact. I’ve compiled the top seven questions here.

1. What is the 3M™ VHB™ Tape – GPH Series?

The 3M™ VHB™ Tape GPH series is a grey, conformable double-coated acrylic foam tape paired with a red siliconised polyethylene film. To help accommodate your bonding needs, 3M™ VHB™ Tape GPH series comes in three different thicknesses. This is 3M’s alternative solution to using rivets and welds to bond multi-material substrates.

2. Why wasn’t tape effective for high-temperature bonding previously?

Using tapes in high-temperature applications didn’t used to be a reliable solution. The performance and durability were inconsistent. If you’re using a tape that’s not meant for these applications, I can confidently say that you will be facing bonding failure challenges.

3. Why should I trust high-temperature bonding tape now?

I call the 3M™ VHB™ Tape – GPH Series a “manufacturing game changer.” Its siliconized polyethylene film has sealing properties that give you the high-temperature bonding performance capabilities you’ve been asking for. In my opinion, 3M™ VHB™ General Purpose High Temperature Tape should be a go-to tool for multiple material bonding with high to medium surface energy. It is specifically designed for high-temperature operating and pre-paint applications.

Can an adhesive be a solution to your assembly challenge? Find out.

4. What applications can I use this high-temperature bonding tape for?

3M™ VHB™ General Purpose High Temperature Tape can be used to bond substrates in applications with high-temperature bake cycles. It’s a great option for designs that commonly require heat cured coatings, like bonding architectural panels. It is especially well suited to challenged substrates (e.g., ABS, HSE plastics and glass, metal, PMMA, rough surfaces, stainless steel) in markets such as appliances, building and construction, and metal fabrication.

5. What temperature can this high-temperature bonding tape resist?

3M™ VHB™ General Purpose High Temperature Tape can withstand temperatures as high as 230°C.

6. Is high-temperature bonding tape easy to use?

Rivets, screws and welds can cause stress and worker fatigue. What I like about 3M™ VHB™ General Purpose High Temperature Tape is that it’s quick and easy to use. You simply peel off the soft foam strip backing and apply it to the substrate. It sets in less than 10 seconds.

7. What other advantages does high-temperature bonding tape offer over mechanical fasteners?

High-temperature applications like powder coat or liquid painting are designed to be durable, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t look good. Unfortunately, mechanical fasteners like rivets and screws can leave unsightly bumps, pocks, and punctures. 3M™ VHB™ General Purpose High Temperature Tape allows you to create a smooth, more aesthetically pleasing look without compromising the bond strength.

Find out if high-temperature bonding tape is right for you.

Could high-temperature bonding tape be the right assembly solution for your product? Fill out the form below to receive expert advice from a 3M Assembly Solutions representative.

About the Author

[enBio=Kitty is a materials engineer with a background in aerospace. A problem solver at heart, Kitty leans on a deep understanding of her customers to help them with new designs, productivity gains, and mapping assembly processes. She’s also passionate about ensuring the next generation of engineers are equipped to help solve tomorrow’s problems. Kitty is a mentor to 3M interns and enjoys speaking to students across the country about where a STEM degree can take them.],[enJob=Senior Application Development Engineer, 3M Canada],[frBio=Kitty est une ingénieure des matériaux ayant une expérience en aérospatiale. Experte en résolution de problèmes, Kitty se base sur son excellente connaissance de ses clients pour les guider vers les nouveaux modèles, les gains de productivité et le mappage des processus d’assemblage. Elle désire aussi s’assurer que la nouvelle génération d’ingénieurs dispose de tous les outils nécessaires pour régler les problèmes de demain. Kitty sert de mentore pour les stagiaires de 3M. Elle adore expliquer aux étudiants des quatre coins du pays jusqu’où un diplôme en STIM peut les mener.],[frJob=Ingénieure principale en développement d’applications, Compagnie 3M Canada]

Profile Photo of Kitty Leung
The science behind 3M™ Novec™ Engineered Fluid 73DE.