While looking for a permanent adhesive tape, you have globally many options to choose from. In this article we will elaborate on the options when you want the extra assurance of a bond with no movement, and where   your application must  stand up to the most extreme temperature and/or weather condition. In many instances, Acrylic Foam tapes have proven to be an effective alternative to traditional connections like screws, rivets, and welds and will permanently connect one substrate to another while expanding the tension load through the whole length of the connection. Once the materials are joined, an almost unbreakable weld is created.

Adhesive manufacturers often classify Acrylic Foam Tapes within the foam family, but be aware that this is not similar to the traditional foam tape.  Acrylic Foam Tapes are produced from an acrylic polymer material blended to form one material. There is no separate backing and instead a thick material that bonds to a variety of surfaces. These tapes are designed for applications where a permanent bond is needed. After 3 days, the connection becomes almost unbreakable.

Acrylic foam tapes are high strength, flexible, and resilient foam adhesive that enables engineers and manufacturers to solve functional needs like permanent bonding while also improving the performance of their product or simplifying assembly. These added values provide real ROI for your adhesive components and increase your margins.

The unique chemistry of the foam provides exceptional durability, and temperature resistance greater than that of PE foam. Finally, acrylic foam tapes are suitable for a wide range of component assembly, mounting, and fixation applications in aerospace, appliances, automotive, building and construction, electronics and print & packaging.

3M was the first to introduce and mass market their Very High Bonding Tape (VHB). Engineers all over the world adopted the 3M VHB Tapes since 1980 to permanently bond and seal metals, plastics and other surfaces to increase productivity, durability and improve appearance.

On skyscraper in Dubai built with glass panels on the exterior are installed using acrylic foam tapes. The tapes hold up to the extreme temperature differences and desert sand storms. This creates a large difference in expansion between both substrates (glass window + metal/concrete construction). Acrylic foam tapes, have been specifically developed to positively compensate this behavior.

After 3M VHB entered the market, other Adheisve Tape manufactures hit the market with Acrylic Foam Tape and it continues to grow.

For example Avery Dennison Performance Tapes has extended its acrylic foam bonding (AFB™) portfolio in 2020. The new 94 Series AFB heat-activated tapes are reportedly engineered to deliver the high holding power required for rubber extrusion bonding in industrial applications.

Manufactures offering acrylic foam tapes, include major players likeAFTCand Avery Dennison Performance Tapes.

Converting Acrylic Foam Tapes

Tacon converts acrylic foam tapes and other pressure sensitive adhesives to custom sizes, shapes, and formats. Tacon provide rolls of tape slit to custom widths or foam tape components cutted to custom shapes and dimensions. These components can be provided in multiple formats including wound on a roll, on singular sheets of liner, or as individual pieces with a liner to protect the adhesive. These formats are designed to simplify your assembly process, so whether you apply foam tape components by hand or machine automation, Tacon can design and convert a solution that is customized to fit in with your existing processes or products.

Application Examples

  • Glass and window mounting (water resistant)
  • Loudspeaker and microphone bonding, television display and frame mounting
  • Door frame mounting for design decoration, refrigerator, and other home appliances
  • Nameplate, signboard, and other component assembly and lamination
  • Elevator stiffener mounting and lamination
  • Assembly of cushions, pads or strips, fixation of mirrors and cabinet doors in furniture