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Surface-to-Surface Strength

3M Large Surface Lamination product solutions resist shear and peel stress

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Large Surface Lamination Assemblies

Large surface laminations are two surfaces of similar size, either rigid or flexible, bonded together where a majority of one surface is contacting the other. These assemblies are common in transportation, appliances, furniture and construction. They often require full surface attachment, a flexible bond, fast bonding with little or no fixturing and the ability to position parts. The most efficient way of assembling a large surface lamination is with adhesives or tapes.

Large surface lamination assemblies typically require:
- Shear and peel strength
- Temperature and solvent resistance
- Favorable aesthetics with low read through
- Speed and convenience in application
- Fast rate of strength build

Peel and Cleavage stress in Large Surface Lamination Assemblies

The failure of a large surface lamination is a common sight; everyone can relate to a table with a peeling edge band or a carpet tile with a loose corner. The source of this delamination is relatively clear: peel. Shear and tensile forces, while present, are often negligible due to the large bond area over which to disperse the load. Most large surface laminations involve attaching a flexible surface to a more rigid surface, resulting in peel. However, some large surface laminations bond two rigid materials together, such as composite panel constructions, where the stress is cleavage.

Pro Tip: Combine Fastening with Adhesive Bonding to counteract Peel

Adhesives and tapes are weakest in one-dimensional stresses concentrated on the leading edge of a bond. Luckily, this is where mechanical fastening performs best. The easiest way to mitigate peel in a surface lamination is by incorporating mechanical fasteners at the edge of the bond. These serve as peel terminators and prevent cracks from propagating through the bulk of the bond. If, for aesthetic reasons or otherwise, mechanical fasteners are not appealing, incorporation of transition strips or mechanical lips to the design can provide a smooth transition from one surface to another and provide the same benefit of peel-terminating rivets.

Product Categories and considerations for large surface lamination

3M Large Surface Lamination products bond entire surfaces quickly, with little or no fixturing, yet allowing for part positioning when dry. Finished products stay flexible and surfaces stay bonded, even when flexed

3M™ Scotch-Weld™ Structural Adhesives

Acrylic, epoxy and urethane structural adhesives hold over 6.8MPa (1,000psi) in overlap shear strength. Best suited for applications where high load-bearing strength is required.
3M™ Scotch-Weld™ PUR Adhesives

One component, hot applied thermosetting adhesive with immediate strength and holding power. Final cured strength over 6.8MPa (1,000psi). Long open-time formulations can be spray applied.
3M™ Adhesive Transfer Tapes

A pressure sensitive adhesive on a liner. Can be laminated onto a surface by hand or by automation. Instant adhesion with no mess or waste and very thin bondlines.
3M™ Spray Adhesives

Solvent and water based adhesives can be sprayed, brushed or roll applied. Very fast and easy coverage of large areas including irregular and mildly textured shapes. Bonds the widest range of substrates.
3M™ Hot Melt Adhesives

100% solid, thermoplastic resins that reach bond strength in seconds. Long open-time formulations can be spray applied. Bonds irregular shapes and textured surfaces.

Performance Factors for Large Surface Lamination Assemblies

All 3M technologies shown below are commonly used in large surface bonding applications. Use the list below as a relative comparison of product performance.

+ = Good ++ = Better +++ = Best

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