3M™ Double Coated PET Tape 55256P is a thin, clear, double-coated polyester tape designed for applications requiring reliable adhesion, dimensional stability, and efficient converting. The tape features a thin PET film carrier coated on both sides with a high-tack acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive.
With a typical total thickness of 0.051 mm (1.97 mil), 3M™ 55256P provides a low-profile bonding solution for applications where limited space and dimensional stability are important. The PET carrier also supports converting processes such as die cutting and laminating.
3M identifies the tape for applications including foam and mesh lamination for small gaskets in electronic devices, making it particularly relevant to electronics assembly and precision adhesive converting.
Key Features
Thin PET Film Carrier
3M™ 55256P uses a clear PET film carrier with a typical thickness of 0.012 mm (0.47 mil). The polyester carrier helps provide dimensional stability while maintaining a thin overall tape construction.
High-Tack Acrylic Adhesive
Both sides of the PET carrier are coated with a high-tack acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive. The adhesive is designed to provide strong initial adhesion and reliable holding performance on suitable substrates.
Thin Overall Profile
The typical total tape thickness is only 0.051 mm (1.97 mil), making 55256P suitable for assemblies where minimizing the adhesive thickness is important.
Dimensional Stability
The PET carrier provides greater dimensional stability than unsupported adhesive films, which can be beneficial during handling, slitting, laminating, and die-cutting.
Suitable for Converting
3M™ 55256P is designed to support converting operations including:
- Die cutting
- Slitting
- Laminating
- Foam lamination
- Mesh lamination
- Custom adhesive component production
Technical Specifications
| Property | 3M™ Double Coated PET Tape 55256P |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Double Coated PET Tape |
| Carrier Material | PET / Polyester Film |
| Carrier Color | Clear |
| Carrier Thickness | 0.012 mm / 0.47 mil |
| Adhesive Type | Acrylic Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive |
| Face Adhesive Thickness | 0.019 mm |
| Back Adhesive Thickness | 0.019 mm |
| Total Tape Thickness | 0.051 mm / 1.97 mil |
| Liner | White glassine liner with green 3M logo |
| Liner Thickness | 0.076 mm |
| Typical Peel Adhesion to Polycarbonate | 7 N/cm |
| Typical Peel Adhesion to Stainless Steel | 7.5 N/cm |
| Typical Static Shear | 10,000 minutes |
| Recommended Converting | Die cutting and laminating |
The values above are typical data and are not intended to be used as product specifications. Actual performance can vary depending on substrate, surface preparation, environmental conditions, bonding pressure, and application requirements.
Performance Characteristics
High Initial Adhesion
The acrylic adhesive system used on 3M™ 55256P is designed to provide high initial tack on suitable substrates.
In 3M’s typical testing, the tape achieved approximately:
- 7 N/cm peel adhesion on polycarbonate
- 7.5 N/cm peel adhesion on stainless steel
after 20 minutes at room temperature.
These values are laboratory test results and should not be interpreted as guaranteed performance on every substrate.
Good Shear Holding Power
3M’s typical static shear test reached the test termination point of 10,000 minutes under the specified test conditions.
This characteristic can be useful for applications where the adhesive needs to maintain its bond under a sustained load.
Dimensional Stability for Precision Converting
The PET film carrier helps the tape maintain its dimensional integrity during converting.
This makes 55256P suitable for manufacturers that need to:
- Convert jumbo rolls into narrow widths
- Laminate adhesive to foam or mesh
- Produce precision die-cut parts
- Manufacture small adhesive components
- Integrate adhesive parts into automated assembly processes
Applications
Foam Lamination
3M™ 55256P can be used for laminating suitable foam materials where a thin double-sided adhesive construction is required.
The combination of a PET carrier and acrylic adhesive provides a balance of:
- Thin profile
- Adhesion
- Dimensional stability
- Converting capability
Mesh Lamination
The tape is also designed for mesh lamination applications.
3M specifically identifies foam and mesh lamination for small gaskets in electronic devices as a recommended application.
Electronic Device Gaskets
One of the key applications identified by 3M is the lamination of foam and mesh materials used for small gaskets in electronic devices.
The thin construction is particularly useful where the adhesive component needs to fit within a compact assembly.
Die-Cut Adhesive Components
3M™ 55256P can be converted into custom die-cut adhesive components for OEM and industrial applications.
Depending on the assembly design, converters may produce:
- Adhesive strips
- Small adhesive pads
- Gasket laminations
- Custom-shaped adhesive parts
- Foam-backed adhesive components
- Mesh-laminated adhesive parts
The actual die-cutting process and tooling should be selected according to the required geometry and production volume.
Suitable Substrates
3M’s published technical data includes typical adhesion testing on polycarbonate and stainless steel.
Depending on the specific application, 55256P may be evaluated for bonding or laminating materials such as:
- Polycarbonate
- Stainless steel
- Suitable plastics
- Foam materials
- Mesh materials
- PET and other film materials
However, adhesive performance depends strongly on the actual substrate.
For difficult-to-bond materials, especially low-surface-energy substrates, testing should be performed before production.
Important:
Do not assume that 3M™ 55256P provides the same adhesion to every plastic, foam, or metal surface.
Surface preparation, substrate composition, texture, contamination, pressure, and bonding conditions can all affect final performance.
Industries
Electronics
3M™ 55256P is particularly relevant to electronics applications involving:
- Small gaskets
- Foam lamination
- Mesh lamination
- Thin adhesive components
- Precision die-cut parts
3M specifically identifies electronic device gasket applications involving foam and mesh lamination.
Industrial Converting
Tape converters can process 55256P into:
- Custom-width rolls
- Narrow slit rolls
- Die-cut adhesive parts
- Laminated adhesive constructions
OEM Manufacturing
OEM manufacturers can use converted 55256P adhesive components to simplify assembly and improve consistency in repetitive manufacturing processes.
