3M 30H

Surface Preparation

Surfaces must be clean, dry and dust free. Wiping with a solvent such as 3M™ Scotch-Grip™ Solvent No. 3* will aid in removing oil and dirt.Temperature of adhesive and surfaces during fabrication should be at least 65°F (18°C). If used for decorative plastic laminates, the laminate should have reached moisture equilibrium for the shop conditions.

*When using solvents, extinguish all ignition sources, including pilot lights, and follow the manufacturer’s precautions and directions for use

Application

When bonding wood veneers, success is dependent on many variables such as environmental conditions, bonding process, type of base material, type of veneer, adhesive type and top coat finishing systems to name a few. For un-backed wood veneers, water based contact adhesives are not recommended. It is the user’s responsibility to thoroughly test any adhesive for its suitability in bonding wood veneers. It is also recommended to follow the veneer manufacturers recommendation and industry guidelines.

Apply a uniform, generous coat of adhesive to both surfaces with a nylon brush, roller (texturing type), or spray. One coat is usually sufficient on most surfaces. Dull spots when dry indicate insufficient adhesive. Very porous material may require more than one coat. (Allow adhesive to dry completely between coats.) A uniform, glossy film indicates sufficient adhesive.

Coverage is dependent upon porosity of the substrate and the method by which the adhesive is applied. Use 3.0-3.5 gms/ft2 of dry adhesive per surface for wood, particle board and high pressure laminates with the adhesive applied by spray or roller. More adhesive (lower coverage) is recommended if very soft wood, fabrics, foams, etc. are to be bonded, or if the adhesive is applied by brushing.

Assembly: Spacers, such as dowels or strips of laminate, may be used to help prevent premature adhesive to adhesive contact and bonding prior to positioning. Slide out the spacers and apply uniform pressure, working toward the edges. A 3 in. wide (maximum) roller with maximum body pressure should be used to help ensure adequate contact and bonding, especially on edges. Bonded assemblies may be machined, trimmed, etc. immediately after bonding. The use of a pinch or nip roll is preferred for optimum performance.

Application Tips for Using 3M™ Fastbond™ Contact Adhesive 30-NF: (1) Working Temperature: The adhesive and both surfaces to be bonded should be 65°F (18°C) or above at the time of bonding. After storage at low temperature and before using, the adhesive must be warmed to room temperature. Do not place in oven or on stove

bring to temperature by placing in a warm room. If this is not done, the open time and other working properties of the adhesive may be adversely affected. (2) Use Enough Adhesive: It is important to remember that it is difficult to use too much adhesive, but you can have problems if you don’t use enough. 3M™ Fastbond™ Contact Adhesive 30 must be applied to both surfaces. Adhesive can be applied by spray (see Application Equipment Suggestions), brush or a texturing type roller., Non-porous surfaces should require only one coat, while porous surfaces may require two coats. Wherever you use more than one coat, be sure to let the adhesive dry completely between coats. Hardwoods, tempered hardboard and decorative laminates are non-porous. Soft woods, untempered hardboard, plywood and plaster are typical porous surfaces which may require two coats. Note: 3M water-dispersed contact adhesives should never be thinned.

(3) Let Adhesive Dry Completely: Under normal temperature and humidity conditions, Fastbond contact adhesive 30 will dry in approximately 30 minutes. In very warm, low humidity conditions, drying may take as little as 10-15 minutes. Lower temperatures and higher humidity mean slower drying. When the adhesive coating completely loses its milky appearance and becomes clear it is ready to bond. You have four (4) hours after the adhesive is dry in which to complete the bonding job. You can bond as soon as it is dry, but the longer you wait the stronger the initial bond will be., To speed drying, infrared heat lamps may be used. When force drying is used, assembly and bonding must be completed while one or both of the bonding surfaces is warm. If both surfaces are cold, reheat either or both before bonding., If your two surfaces do not grab onto each other immediately when brought into contact, the adhesive has dried too long or not enough adhesive was applied. In either case, another coat of adhesive over each surface will remedy the problem.

(4) Apply Pressure Thoroughly: Bonding is immediate upon contact. Sustained pressure is not required, but good uniform pressure must be applied to every square inch of the surface. Apply pressure by using heavy body pressure on a small (not over 3”) hand “J”-roller. The use of a pinch roll is preferred for optimum performance., Note: Rolling pins and other wide rollers are unsatisfactory because they bridge low spots and because they distribute the pressure over too large an area.

(5) Assembling: Position the surfaces carefully before assembly. No adjustment is possible after the adhesive films make contact. Use the paper slip sheet method or spacers to position large pieces.

(6) Finishing: Bonded assemblies can be machined, trimmed and finished immediately after bonding.

(7) Cleaning: Brushes or rollers which are to be reused should be wrapped with plastic wrap to keep adhesive wet as complete cleaning is difficult., Note: Never pour solvent onto a bonded surface

it will attack the adhesive line and weaken the bond. Just wipe with cloth dampened in solvent or cleaner such as 3M™ Citrus Base Cleaner.* Turpentine will not dissolve the adhesive., *When using solvents, extinguish all ignition sources, including pilot lights, and follow the manufacturer’s precautions and directions for use.

Curing

The adhesive dries sufficiently in 30 minutes under normal temperatures and humidities to make bonds. High humidity will slow the drying, high temperature will speed the drying. After the adhesive is dry the bond must be completed within four hours.

Clean-Up

If adhesive has not dried, clean equipment with water containing a small amount of detergent.** Adhesive cannot be cleaned off rollers or brushes after it has dried.

*When using solvents, extinguish all ignition sources, including pilot lights, and follow the manufacturer’s precautions and directions for use.

**Cleaning solution: One pint of cleaner to five gallons of water. Flush with clean water.