These instructions are provided courtesy of Husky Tape Converting, the exclusive importer of Acribond Tapes in Australia.
Whether you’re bonding metal, plastic, or composites, following these five steps will ensure your Acribond VST Tape achieves maximum performance.
1. Surface Preparation
Before you apply any adhesive tape, always test the substrate for compatibility. Once confirmed:
- Clean thoroughly
- Wipe both surfaces with isopropyl alcohol (IPA) or a similar solvent to remove dust, oil, grease and mould‑release agents.
- If heavy contamination is present, use Acribond Surface Preparation Cleaner to eradicate oils and release agents.
- Abrade the substrates
- Scour or sand lightly to strip corrosion, oxidation or coatings and increase surface area for better adhesion.
- Final wipe
- Remove all loose particles with a fresh, lint‑free cloth, wiping in one direction.
- Seal porous materials
- Apply a suitable sealer to wood, concrete or fabric before taping to prevent adhesive soak‑in.
2. Apply Adequate Pressure
Acribond VST Tapes rely on pressure to form a strong initial bond. Aim for:
- ≈100 kPa (15 psi) of pressure
- Use a rubber roller or flat‑surface tool to press the tape firmly into place, ensuring full contact across the entire bond area.
3. Allow Sufficient Dwell Time
While Acribond offers up to 50 % initial tack in 20 minutes, full bond strength develops over time:
- Ultimate adhesion reached in ~72 hours, depending on ambient temperature.
- Avoid stressing the joint until the full cure time has elapsed for optimal performance.
4. Maintain Ideal Application Temperature
For best “wet‑out” and flow of the adhesive:
- Recommended range: 21 °C to 35 °C
- At cooler temperatures, consider the A3000 Series, formulated for reliable adhesion down to lower temperatures.
5. Calculate Tape Width & Coverage
To support a static load effectively:
- Use ≥ 55 cm² of tape per kilogram of weight.
- Apply the trapezoid rule to determine the length and width of tape required for irregular shapes.
- Factor in environmental stresses (e.g. wind, vibration) when sizing your tape.
Need help selecting the right Acribond Tape?
Contact our technical team at Adhesive Tapes Direct for personalised advice on your next bonding project.
