3M and Nordson introduce a new automated bonding system

3M announces the debut of 3M VHB Extrudable Tape, a new manufacturing bonding solution that brings elevated levels of automation, simplicity, and sustainability across industries. This end-to-end bonding solution combines the benefits of 3M VHB Tapes with the versatility of a liquid adhesive in a single contained footprint enabling usage on any scale.

For more than 40 years, 3M VHB Tape has redefined manufacturing design and assembly processes, allowing users to bond industrial materials quickly, securely, and permanently without the use of mechanical fasteners such as screws or rivets. Initially used for bonding panels to the frames of specialty vehicles like ambulances and box trucks, this new bonding solution proved its ability to distribute stress loads across an entire surface instead of concentrating stress loads around each individual fastener.

The tape combines the best qualities of high strength acrylic foam tape with the versatility of liquid adhesives without their inherent drawbacks. While liquid adhesives offer versatility with application, they can be messy, difficult to handle, increase waste, and require longer curing times, all factors increase manufacturing time and overall costs. In contrast, the 3M On Demand Bonding System – designed to work with the Nordson ProBond System – eliminates liners and container waste while providing immediate material bonding and handling strength. These benefits help streamline, simplify, and speed up production operations.

"3M VHB Extrudable Tape does things no tape or liquid adhesive could ever do", says Patrick Meifert, global portfolio director of 3M. "It's an entirely new category of product and bonding solution for manufacturing innovation. This bonding system creates endless design and application possibilities at scale – whether you're a global multinational or a local manufacturing business."

Simple storage and application
Shipped on spools, the tape comes in the form of a long, coiled spool that’s easily stored and doesn't require special packaging or handling. Unlike large, complex liquid adhesive machines, the 3M On Demand Bonding System has a small footprint (30"x37") and very few moving parts, allowing assembly line integration without a list of replacement parts.

Versatile usageThe tape works on curved surfaces, irregular shapes, and dissimilar materials, eliminating the need for unsightly fasteners. The system can manage most inline or offline bonding situations involving metals, glass, rubber, woven surfaces, and plastics, alone or in combination with each other. As a result, 3M VHB Extrudable Tape can be used across multiple parts as a single adhesive that replaces several specialized solutions.

Ultimate efficiency
With the tape, bonded parts are ready to be handled immediately, removing steps, and increasing throughput. The system also requires little to no surface preparation.

Automation ready
The 3M On Demand Bonding System has a small footprint allowing scalability for manufacturers to move from design to scale-up no matter where they are in the automation journey.

Next level efficiency and sustainability focused
The tape's innovative stretch release technology provides a quick and easy adhesive removal process that reduces scrap, waste, and rework, making component repair easier.

Reimagining bonding3M VHB Tapes have been used across a variety of market applications for more than 40 years, so when it came to creating a new product, 3M's scientists, engineers, and developers knew the market and their customers intimately, allowing them to design this product with a new set of priorities. Automation, versatility, and sustainability were the primary goals for 3M VHB Extrudable Tape.

"3M VHB Tapes have revolutionized manufacturing over the past four decades. Today, 3M VHB Extrudable Tape redefines bonding possibilities as we know them", says Patrick Meifert, global portfolio director of 3M. "The idea that we created a bonding solution that is automation-friendly and versatile is exciting for this industry."