Structural Adhesives are VERY Strong

Bonding and Assembly

Myth #1: Structural Adhesives Don't Hold
Myth #1 Disproved: Consider the Evidence

3M™ Structural Adhesives can outperform traditional joining methods like screws, rivets and spot welds.

Download the White Paper (PDF, 501.58 KB)
- Cured 3M™ Epoxy Adhesives Have 2X-3X the Overlap Shear Strength of Spot Welds and Mechanical Fasteners
  
  Engineers typically have more experience with traditional joining methods such as welding, spot welding, bolts, screws and rivets, so they often turn automatically to these methods without considering the advantages of structural adhesives. Structural adhesives are similar in overlap shear strength to welds and significantly stronger than spot welds, bolts and rivets. They also provide better aesthetics because they do not require refinishing steps or leave protrusions.
  
  Graph data was collected by 3M, https://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/646994O/3ms-tough-stuff-white-paper.pdf, https://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/1054052O/acrylic-adhesives-recent-advancements-white-paper.pdf
Beyond Strong Drop It Comparison Video (1:09)

We used different methods to bond metal panels together over hand-blown glass balls – then dropped a 15-pound weight to test the bond strength.

Beyond Strong Container Video (3:28)

We used a 3M™ Scotch-Weld™ Structural Adhesive to keep 14,550 pounds suspended through a Minnesota winter night.

Review all 5 common myths (PDF, 416.34 KB)

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More Structural Adhesive Resources

Myth #1: Structural Adhesives Don't Hold

Cured 3M™ Epoxy Adhesives Have 2X-3X the Overlap Shear Strength of Spot Welds and Mechanical Fasteners

Industrial Adhesives & Tapes | Ask A 3M Expert

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