Why Choose 3M™ Double Coated PET Tape 55256P?
1. Ultra-Thin Construction
With a typical total thickness of 0.051 mm, 55256P is suitable for applications where adhesive thickness needs to be minimized.
2. Stable PET Carrier
The PET carrier provides dimensional stability during handling and converting.
3. High-Tack Acrylic Adhesive
The acrylic adhesive provides strong initial adhesion and good holding performance on suitable substrates.
4. Excellent Converting Potential
The tape can be slit, laminated, and die-cut for custom adhesive component production.
5. Suitable for Electronics Applications
3M specifically recommends 55256 for foam and mesh lamination used in small electronic device gaskets.
3M™ 55256P for Die-Cutting
For manufacturers requiring custom adhesive parts, 3M™ 55256P can be supplied to a converting partner for precision processing.
Typical converting options include:
Slitting
Large rolls can be converted into narrower widths according to assembly requirements.
Die Cutting
The PET carrier provides dimensional stability for producing precision adhesive shapes.
Kiss Cutting
For roll-fed or sheet-based adhesive components, kiss cutting can be used where appropriate.
Laminating
55256P can be laminated with suitable foam, mesh, films, or other materials depending on the application.
Custom Adhesive Parts
Custom dimensions and geometries can be developed according to OEM drawings.
Application Guide
Step 1: Clean the Surface
Remove dust, oil, moisture, and other contaminants from the bonding surface.
Step 2: Prepare the Substrate
Make sure the substrate is clean, dry, and suitable for pressure-sensitive adhesive bonding.
Step 3: Apply the Tape
Apply 55256P smoothly without wrinkles or trapped air.
Step 4: Apply Pressure
Use firm and uniform pressure to maximize adhesive contact with the substrate.
Step 5: Allow Adhesion to Build
Pressure-sensitive adhesives generally develop adhesion as the adhesive wets out the substrate over time.
Step 6: Test the Finished Assembly
For critical applications, validate the complete assembly under actual:
- Temperature
- Humidity
- Load
- Surface
- Aging
- Assembly conditions
before starting mass production.
Storage
Store 3M™ Double Coated PET Tape 55256P in its original packaging under recommended environmental conditions.
3M technical documentation indicates a typical 24-month shelf life from the date of manufacture when stored in the original cartons at approximately 21°C (70°F) and 50% relative humidity.
After opening, keep the material protected and resealed to minimize exposure to moisture and environmental contamination.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 3M™ Double Coated PET Tape 55256P?
3M™ 55256P is a thin, clear double-coated PET tape featuring acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive on both sides of a polyester film carrier.
How thick is 3M 55256P?
The typical total tape thickness is 0.051 mm (1.97 mil), excluding the release liner.
What is the carrier material of 3M 55256P?
The carrier is a thin PET/polyester film, with a typical thickness of 0.012 mm.
Is 3M 55256P double-sided?
Yes. It is coated with pressure-sensitive acrylic adhesive on both sides of the PET carrier.
Is 3M 55256P suitable for die cutting?
Yes. Its PET carrier provides dimensional stability and supports converting processes such as die cutting and laminating.
What is 3M 55256P used for?
3M identifies applications including foam and mesh lamination for small gaskets in electronic devices. It can also be converted into custom adhesive components for suitable industrial applications.
Can 3M 55256P be used for foam lamination?
Yes. Foam lamination is one of the applications identified by 3M for this tape.
Can 3M 55256P be used for mesh lamination?
Yes. 3M specifically identifies mesh lamination for small electronic-device gasket applications.
Is 3M 55256P suitable for electronics?
Yes. 3M specifically lists foam and mesh lamination for small gaskets in electronic devices as an application.
What surfaces does 3M 55256P bond to?
3M publishes typical adhesion data for substrates including polycarbonate and stainless steel. Actual bonding performance should be validated on the intended substrate.
Is 3M 55256P suitable for low-surface-energy plastics?
The tape should be tested carefully on low-surface-energy materials such as certain PE and PP substrates. Do not assume the published polycarbonate or stainless-steel adhesion values apply to these materials.
What is the difference between 3M 55256 and 55256P?
3M documentation uses both 55256 and 55256P references for this product family depending on the document or market. When purchasing, customers should confirm the exact product designation, construction, width, roll length, and liner configuration with the supplier.
Custom 3M™ 55256P Converting Solutions
For OEM and industrial customers, 3M™ 55256P can be converted into custom adhesive components according to application requirements.
Available converting services may include:
- Custom slitting
- Narrow-width rolls
- Precision die cutting
- Kiss cutting
- Foam lamination
- Mesh lamination
- Custom adhesive shapes
- Roll or sheet formats
- OEM packaging
For custom die-cut projects, customers should provide the following information:
Material: 3M™ 55256P
Part dimensions: Length × Width
Shape: Drawing/CAD file if available
Substrate: Material being bonded
Application: Assembly or end use
Required quantity: Prototype or mass production volume
This information allows the converter to evaluate material suitability, tooling, tolerance, and production method.
Product Summary
3M™ Double Coated PET Tape 55256P combines a thin PET carrier with acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive to provide a thin, dimensionally stable double-sided tape for precision bonding and converting applications.
Its 0.051 mm total thickness, PET film carrier, acrylic adhesive, die-cutting capability, and suitability for foam and mesh lamination make it particularly relevant to electronic device gasket applications and other precision adhesive converting requirements.
For applications where standard tape rolls are not sufficient, 55256P can also be considered for custom slit rolls, laminated constructions, and precision die-cut adhesive parts.
If you would like to learn more about Yousan adhesive tapes, please visit our website at www.ysdiecut.com