3M VHB Tape Video

[Vincentc]

I came across this youtube reference on ebay

www.youtube.com/watch?v=XePlqBfixtk

It is an interesting video and it got my head spinning with ways to put this stuff to use.

Regards,

 

[foleyjt]

I worked for 3M for 16 years and sold the VHB (very high bond) line of double coated tape. It really can do whatever you need it to do, just need the right product. Mark Jennings that was the guy with the bowling ball and the one stretching the stuff is a friend of mine, so if you need some product let me know. I put alot of salmon in his freezer, he still owes me.

 

[Vincentc]

Foley,
Small world.
Thanks for the offer. I bought a roll of the tape on ebay, and will try it on a few projects.
Regards,

 

[Walter P]

I wonder if it can be used to bond thin plastic panels such as used by EZ2CY to a frame of vinyl material. It could then be practical for the average boat owner to create their own bridge enclosure thereby lessening their dependency on some very expensive providers. BTW other than on line, is VHB tape available from easy to access sources? After watching the video, I am anxious to give it a try...

Walt

 

[Vincentc]

Walt
Regarding enclosure materials, the 3M VHB tape also is available with the 3M reclosable fastener systems. (kind of a HD Velcro)

http://multimedia.3m.com/mws/mediawebserver?6666660Zjcf6lVs6EVs66SIQ9COrrrrQ-

I am in the process of replacing my canvas and vinyl aft deck enclosure with 1/8" cell cast acrylic panels. I had intended to set the acrylic in stainless steel U channel then fasten the panels to 1/4" studs with nylon thumb nuts to allow removal, and storage behind the weatherboard. but am now pondering the reclosable fasteners vs hard attachment.

More to think about.

Regards

 

[Walter P]

Hi Vincente,

Please keep us up to date on your progress. If you have good result, I believe I will give it a go.

Walt

 

[Vincentc]

I received my ebay order of VHB tape, and am trying it out.

I taped a piece of 1/8" acrylic to a piece of epoxy coated plywood and also taped a piece of Shelter-Rite vinyl coated fabric to the acrylic with VHB tape and set up a test.

I am testing the attachments with a 25# plate.

The tape is 1/2" wide, 20mil thick and 3" long. There is one piece of tape attaching the acrylic to the plywood and two pieces of tape holding the white vinyl to the acrylic. 1 1/2 sq inches of tape holding 25#. Lets see if it lasts.

Regards,

 

[bigbill]

vincent, how much does the tape cost? and..... how long has that weight been hanging?

 

[nor'easter]

Very cool vincent. Seems like a good test and reminds me of driving over fiberglass panels meant for boat hulls in order to see if they are strong enough.

 

[Vincentc]

The bonds did not hold up as well as I expected. The acrylic (plexiglass) to Shelter Rite vinyl canvas lasted about 30 minutes and the epoxy coated wood to acrylic lasted about an hour. I also tried a piece of clear vinyl to to wood and it failed in less than 10 hours. I do not know when because I went to sleep and it was down the next morning.

The tape appeared to have a very strong bond, I shock loaded the 25# weight before hanging it up. I wonder if it would not have failed with less load. I may try another test.

A 72 yard roll of clear 1/2" tape cost me about $40 on ebay and according to the seller he paid $90/ roll and bought too many. Smaller rolls are available on ebay and amazon in the $16 range.

Regards,

 

[z28jimi]

You got ten hours of sleep? Must be nice

 

[34Hatt]

The bonds did not hold up as well as I expected. The acrylic (plexiglass) to Shelter Rite vinyl canvas lasted about 30 minutes and the epoxy coated wood to acrylic lasted about an hour. I also tried a piece of clear vinyl to to wood and it failed in less than 10 hours. I do not know when because I went to sleep and it was down the next morning.

The tape appeared to have a very strong bond, I shock loaded the 25# weight before hanging it up. I wonder if it would not have failed with less load. I may try another test.

A 72 yard roll of clear 1/2" tape cost me about $40 on ebay and according to the seller he paid $90/ roll and bought too many. Smaller rolls are available on ebay and amazon in the $16 range.

