Innovative Tape gives Structural Glazing a Smarter Finish, Faster

An alternative to the messy, time consuming silicone sealants currently used to secure glass in structural applications, has been developed by 3M, the diversified technology company. VHB Structural Glazing Tape simplifies fabrication, eliminates the delays caused by curing and provides a consistently neat, high quality finish with very high strength and dependable durability.

VHB Structural Glazing Tape is a high-performance, double-sided, pressure-sensitive acrylic foam tape designed to attach glass to the metal frames used in curtain walling systems. The system helps architects incorporate clean, visually appealing finishes by reducing the thickness of the bond area. It also delivers significant benefits for fabricators by simplifying assembly procedures and eliminating cure times.

The tape requires only very simple surface preparation and provides an instant bond, eliminating the time and space demanded by other systems, where the adhesive needs to cure. It can even be pre-applied to the frame or glass and left with the protective liner in place until required, allowing a greater degree of off-site fabrication. Full bond strength is achieved within 72 hours.

Structural Glazing Tape uses 3M's advanced adhesive technology to deliver secure bonding to all common frame substrates including anodised aluminium, uPVC and powder coats. It will bond modern, coated solar-control and self-cleaning glasses. The tape is a uniform 2.3mm thick, less than one third of the typical thickness of a structural silicone bond, making the bond far less visible from the inside of the window. The precise dimensional control of the tape also allows for extremely neat, accurate assembly. The tape can also be precisely cut to length, minimising material wastage.

Already proven in demanding South American climactic conditions, VHB Structural Glazing Tape offers extremely good UV and temperature resistance. The adhesive strength is retained even through repeated thermal expansion and contraction and the flexible acrylic foam effectively reduces stresses at the bond line. The tape's closed cell construction ensures that it provides lasting weather protection as well as a durable bond.
‘Today's architectural glass facades demand a bonding system that is quick and cost-effective, simple to test, visually discreet and extremely durable over the long term,’
says Mike Killner, construction technical manager at 3M.

‘With VHB Structural Glazing Tape, 3M has developed a product that meets all these requirements. The system has already been very well received in the markets in which it has been tested and we are starting to see architects specifying it on projects in the UK.’

Tested in accordance with ETAG002, 3M's VHB Structural Glazing Tapes come in a consistent and unobtrusive neutral colour and are available in multiple widths to suit many applications.

Tel: 08705 360036
Web: http://www.3M.co.uk