3M™ VHB™ Tapes: over 40 years strong

3M introduced 3M™ VHB™ Tapes in 1980 to replace screws, rivets and welds, and it was first used for bonding panels to the frames of ambulances. Rather than bonding at one point or even a series of points, this high-strength bonding tape distributes the stress load across the entire area of the joint. Design Engineers soon found new applications for these remarkable acrylic foam tapes and they are now the bonding solution of choice in a wide variety of industries, from architectural and glass panels on buildings to passenger rail cars and freeway signs to smartphones and other electronics.

One reason our 3M™ VHB™ Tapes have found so many uses is that we didn’t stop at just one tape. We’ve expanded the base product and added new capabilities so you have a whole family of options to choose from, including:
 

• 3M™ VHB™ Tape 5952 for strong bonds on powder coated, painted and other difficult-to-stick surfaces
• Clear 3M™ VHB™ Tapes for joining transparent materials
• 3M™ VHB™ Tape GPH family for superior temperature performance through high-temp paint and powder coat bake cycles
• 3M™ VHB™ Tape LSE family designed specifically for bonding low surface energy plastics and allowing bonding at temperatures down to 0°C

3M™ VHB™ Tapes are also environmentally durable. They withstand both high and low temperatures and temperature cycling as well as UV light, moisture and solvents while maintaining strength and reliability. For over 40 years these tapes have been standing up to harsh conditions on structures around the world as well as on vehicles like rail cars that travel between different climates.

What will 3M™ VHB™ Tape look like when it turns 50? We don’t know – but rest assured our world-class scientists and engineers are working on it.

Learn more about 3M™ VHB™ Tapes