VHB™ Structural Metal Cladding Tape

W20F
Technical Data 08/2006

Product Description 3M™ VHB™ Structural Metal Cladding Tape is a high performance
double-coated pressure sensitive acrylic foam tape. It is used to attach
metal sheets to metal frames in façade curtain wall systems replacing
commonly used mechanical fasteners, gaskets or structural silicone
sealants. Application performance and test results demonstrate the
outstanding durability, and temperature performance of 3M™ VHB™
Tape acrylic foam chemistry.

Application Requirements All 3M™ VHB™ Tapes cladding projects must be reviewed on a
project-specific basis by a 3M representative to begin the structural
cladding process. 3M Sales and Technical Service Specialists are
available to assist the customer to determine the suitability of 3M™
VHB™ Structural Metal Cladding Tape for structural cladding
applications.

Construction VHB™ W 20 F

Adhesive High Performance Acrylic

Adhesive Carrier Conformable Acrylic Closed Cell Foam

Color White

Thickness mm 2.0 mm ± 10%

Density kg/m³ 720

Liner Red Polyethylene Film

Typical Physical
Properties and VHB™ W 20 F
Performance
i
Characteristics:
Note: The following technical information and data should be considered representative or
typical only and should not be used for specification purposes.
Temperature resistance
long term °C 150
short term 200
Peel adhesion
(N/100mm)
according to A.F.E.R.A. 4001; 350
after 72 h, speed 300
mm/Min.;Angle 90°; RT; Steel

Tensile
(N/cm²)
95
ASTM D-897, nach 72 h, Al (=950 kPa)
50 mm/Min.; 6,45 cm²; RT

Dynamic Shear
48
(N/cm²)
ASTM D-1002; after 72h; steel;
(=480 kPa)
12,7 mm/min; 6,45cm; RT

Static Shear, 20°C 1500

 static (g)
according to
A.F.E.R.A. 4012,
65°C
90°C
1000
750
120°C 750
after 72 h RT; Steel;
>10.000 Min.; 3,23 150°C 750
cm²; 180°C 750
Caution: The higher the temperature the more the
viscous characteristic of the tape will dominate.
Always do tests according to your construction.

For tape area calculation the following guidelines can be used. Please ensure that each
project is reviewed and approved by local 3M Technical Service.
For dynamic tensile or shear loads (such as
Tape Design Strength dynamic windloads), a design strength of
loads
2
8435 kg/m or 85 kPa
(deadload support)
is used for VHB™ Structural Glazing Tape. This
design strength guideline provides a safety factor
of at least 5 and was established based on
material property testing as well as ASTM dynamic
load testing for curtain wall applications.

For static tensile or shear loads (such as dead

Tape Design Strength weight loads, snow loads and other long-term
static loads loads), a design strength of
(no deadload support)
173.5 kg/m² or 1.7 kPa

can generally be used. This means that 60 cm²

VHB™ per 1 kg load should be used to support
static loads. This guideline provides a safety factor
of at least 5.

Important: Static load and dynamic load calculations should be performed on unsupported
deadload structural glazing applications. The calculation resulting in the wider tape width should
be used as the appropriate tape width for the application.
Note: Always round up to the nearest whole number dividible by 5 and never round down for
metric (mm) calculations.

2
 Available Sizes: VHB™ W 20 F
Standard Length (m)
16.5
(other length on request)
Standard Width (mm)
15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40
(other width on request)
Width Tolerances (mm) ± 0.4 mm
Core Diameter 76.2 mm

Application Guidelines Each 3M™ VHB™ Structural Metal Cladding Tape application will be
reviewed on a project specific basis. Application guidelines will be based
upon adhesion test results generated by 3M Technical Service. These
project specific application guidelines will be provided to the customer and
must be followed during the glass bonding process. Listed below are some
typical application guidelines for a 3M™ VHB™ structural glazing project.
However, these do not replace the project specific application guidelines
provided by the 3M Technical Service Representative.
For maximum bond strength, all surfaces should be thoroughly cleaned with
e.g. a 50/50 IPA/water mixture to remove contaminants. Glass surfaces
should be cleaned with a 70/29.5/0.5% mixture of IPA/water/silane solution
prior to tape application.
Surfaces may require additional surface preparation that will be determined
on a project specific basis. Ideal tape application is accomplished when
temperature is between 20°C and 38°C and the bond is allowed to dwell 72
hours. Initial tape application to surfaces at temperatures below 16°C is not
recommended. Bond strength is dependent upon the amount of adhesive-to-
surface contact developed. Firm application pressure develops better
adhesive contact and helps improve bond strength. Generally, this means
that the tape should experience at least 100 kPa in roll down or platen
pressure. After application, the bond strength will increase as the adhesive
flows onto the surface. At room temperature, approximately 50% of the
ultimate strength will be achieved after 20 minutes, 90% after 24 hours and
100% after 72 hours.

Product Use All statements, technical information and recommendations contained in this
document are based upon tests or experience that 3M believes are reliable.
However, many factors beyond 3M’s control can affect the use and
performance of a 3M product in a particular application, including the
conditions under which the product is used and the time and environmental
conditions in which the product is expected to perform. Since these factors
are uniquely within the user’s knowledge and control, it is essential that the
user evaluate the 3M product to determine whether it is fit for a particular
purpose and suitable for the user’s method of application.

3
Design VHB™ Structural Metal Cladding Tapes are capable to cover 300% of their
thickness for difference in thermal expansion. This means that e.g.
VHB™ W 20F can compensate 3 x 2.0 mm (6.0mm) difference in thermal
expansion.
Surface tolerances can be compensated up to 50% of the tape thickness per
meter. This means for VHB™ W 20F 1.0mm.
For detailed analysis and approval of your design please contact your local
3M Technical Service representative.

Storage Storage in original cartons at 21°C and 50% relative humidity.

Shelf Life When stored under proper conditions product retains its performance and
properties for 24 month.

Limitations of Remedies If the 3M™ VHB™ Tape is proved to be defective within the warranty
and Liability period stated above. THE EXCLUSIVE REMEDY, AT 3M’S OPTION,
SHALL BE TO REFUND THE PURCHASE PRICE OF OR TO REPAIR
OR REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE 3M™ VHB™ TAPE. 3M shall not
otherwise be liable for loss or damages, whether direct, indirect, special,
incidental, or consequential, regardless of the legal theory asserted,
including negligence, warranty, or strict liability.

3M Europe N.V./S.A.
Industrial Adhesives & Tape Devision
Hermeslaan 7
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +49 2131 14 2669
www.3M.com/industrial