1️⃣ What materials are you bonding?
- Mostly METALS or High Surface Energy (HSE) plastics
(Aluminum, stainless steel, anodized metal, glass, polycarbonate, acrylic)
➡️ Go to Section 2
- Low Surface Energy (LSE) plastics
(Polypropylene, polyethylene, powder-coated plastics, some ABS blends)
➡️ Choose 3M 300LSE family
- Examples: 9495LE, 300LSE transfer tapes
- Why: Standard acrylics (467MP/468MP) struggle on LSE surfaces
- Mixed materials or painted surfaces
➡️ Go to Section 2, but consider VHB if structural
2️⃣ Is the bond STRUCTURAL or NON-STRUCTURAL?
- Structural / Load-bearing
(Panels, trim, glass, frames, vibration resistance needed)
➡️ 3M VHB™ Tape
- Examples: 4910 (clear), 5952 (black), 4941 (gray)
- Why: Foam core absorbs stress and replaces fasteners
- Non-structural / Surface attachment
(Nameplates, labels, overlays, electronics, gaskets)
➡️ Go to Section 3
3️⃣ How smooth is the surface?
- Very smooth & flat
(Polished metal, glass, flat plastics)
➡️ 3M 467MP
- Thin adhesive layer (~2.3 mil)
- Best for precision die-cuts, overlays, flexible circuits
- Slightly textured, brushed, or lightly curved
(Brushed aluminum, powder-coated metal, molded plastics)
➡️ 3M 468MP
- Thicker adhesive (~5.2 mil)
- Better wet-out and edge hold
4️⃣ How thin does the bond line need to be?
- Extremely thin / invisible
(Electronics, membrane switches, graphic overlays)
➡️ 467MP
- Thickness is acceptable / helps bonding
(Nameplates, PEI sheets, industrial labels)
➡️ 468MP
5️⃣ Environmental exposure?
High heat (up to ~400°F short-term)
➡️ 467MP or 468MP
- Excellent thermal resistance
Humidity / moisture
➡️ 467MP / 468MP or VHB
- All use durable acrylic adhesive systems
Chemicals / solvents
➡️ 467MP / 468MP
- Very good solvent resistance
Outdoor UV exposure
➡️ VHB or MP-series
- VHB preferred if expansion/contraction expected
6️⃣ Is die-cutting or converting involved?
High-precision die-cut parts
(Small gaskets, electronics, tight tolerances)
➡️ 467MP
General die-cut parts / thicker materials
➡️ 468MP