3M 4946

3M 4946 Datasheet
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  • Description for 3M 4946

    Ideal for use in many interior and exterior bonding applications., Excellent durability and excellent solvent and moisture resistance.<br/>

    *See Terms of Use Below

    Application Type Bond
    Material Form Tape
    Substrate Aluminum, Acrylic paint, Phenolic, Glass, Metal, ABS, Polyimide, Vinyl, Polycarbonate, Polyester paint, Polyurethane paint, UnPlasticized PVC, Galvanized Steel, Stainless Steel, Galvanized Steel, Plastic
    Industry Many exterior bonding applications
    Manufacturer 3M
    Chemistry Acrylic
    Cure Method Pressure sensitive
    Color White
    Relative Solvent Resistance Chemical Resistance: Excellent solvent resistance
    High Temperature Resistance (°C) 149, 93, 110, 90, 75
    Low Temperature Resistance (°C) -35
    Durability Excellent durability
    Density (g/cm³) 0.800
    Key Specifications UL 746C
    Tape Backing/Carrier Acrylic Foam

  • Technical Data for 3M 4946

    *See Terms of Use Below

    Overview
    • Application Type
    • Material Form
      • Tape
    • Substrate
    • Industry
      • Industrial - Many interior bonding applications
      • Industrial Exterior - Many exterior bonding applications
    • Chemistry
    • Application Method
      • Dispenser - Application equipment
      • Roll - Roller
    • Cure Method
      • Pressure Sensitive (min) - Pressure sensitive
    • Color
      • White
    • Key Specifications
      • UL (Underwriters Laboratory), ULC (Underwriters Laboratories of Canada), NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) - UL 746C
    • Tape Backing/Carrier
      • Acrylic Foam
    Specifications
    Cure Specs
    Application Temperature (°F) 59, 70 to 100
    Bond Strength
    Peel Strength (piw) High, 25 (lb/in) Test Method
    Shear Strength (psi) High, 80, 1500 (grams), 500 (grams), 500 (grams) Test Method
    Tensile Strength (psi) High, 140 Test Method
    Tape Properties
    Double Sided Double Sided
    Total Thickness (mil) 45
    Material Resistance
    High Temperature Resistance (°C) 149, 93, 110, 90, 75 Test Method
    Low Temperature Resistance (°C) -35
    Moisture/Humidity Resistance Excellent moisture resistance
    Hardness
    Durability Excellent durability
    Flexibility Firm
    Other Properties
    Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE) 1e-4 (in./ in/°F), 1.8e-4 (mm/mm /°C)
    Density (g/cm³) 0.800
    Business Information
    Shelf Life Details All 3M™ VHB™ Tapes have a shelf life of 24 months from date of manufacture when stored at 40°F to 100°F (4°C to 38°C) and 0-95% relative humidity. The optimum storage conditions are 72°F (22°C) and 50% relative humidity. Performance of tapes is not projected to change even after shelf life expires;however, 3M does suggest that 3M™ VHB™ Tapes are used prior to the shelf life date whenever possible.
    Shelf Life Temperature (°F) 40 to 100
    Shelf Life Type from date of shipment
    Shelf Life (mon) 24

  • Best Practices for 3M 4946

    *See Terms of Use Below

    1. Surface Preparation

      Most substrates are best prepared by cleaning with a 50:50 mixture of isopropyl alcohol (IPA*) and water prior to applying 3M™ VHB™ Tapes.

      See Vendor Technical Data Sheet for more info.

      To obtain good performance with all 3M™ VHB™ Tapes, it is important to ensure that the surfaces are dry and free of condensed moisture.

    2. Application

      Bond strength is dependent upon the amount of adhesive-to-surface contact developed. Firm application pressure develops better adhesive contact and helps improve bond strength. Typically, good surface contact can be attained by applying enough pressure to insure that the tape experiences approximately 15 psi (100 kPa) pressure. Either roller or platen pressure can be used. Note that rigid surfaces may require 2 or 3 times that much pressure to make the tape experience 15 psi.

      Ideal application temperature range is 70°F to 100°F (21°C to 38°C). Pressure sensitive adhesives use viscous flow to achieve substrate contact area. Minimum suggested application temperatures:60°F (15°C): 3M™ VHB™ Tapes 4941, 4945 families.

