3M™ GPH Series VHB™ Tape Used In Powder Coated Enclosure Assembly
SUCCESS STORIES share actual product applications using the strength of Insul-Fab's capabilities and supplier relationships to solve customer challenges.
The Challenge
An InsulFab customer that builds powder coated metal enclosures required a solution that could provide ease of assembly, less post-work of grinding rivets, fasteners and/or spot welds while leaving a cleaner look.
The Solution
InsulFab applied their extensive experience with 3M adhesives and provided the customer with a solution which met the challenge, 3M™ VHB™ Tape GPH Series Tape. The relatively new GPH tape family from 3M provides high temperature resistance (short term 450°F) which allows materials to be bonded prior to powder coat , liquid paint, and oven curing processes. The GPH family offers the speed and ease assembly found in well-known 3M™ VHB™ Tape, even in applications involving high operating temperatures (long term resistance 300°F), while also reducing the number of “touches” in assembly lines to provide a more streamlined manufacturing process.
Once the customer received the GPH-160GF material, they put the tape through their process and additional tests.
“We taped two pieces of 1/8” thick, natural finish die cast aluminum parts together. Ran it through our multiple stage washer, through a series of air knives, through a 500-degree IR dry off oven, powder coated the parts, then through a 400-degree curing oven. The parts were then placed in a negative five-degree environment for 60 hours. I was unable to pull them apart, we clamped the part and [performed a] destructive test which resulted in the material bending and cracking before the tape broke loose….I am impressed.”
3M™ VHB™ Tape GPH Series Tapes are grey in color and available in three thicknesses, 0.6mm, 1.1mm, and 1.6mm, which can be provided in rolls, or die cut parts. For more information, please contact us, or view this summary on GPH tapes.
Keys to Success
- Understanding the challenge presented by the customer and the ability to provide samples for testing
- Extensive 3M adhesive knowledge
- Authorized 3M Distributor and Select Converter
SS012 - 9/14/20