Regards,

How did you prep the epoxy coated wood?
It should have had the blush cleaned and then sanded.

 

[Vincentc]

Does sleep time count waking up at 02:30 and going to the bathroom and then the computer? I wish I slept 8 hours. It was about 10 hours between the time that I set up the last test and then checked it. I went upstairs, andfor part of the time between that I slept. Unlike the earlier tests, I did not hear the plate fall, and guess it fell while I was asleep.

It was kind of quick and dirty but I did, per 3m recommendations, http://multimedia.3m.com/mws/mediawebserver?6666660Zjcf6lVs6EVs666y7fCOrrrrQ- wipe the surfaces with a denatured alcohol (3m recommends isopropyl) and water solution and I also scrubbed the epoxy coated wood with a green scotchbrite pad, and wiped it down again. Also 3m states that it takes 72 hours cure time for full strength and 20 minutes for 50% strength. I gave it about 3 hours cure.

I try to do tests in a manner similar to the conditions and practices of my boat work, between other tasks, not always with the right tool and usually in a hurry.

Regards,

 

[34Hatt]

I try to do tests in a manner similar to the conditions and practices of my boat work, between other tasks, not always with the right tool and usually in a hurry.

Regards,

Now that's Funny

Okay but know you got my Interest and you need to do one with the 72 hr cure and report back

 

[Vincentc]

When all else fails, read the instructions, especially before ordering materials.

http://multimedia.3m.com/mws/mediaw...evTSeSSSSSS--&fn=VHB Design Guide Low Res.pdf see chart on page 3.

There are different types of tapes for different materials. It appears that plasticizer resistance and bonding to LSE (Low Surface Energy) materials is significant. The tape I purchased and tested is 4905 which is not plasticizer resistant (vinyl friendly) and has low adhesion to LSE materials. I have ordered some 4941 and 4952 tapes which should be the right stuff.

I think materials choice is more important than cure time. 3 hours = about 80% strength.

Regards,

 

[Vincentc]

The VHB tape held here.

I used 20 mil vinyl to make panels to enclose part of the porch. The vinyl was not wide enough so I added a section at the top attached with a double row of VHB 3650 tape. On the sides of the panels I attached 2" Dacron cloth tape with another type of double side tape and used brass gromets to hold the panels to 1/4" studs. We had enough wind to pull the vinyl out of the dacron and gromets (I should have sewn it) but the vhb held just fine.

Regards

 

[bobk]

My favorite subject....accelerated tests and test method development.

Among the important parameters not tested here are UV resistance and creep rupture. The former is obvious, the latter related to failures of plastics under a very low continuous load. Some were disastrous when plastic gas lines burst and blew up sewers and buildings. It's easy to postulate a few other potentially important parameters as well (do I sound like your resident plastic chemist again?).

If you are going to the effort and materials cost, spend the difference and get a proven job. About one third of the cost of an EZ2CY job is royalty. You can save that much using a polycarbonate like UV resistant Macrolon. This sews onto a vinyl frame and looks great.

Damn the cost... full speed ahead. Remember it's a Hatteras and deserves the best

Bobk

 

[Glory]

Great info, I now have to look at a few up ccoming jobs with a different slant.

Thanks.

JM

 

[Vincentc]

Bob,
Thanks for the observations; however on one distinction, regarding the conclusion, its not a Hatteras but a front porch on a house in Pascagoula, MS where the enclosure will be put up as needed, which probably will not be very often.

Considering the limited expected use, I put this on a tight budget. Total materials cost for enclosing 47' of a 10' high porch was about $400.

Regards,

 

[bobk]

Bob,
Thanks for the observations; however on one distinction, regarding the conclusion, its not a Hatteras but a front porch on a house in Pascagoula, MS where the enclosure will be put up as needed, which probably will not be very often.

Considering the limited expected use, I put this on a tight budget. Total materials cost for enclosing 47' of a 10' high porch was about $400.

Regards,

Now how did I confuse a house with a Hatteras? Actually, I was hoping Walt was paying attention. He is almost the cheapest HOFer we have and needs to be jolted once in a while.

Bobk