Acrylic Plus Tape Series EX4500
Frequently Asked Questions –External
October 2014
General Product Information:
Q:
A:
What is 3M™ Acrylic Plus Tape Series EX4500?
3M Series EX4500 tapes are a new line of products featuring 3M™ Acrylic Plus Tape technology designed for adhesion to
Medium Surface Energy (MSE) substrates without the need for adhesion promoter or other surface pre-treatment methods.
Q:
A:
What makes 3M Series EX4500 tapes stick without adhesion promoter or other pre-treatments?
This new tape utilizes JLx adhesive – a proprietary 3M technology – on both sides of the tape to ensure compatibility with a
variety of paints, including paints comprised of MVSS carbamate, epoxy/acid powder and 2K urethane.
Q:
Is it just 3M™ Pressure Sensitive Acrylic Plus Tape Series EX4000 with the JL adhesive on either side, instead of only one
side?
No. Although the adhesive layers on either side of the product are very similar to the JL adhesive layer, they have been
modified for primerless bonding to medium surface energy (MSE) plastics and even greater adhesion capability on difficult
clear coat systems. This new product also features a deep black core that has been reformulated to balance to properties of
the more aggressive adhesive layers.
A:
Q:
A:
What types of applications would be good targets for this tape?
Any application featuring MSE plastics and/or chrome to difficult paint: pillar garnishes, MSE body-side moldings, step
plates, vent visors, and chrome appliqués. Some OEMs have tested and feel comfortable with this product as a sensor
bonding tape to TPO substrates due to the low load requirements involved with these applications. Contact a 3M technical
service representative for more details.
Q:
A:
What are MSE Plastics?
The MSE family of plastics consists of ABS, AES, ASA, PC+ABS, and Acrylic. If you have a question as to whether or not
your particular substrate is MSE, please contact a 3M technical service representative.
Q:
A:
What calipers (thicknesses) and configurations are available?
Initially, the product will only be available in the 1.1 mm (45 mil) calipers configuration. The product will eventually be
available in additional calipers. If you have applications that require calipers other than 1.1mm (45mm), please contact a 3M
technical service representative in order to determine future caliper offerings. The product will be available in all standard
widths provided by 3M today.
Processing
Q:
A:
Is the product die-cuttable?
Yes this product is die-cuttable. However, the aggressive nature of the skin adhesives are such that we recommend the
product be weeded immediately following the die-cut procedure to avoid product "welding" back together after the cut. Diecut performance is better at lower temperatures and artificial cooling will help improve performance at warmer temperatures.
Q:
A:
Will this product be heat-bond tabbable?
Yes, 3M™ Tabbing Tape 5699 can be used with the standard liner. A T-liner version of the product is planned and will allow
for heat-bond tabbing.
Product Performance
Q:
A:
How is the liner release?
This product features a recently introduced ML-2 liner that offers excellent release characteristics. Contact your 3M
technical service representative for a product sample.
Frequently Asked Questions
3M™ Acrylic Plus Tape Series EX4500
Page 2
Q:
A:
How is the performance on TPO, PP, and PP+EPDM?
The room temperature performance of this product on TPO is very impressive. However, the high temperature holding
capability of the product may not meet the requirements for many of the more challenging automotive applications, such PP
and PP+EPDM. Contact a 3M technical service representative for more details.
Q:
A:
Are OEM specification data packages available?
Refer to OEM Specification list as OEM specification data packages are in process right now. If you have an OEM
application and need specification data, contact a 3M technical service representative for technical support.
Delivery/Supply
Q:
A:
When will the product be available?
Samples are available now and jumbo rolls are available with additional production planned. However as with any new
product to ensure adequate and uninterrupted supply submit a ramp up forecast as early as possible and double check lead
times. Contact a 3M technical service representative for more details.
Q.
A.
What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ)?
Contact your local 3M customer service representative.
Q.
What is the lead time for the product? Does the raw material supply to finished goods continue to meet the customer
delivery requirements?
Jumbo rolls are available with additional production planned. However as with any new product to ensure adequate and
uninterrupted supply submit a ramp up forecast as early as possible and double check lead times. Contact your local
A.
marketer.
Pricing
Q.
A.
How much will this product cost?
The product is priced competitively and in line with the current portfolio of products. The price reflect the appropriate value
to customers and allows for total system savings for lower overall costs through production efficiencies, lower cost of poor
quality, and EHS improvements. Contact your local 3M representative.
Source of Supply
Q.
A.
Where is the product produced?
The product is produced entirely in 3M manufacturing facilities.
Q.
A.
When may we audit the plant?
The quality system may be audited, but due to the confidential nature of the process we are unable to offer tours of
operations.
Q.
A.
Where are the raw materials sourced?
The formulation is confidential. The raw materials are sourced from multiple suppliers around the world.
Quality
Q.
A.
How do you ensure the continuity of product quality?
3M uses ISO 16949 standards to ensure a robust quality system is in place and utilizes regular quality control in the labs to
measure the products quality.
Q.
A.
How is the dimension of the product controlled? What test methods are used for dimension measurement? What is the test
method for dimension measurement? Can you meet the dimension tolerance +/- 1.0mm requirement?
Procedures are in place to assure products will meet all aspects of product specifications.
Q.
A.
Is 3M able to provide a statement of quality assurance?
Your distributor can provide you with a statement of quality assurance. Frequently Asked Questions
3M™ Acrylic Plus Tape Series EX4500
Page 3
Samples
Q:
A:
What is the process for ordering prototypes?
Contact your local 3M representative.
Technical Information: The technical information, recommendations and other statements contained in this document are based upon tests or experience
that 3M believes are reliable, but the accuracy or completeness of such information is not guaranteed.
Product Use: Many factors beyond 3M’s control and uniquely within user’s knowledge and control can affect the use and performance of a 3M product in a
particular application Given the variety of factors that can affect the use and performance of a 3M product, user is solely responsible for evaluating the 3M
product and determining whether it is fit for a particular purpose and suitable for user’s method of application.
Warranty, Limited Remedy, and Disclaimer: Unless an additional warranty is specifically stated on the applicable 3M product packaging or product
literature, 3M warrants that each 3M product meets the applicable 3M product specification at the time 3M ships the product. 3M MAKES NO OTHER
WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OR CONDITION OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OR CONDITION ARISING OUT OF A COURSE OF
DEALING, CUSTOM OR USAGE OF TRADE. If the 3M product does not conform to this warranty, then the sole and exclusive remedy is, at 3M’s option,
replacement of the 3M product or refund of the purchase price.
Limitation of Liability: Except where prohibited by law, 3M will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from the 3M product, whether direct, indirect,
special, incidental or consequential, regardless of the legal theory asserted, including warranty, contract, negligence or strict liability.
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