With your eyes glazed over from reading technical data sheets, you’re finally ready to hunt down 3M VHB tape.
While it’s tempting to contact 3M directly, you’ll first want to learn the advantages of sourcing from a distributor.
As a 3M Preferred Converter, Strouse’s experts have been working with VHB for decades to transform rolled goods into finished products. Depending on the quantity and material, we may be able to help you find a better deal for your product.
Keep reading, and we’ll explain how to source 3M products from a distributor and whether it’s the right choice for your project.
Using 3M vs. Finding a VHB Distributor
VHB tape is a product produced by 3M, but before you reach out to them directly, consider whether it makes sense.
While some projects can utilize 3M’s standard sizes and MOQs, others benefit from a distributor's lower minimum order quantities and custom sizes. Understanding the following differences will help you decide where to source your material.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF BUYING VHB FROM 3M?
1. HIGH-VOLUME REQUIREMENT
3M is known for mass-producing materials to be used on a global scale, so if you’re looking to make extremely high-volume orders, 3M can help you acquire the amount of material you need.
However, for small-to-mid-sized orders (in the thousands of dollars range), ordering directly might not be possible or the most cost-effective.
2. TYPICALLY LARGER ROLLS OF MATERIAL
3M typically creates bigger rolls and standardized sizes of materials, then sells them to be manufactured or used in a production process. However, if your project requires smaller rolls or custom-width rolls, going direct to 3M is probably not the best course of action.
WHY YOU MIGHT BUY VHB FROM A DISTRIBUTOR
1. SMALLER TO MODERATE MATERIAL QUANTITIES
Depending on the material, the Material Order Quantity (MOQ) for 3M VHB tapes might be higher than you’d prefer, and can even be price-prohibitive. For instance, 3M may only sell larger quantities of the material you want.
For small-to-mid orders, many companies go through a distributor who can bulk-purchase the material and sell smaller quantities at a better price.
2. CUSTOM FORMATS
Many businesses aren’t looking to buy gigantic master rolls of material because it isn’t usable for their purposes. That’s where a converter comes in; a converter can purchase material from 3M and slit it down into more manageable roll sizes or die cut it into custom designs.
Some distributors can convert 3M’s larger standardized rolls into custom widths and an even smaller few can cut specific shapes (usually called a converter), which is particularly useful for businesses that require precise dimensions or unique designs.
For smaller, custom widths or exact shapes, the best option is to use a converter like Strouse.
Spec’ing a material based on its data sheet is one thing, but custom samples will allow you to perform accurate testing on your measurements and design.
If you haven’t tested the VHB in your application, consider choosing Strouse as a converter to help you source material. Whether it’s in rolls of material or sheeted die-cut parts on a liner, a converter can help you get the product you need, at an effective cost, in your ideal format.
For more information about 3M VHB tape, check out our resources on VHB Materials.
