Are you interested in joining components without using screws? 3M offers three solutions that remove the need to use screws. These non-screwed connections create a durable, non-metallic joint that:
- Enhances machine performance
- Reduces installation time
- Improves machine appearance, as the glue and tape are hidden
- Provides a long-lasting grip
The right fixing solutions help you to bring a higher-quality and more competitive product to market. Curious about the 3M top three? Read more below!
1. Double-sided tape
Double-sided tapes are a quick and easy solution for good grip strength. Since the tape is two-sided, it is extra strong. The tape is also ideal for surfaces exposed to temperature differences and replaces other connection methods such as screws, welding or riveting. This solution makes it easy to join two parts on a permanent or temporary basis.
When can you use double-sided tape?
- For transparent or colourless adhesion
- With materials such as metal and aluminium
- On different surfaces, such as paint, metal and glass
- In a powder coating process
- On uneven or irregular surfaces
What are the properties of double-sided tape?
- Resistant to high temperatures (in the short term) and large temperature differences
- No damage to the material
- Easy to use
- Good-quality grip
Want to know more about 3M™ VHB™ double-sided tapes? Take a look at the webshop.
2. Reclosable fasteners
Another solution for creating joints without screws is a reclosable fastener. This product provides an easy way to secure flexible and bendable materials. It also serves as a strong and removable fastener or bond. Reclosable fasteners are durable and can be opened and closed up to 1000 times before losing 50% of their original strength. Example uses of reclosable fasteners include:
- Attaching plastic signs to window glass
- Fixing vehicle accessories to the dashboard
- Connecting access panels to industrial, electronic and electrical appliances
- Fixing interior ceiling panels in place while allowing future access
- Attaching a control panel to the inner wall of a lift
Good to know: If you need to fix transparent materials in place, then a transparent reclosable fastener is the ideal solution! This kind of fastener is designed for mounting transparent materials and to blend in with its surroundings.
Benefits of 3M™ DUAL-LOCK™:
- Grips well to different plastics, bare and powder-coated metal, glass, varnished wood, paper and cardboard at average temperatures.
- Grips well to plastic materials (acrylic, polycarbonate, ABS) at low temperatures, grips to powder-coated varnished surfaces and low-energy materials (polypropylene and polyethylene).
- Resistant to high temperatures. Grips well to metals (aluminium, stainless steel), glass, plastics (acrylic, polycarbonate, ABS) and varnished surfaces.
- Benefits from highest temperature resistance. Grips well to metals (aluminium, stainless steel), glass, plastics (acrylic, polycarbonate, ABS).
- Grips well to metals, glass, numerous plastics (polycarbonate, ABS), powder-coated varnished surfaces and medium- to low-energy materials at low to average temperatures.
For more information on the 3M™ DUAL-LOCK™ reclosable fastener, visit the webshop.
3. Structural adhesive
Apart from tapes, another potential solution is structural adhesive. Adhesive is applied between two surfaces; it then dries and connects the surfaces.
Why adhesive? A joint made using adhesive is almost invisible, easy to apply and distributes the load on the joint evenly. As two-component adhesives, epoxy adhesive, acrylic adhesive and polyurethane adhesive create an excellent final grip strength for those situations when you need an extra-secure bond. These adhesives can grip to almost any surface and are suitable for almost any job.
Which adhesives?
Adhesive is suitable for joining metal and steel, gluing aluminium or fixing other metals in place. The most suitable adhesive depends on the type of joint you require, so we've listed the various 3M adhesives below.
3M™ Scotch-Weld™ adhesives
- Epoxy adhesives are extremely hard and boast a high resistance to chemicals.
- Acrylic adhesives have faster application times and harden quickly, even on numerous plastics and elastomers with low surface energy.
- Polyurethane adhesives are flexible and impact-resistant, and are suitable for bonding plastics and wood.
- Adhesives for rigid synthetic materials have a high shear strength and are best suited to static loads.
- Flexible adhesives offer the best solution for dynamic or shock loads.
- Visco-plastic adhesives combine the advantages of rigid and flexible products, boasting a high shear strength and excellent resistance to shock loads and peeling force.
Structural two-component epoxy adhesives & glue guns
Epoxy adhesives and glue guns have many benefits, which we have listed for you below.
- A high shear strength and excellent peeling strength
- High peeling force
- The reinforced adhesive is resistant to demanding conditions
- Offers good grip on many plastics and metals
- Has a flexible adhesive composition for a strong and lasting grip, even when exposed to vibration and shocks!
- Remains flexible after curing, making it a good choice for bonding uneven surfaces
The table below provides an overview of the products mentioned above. Are you looking for an adhesive or tape for screw-free joints? Keep this table to hand and find the best product for you.
If you have any questions about tapes and adhesive, take a look at the webshop or contact your account manager.
