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Strengthening the Bond between Collision Repair and OEM
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3M™ Panel Bonding Adhesive and our 3M™ Impact Resistant Structural Adhesive (IRSA) have been specifically recommended for collision repair by major OEMs from around the world. When used according to these recommendations, these two-part epoxy adhesives deliver you additional assurance that your repairs meet OEM requirements in critical areas such as strength, cleavage, peel, temperature resistance and corrosion protection. Our tiny, lightweight 3M™ glass beads are incorporated into the formulas, making it easier to maintain minimum bond line thicknesses and prevent over-clamping. These adhesives can be riveted or weld bonded immediately during working times when cured at room temperature. Or, they can be heat-cured for accelerated cycle times. They can really help you work stronger, smarter and better in collision repair.
5 reasons to use OEM-recommended adhesives
3M is more often referenced in OEM repair procedures for panel bonding and impact resistant structural adhesives than any other adhesive supplier.
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Help Ensure Safety.Meet the adhesive standards that have been set by the OEMs to manage crash energy and help protect occupants.
Use Trusted Products.Use products that have been rigorously tested to the OEM’s performance requirements for strength and corrosion resistance.
Mitigate Risk.Help protect yourself and your business from potential liability — the vehicle was repaired as directed by the OEM.-
Simplify Your Process.Eliminate confusion about which adhesive should be used and where. You’re using the OEM recommended adhesive that is specifically called out for that procedure.
Get Reimbursed.OEM recommendations, which include 3M products, enable you to provide documentation to justify correct product usage and procedures needed for safe and responsible repairs.Featured Products
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Excellent for repairs that do not require structural strength (unless recommended by a specific automotive manufacturer), 3M™ Panel Bonding Adhesive is ideal for bonding many plastics and composites as well as metals. This adhesive also provides excellent corrosion resistance.
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3M™ Impact Resistant Structural Adhesive helps you meet specific strength requirements for bonding mild to ultra-high-strength steel, aluminum and aluminum alloys. It is recommended for structural repairs such as pillars and frame rails as well as outer body panels such as quarter panels and roof skins. IRSA is typically used in conjunction with rivets, spot welds or mechanical fasteners. Silver-colored adhesive turns purple as it cures for more accurate work times.
3M™ Panel Bonding AdhesiveCommon Applications for 3M™ Panel Bonding Adhesive
3M™ Panel Bonding Adhesive may be used in these areas for bonding properly prepared steel, aluminum and many plastics and composites. Always refer to individual automotive manufacturer recommendations and procedures specific to the model year
3M™ Impact Resistant Structural AdhesiveCommon Applications for 3M™ Impact Resistant Structural Adhesive (IRSA)
3M™ Impact Resistant Structural Adhesive helps you meet specific strength requirements for bonding mild to ultra-high-strength steel, aluminum and aluminum alloys. It is recommended for structural repairs such as pillars and frame rails as well as outer body panels such as quarter panels and roof skins. IRSA is typically used in conjunction with rivets, spot welds or mechanical fasteners. Silver-colored adhesive turns purple as it cures for more accurate work times.
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This notice issued by the American Honda Motor Co. details how the company has expanded its callouts to replace additional structural foams with 3M™ Impact Resistant Structural Adhesive 07333 for Honda and Acura body component repairs. It was sent to all current and potential Profirst-certified Honda repair facilities.
3M™ Structural Adhesives Resources
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This four-page brochure includes detailed descriptions, at-a-glance features and complete OEM recommendations and applications for 3M™ Panel Bonding Adhesive, 3M™ Impact Resistant Structural Adhesive (IRSA), application equipment and accessories. -
Four-page brochure details the selection of automotive panel bonding adhesives from 3M. It provides features and benefits, application photos, a quick-reference guide for where to use the adhesives, and the importance of following OEM recommendations. -
When impact resistance matters: this four-page brochure highlights 3M 07333 and 57333 structural adhesives. It includes features and benefits, application photos, a quick-reference usage guide, and the importance of following OEM recommendations.
Technical Tips for 3M™ Structural Adhesives
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Q: How important is it to use panel bonding and structural adhesives during collision repairs?
A: OEM design engineers have relied on adhesives in vehicle body construction for many years. Today, vehicles are designed using alternative metals such as aluminum along with carbon fiber and high-strength steel. Crash test simulation technology allows engineers to design for specifically managed crash energy and maximum passenger safety. Automotive designers are increasingly using structural adhesives, which allow greater design flexibility and helping to prevent galvanic corrosion with dissimilar materials. OEM repair manuals increasingly include recommendations for adhesives applications during repair, and they must be followed to help you ensure the vehicle is repaired to OEM specifications and minimize your liability.
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Q: Can we use structural adhesives by themselves in collision repair?
A: OEM guidelines often will follow a “repair it as it was built” philosophy. To ensure proper strength, energy management and corrosion resistance, you should always use adhesives in combination with specific welding/riveting procedures to mimic the factory assembly process as closely as possible. Weld bonding is the most common method, but adhesives can also be used in combination with rivet bonding and Squeeze Type Resistance Spot Welding (STRSW) or MIG/MAG spot welding. Keep in mind that the OEM will recommend specific welding equipment, weld locations and number of welds. In some cases repeating the number and location of welds is applicable.
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Q: Is it okay to use OEM manuals from the previous model year?
A: You should never assume that the current year model repair procedures are the same as in previous years, even if the model appears identical. Always consult the OEM manual for the correct model year.
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Q: Some OEM manuals specify a certain adhesive “or equivalent” for a repair. How do we determine what’s “equivalent?”
A: Unless you have written proof of equivalency that has been published by the OEM, you should always use the specified adhesive for the repair. OEM-recommended adhesives have been rigorously tested for strength and corrosion resistance, and by publishing the results the OEM assumes the role of “expert” in the event of a crash. You should never risk using an alternative adhesive unless you are prepared to assume the role of adhesives equivalency expert.
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Q: Is it okay to use generic or “mix n match“ mixing nozzles across adhesive suppliers?
A: Always be sure that you are using the correct static mixing nozzle as specified by the adhesive manufacturer. Mixing nozzles are supplied with specific element numbers and cross-flow characteristics that must be used to ensure proper adhesive mixing during application. You should never use the same static mixing nozzles from one manufacturer to another.
Search for 3M™ Safety Data Sheets (US only)
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To support our products as required, 3M Regulatory maintains a full, easily-searchable library of 3M Safety Data Sheets (SDS) on this website. NOTE: If the format of the 3M SDS you are accessing does not meet the requirements set forth by your country's legislation, please contact your local 3M subsidiary or call 1-888-364-3577 or 1-651-737-6501 for more information.
To support our products as required, 3M Regulatory maintains a full, easily-searchable library of 3M Safety Data Sheets (SDS) on this website. NOTE: If the format of the 3M SDS you are accessing does not meet the requirements set forth by your country's legislation, please contact your local 3M subsidiary or call 1-888-364-3577 or 1-651-737-6501 for more information.
Need More Information on 3M Structural and Panel Bonding Adhesives?
If you have additional questions about the 3M™ Panel Bonding Adhesive, 3M™ Impact Resistant Adhesive (IRSA), meeting specific OEM structural repair requirements or anything related to collision repair, we’re happy to help. To contact us, or to view more information about 3M Collision Repair products and solutions, click to the right. We look forward to working with you!
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