Technical Bulletin
3MTM VHBTM Tape Durability
3
Industrial Adhesives and Tapes Division
3M Center, Building 225-3S-06
St. Paul, MN 55144-1000
800-362-3550 • 877-369-2923 (Fax)
www.3M.com/vhb
3M and VHB are trademarks of 3M
Company. Printed in U.S.A.
©3M 2018 70-0709-3862-9 (8/18)
3M warrants for 24 months from the date of manufacture that 3M™ VHB™ Tape will be free of defects in material
and manufacture. 3M MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED,
INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OR CONDITION OF MERCHANTABILITY,
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR ARISING OUT OF A COURSE OF DEALING, CUSTOM, OR
USAGE OF TRADE. This warranty does not cover damage resulting from the use or inability to use 3M™ VHB™
Tape due to misuse, workmanship in application, or application or storage not in accordance with 3M
recommended procedures (except to the extent 3M approves and issues a specific application warranty, for which
the customer must apply, receive 3M approval, and meet all applicable warranty and process requirements, the
additional details, terms, and conditions of which are available from 3M). If a 3M product does not conform to this
warranty, then the sole and exclusive remedy is, at 3M’s option, replacement of the 3M product or refund of the
purchase price.
Warranty, Limited
Remedy, and
Disclaimer
Application
Examples of
Durability
(continued)
Another example of 3M™ VHB™ Tape durability came from testing at the
Bendix Automotive Proving Grounds in Indiana. A full size semi-truck with
sleeper cab was constructed with all exterior panels and doors taped to an
underlying frame with 3M™ VHB™ Tape 4950. After approximately 300,000
simulated miles on the harsh Durability Track, the 3M™ VHB™ Tape bonds
remained completely intact. This is particularly impressive as some
mechanically joined and welded parts experienced failures and required repairs
for the test to continue.
One of the most demanding applications for 3M™ VHB™ Tape has been on
aircraft exteriors. Several commercial aircraft models have incorporated
stainless steel anti-chafing strips bonded to the aluminum wing flaps. These
panels help prevent abrasion and chafing between the flap and underside of the
wing during movement of the flaps for take offs, landings, and in-flight
vibration. 3M™ VHB™ Adhesive Transfer Tape 9473 continues to be a means
for bonding these panels into place. This application has been in use since 1984.
Durability is particularly key in this application since the bond can be subjected
to high skin temperatures in direct sunlight on the ground and -65°F (-54°C) at
high altitudes. In addition, this cycle can be repeated several times per day.
The technical information, guidance, and other statements contained in this document or otherwise provided by 3M
are based upon records, tests, or experience that 3M believes to be reliable, but the accuracy, completeness, and
representative nature of such information is not guaranteed. Such information is intended for people with
knowledge and technical skills sufficient to assess and apply their own informed judgment to the information. No
license under any 3M or third party intellectual property rights is granted or implied with this information.
Technical
Information
Many factors beyond 3M’s control and uniquely within user’s knowledge and control can affect the use and
performance of a 3M product in a particular application. As a result, customer is solely responsible for evaluating
the product and determining whether it is appropriate and suitable for customer’s application, including conducting
a workplace hazard assessment and reviewing all applicable regulations and standards (e.g., OSHA, ANSI, etc.).
Failure to properly evaluate, select, and use a 3M product and appropriate safety products, or to meet all
applicable safety regulations, may result in injury, sickness, death, and/or harm to property.
Product Selection
and Use
MSDS: 3M has not prepared a MSDS for these products which are not subject to the MSDS requirements of the
Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Hazard Communication Standard, 29 C.F.R.1910.1200(b)(6)(v).
When used under reasonable conditions or in accordance with the 3M directions for use, these products should
not present a health and safety hazard. However, use or processing of the products in a manner not in accordance
with the directions for use may affect their performance and present potential health and safety hazards.
TSCA: These products are defined as articles under the Toxic Substances Control Act and therefore, are exempt
from inventory listing requirements.
Recognition/
Certification
Except for the limited remedy stated above, and except to the extent prohibited by law, 3M will not be liable for
any loss or damage arising from or related to the 3M product, whether direct, indirect, special, incidental, or
consequential (including, but not limited to, lost profits or business opportunity), regardless of the legal or
equitable theory asserted, including, but not limited to, warranty, contract, negligence, or strict liability.
Limitation of
Liability
This Industrial Adhesives and Tapes Division product was manufactured under a 3M quality system registered to ISO 9001 standards.
ISO 9001
- 6 -