How can you ensure you’re using an adhesive that has the capability to adhere to challenging surfaces?
More and more industries are using low-surface-energy plastics like polyethylene and polypropylene in their production. The trouble with low surface energy materials is that traditional bonding materials refuse to stick to them.
Strouse has been working with LSE adhesive tape for decades. We’ve tried countless different materials, one of which is 3M’s 300LSE adhesive, which joins surfaces despite the low surface energy of the substrates involved.
If you’re looking for a low surface energy adhesive, stay tuned for us to explain how 3M 300LSE tape can benefit your production process.
What is 3M 300LSE Tape?
3M developed 300LSE as an acrylic adhesive system specifically for sticking to surfaces with low surface energy. These adhesives work without needing flame treatment, corona treatment, or solvents, which are methods of applying adhesive to low surface energy substrates that often add cost.
300LSE is a high-strength adhesive that comes in several forms, such as transfer or double-sided tape, and several thicknesses.
WHAT IS 300LSE USED FOR?
Manufacturers and engineers use 300LSE tape to bond smooth, flat surfaces such as electronics and packaging. It is also used in mechanical seals. Many tapes and adhesives are thick enough to be noticeable, so 3M offers thinner versions to prevent the oversizing of small components.
3M designed 300LSE Adhesive to work well with the following LSE materials:
- Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS plastic)
- Coated paper
- Ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM rubber)
- Graphite
- Metal Mesh
- Polypropylene
- Polystyrene
- Polyurethane
- Powder-Coated Surface
- Rubber
- Wood
Note: 300LSE works with high surface energy materials as well as LSEs. You can use it to bond LSE and HSE objects together if they have suitable surfaces.
What Are the Benefits of 300LSE Adhesive?
Finding the right material for your project can be challenging, especially if you’re still deciding between mechanical fasteners and adhesive tape. The following comparisons discuss different bonds capable of holding the same weight.
1: BONDS WITH LSE MATERIALS
The most significant benefit of using 300LSE tape is its ability to attach low surface energy materials in manufacturing.
Because many thermoplastics, such as polypropylene, are inexpensive, LSE materials have become increasingly popular in manufacturing processes. Finding methods to bond them is an essential decision for the future of your manufacturing, and knowing how to use these materials can be the difference between winning a contract and losing it to another company.
3M’s 300LSE line is specifically designed to bond with low surface energy materials.
WHY IS THAT IMPORTANT?
- Many low surface energy materials offer specific benefits not found elsewhere, including durability, flexibility, and resisting moisture and heat.
Bonding with low surface energy materials can be a huge boon. It offers extra options in creating products and can provide significant savings to any company, especially if they want to avoid overheads.
2: ALLOWS BONDS WITH FRAGILE MATERIALS
Some materials are incredibly fragile and can only be bonded using adhesives, such as those that cannot undergo bending or heating. For example, china, glass, or other materials cannot withstand rivets or screws.
3M’s range of adhesives, such as the 300LSE range, allows the bonding of these materials due to the non-invasive adhesive bonding process.
WHY IS THAT IMPORTANT?
- Many materials, such as glass or fragile plastics, have no comparable replacements with the same properties.
Due to this, you must often continue to use these materials without scrimping on structural integrity. For these reasons, 300LSE is a powerful alternative bonding method that can provide a strong bond without sabotaging the material.
3: CUSTOMIZABLE FOR YOUR NEEDS
If you want customized sizes and shapes of 3M 300LSE foam tape, you can convert the tape into any form you need.
WHY IS THAT IMPORTANT?
- 3M tape must sometimes be precision die cut to provide a consistent product. Tape converters use die cutting to give you the appropriate size and shape of tape.
This is useful for customers who need a consistently-created product. It is also vital when used by production staff to produce many products quickly. Your employees will not need to measure and cut each piece of tape they need if it arrives pre-prepared.
Now that you know more about how 300LSE can help you, you might be interested in searching for a specific adhesive tape. If you contact us, we can help you source materials and build a custom product.
For over 38 years, Strouse has worked with LSE adhesives. If you have any questions about your material choice or product, reach out, and we’ll be happy to discuss how we can help you now and in the future.
If you want more advice on LSE adhesives, you can also see our Learning Center.
Originally published: January 29, 2021