      Note: Initial tape application to surfaces at temperatures below these suggested minimums is not recommended because the adhesive becomes too firm to adhere readily. However, once properly applied, low temperature holding is generally satisfactory.

    3. Curing

      After application, the bond strength will increase as the adhesive flows onto the surface (also referred to as “wet out”). At room temperature approximately 50% of ultimate bond strength will be achieved after 20 minutes, 90% after 24 hours and 100% after 72 hours. This flow is faster at higher temperatures and slower at lower temperatures. Ultimate bond strength can be achieved more quickly (and in some cases bond strength can be increased) by exposure of the bond to elevated temperatures (e.g. 150°F [66°C] for 1 hour). This can provide better adhesive wetout onto the substrates. Abrasion of the surfaces or the use of primers/ adhesion promoters can also have the effect of increasing bond strength and achieving ultimate bond strength more quickly.

  • Comparable Materials for 3M 4946

    *See Terms of Use Below

    Spec Engine® Results

    • 3M
      4646(3M)

      Dark gray, closed-cell acrylic foam carrier • High temperature resistance• Apply as low as 50°F (10°C) • UL 746C

    • 3M
      4920(3M)

      White, closed-cell acrylic foam carrier • All-purpose adhesive • UL 746C

    • 3M
      5952(3M)

      Dark Gray, closed-cell acrylic foam carrier • Very conformable • Good adhesion to many painted surfaces, including powder coated paint •Apply as low as 50°F (10°C) • UL 746C

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Shear Strength Test Methods
Shear Strength Type Cure Time Substrate Test Time Test Temperature Test Method
High
80 psi Dynamic overlap shear strength 4,320 min Stainless steel 25°C ASTM D-1002 - To stainless steel, room temperature, 1 in2 (6.45 cm2), jaw speed 0.5 in/min (12.7 mm/min.) Peak force to separate is measured. 72 hour dwell.
1500 (grams) Static shear strength Stainless steel 600,000 sec 22°C ASTM D3654 - To stainless steel, tested at various temperatures and gram loadings. 0.5 in2 (3.22 cm2). Will hold listed weight for 10,000 minutes (approximately 7 days). Conversion: 1500 g/0.5 in2 equals 6.6 lb/in2, 500 g/0.5 in2 = 2.2 lb/in2.
500 (grams) Static shear strength Stainless steel 600,000 sec 66°C ASTM D3654 - To stainless steel, tested at various temperatures and gram loadings. 0.5 in2 (3.22 cm2). Will hold listed weight for 10,000 minutes (approximately 7 days). Conversion: 1500 g/0.5 in2 equals 6.6 lb/in2, 500 g/0.5 in2 = 2.2 lb/in2.
500 (grams) Static shear strength Stainless steel 600,000 sec 93°C ASTM D3654 - To stainless steel, tested at various temperatures and gram loadings. 0.5 in2 (3.22 cm2). Will hold listed weight for 10,000 minutes (approximately 7 days). Conversion: 1500 g/0.5 in2 equals 6.6 lb/in2, 500 g/0.5 in2 = 2.2 lb/in2.
Tensile Strength Test Methods
Tensile Strength Cure Time Substrate Test Temperature Test Method
High 25°C
140 psi 4,320 min Aluminum ASTM D-897 - To aluminum, room temperature, 1 in2 (6.45 cm2), jaw speed 2 in/min (50 mm/min.) Peak force to separate is measured. 72 hour dwell.
Peel Strength Test Methods
Peel Strength Type Cure Time Substrate Test Temperature Test Method
High
25 (lb/in) 90° Peel strength 4,320 min Stainless steel 25°C Based on ASTM D3330 -To stainless steel, room temperature, jaw speed 12 in/min (305 mm/min). Average force to remove is measured. 72 hour dwell.
High Temperature Resistance Test Methods
High Temperature Resistance Test Method
149°C Short Term Temperature Tolerance - No change in room temperature dynamic shear properties following 4 hours conditioning at indicated temperature with 100 g/static load. (Represents minutes, hours in a process type temperature exposure).
93°C Long Term Temperature Tolerance - Maximum temperature where tape supports at least 250 g load per 0.5 in2 in static shear for 10,000 minutes. (Represents continuous exposure for days or weeks)
110°C
90°C
75°C