Benefits
Heat and Light Reflection
The aluminum foil backing provides a reflective surface for both heat and light, making 431 suitable for applications where reflective foil protection is required.
Moisture Barrier Performance
The tape has a low moisture vapor transmission rate, supporting its use in selected sealing, patching and moisture-barrier applications.
Flexible Conformability
The dead-soft foil construction can conform to curved and irregular surfaces, helping maintain contact over non-flat geometries.
Outdoor Aging Performance
3M describes 431 as having good aging performance both indoors and outdoors, making it suitable for selected applications exposed to environmental conditions.
Chemical Masking
3M identifies 431 as suitable for selected masking applications, including aluminum electroplating and other critical operations.
Flame Resistance
The product meets UL 723, Class L low-flammability requirements and applicable FAR 25.853(a) requirements.
Technical Specifications
| Property | 3M™ Aluminum Foil Tape 431 |
|---|---|
| Product type | General Purpose Aluminum Foil Tape |
| Backing material | Aluminum foil |
| Adhesive type | Transparent acrylic |
| Color | Shiny silver |
| Backing thickness | 0.05 mm (1.9 mil) |
| Total tape thickness | 0.08 mm (3.1 mil) |
| 180° Peel Adhesion to Steel | 4.5 N/cm (41 oz/in) |
| Tensile Strength | 33.3 N/cm (19 lb/in) |
| Elongation at Break | 5% |
| Water Vapor Transmission | 0.77 g/m²/24 h |
| Minimum Long-Term Temperature Resistance | -54°C (-65°F) |
| Long-Term Temperature Resistance | 149°C (300°F) |
| Application temperature | Above 0°C (32°F) |
| Flame resistance | UL 723, Class L |
| Aerospace flammability | FAR 25.853(a), applicable configuration |
The technical values above are typical or representative values and should not be treated as product specifications or contractual guarantees. The latest 3M TDS should be used for final qualification.
Applications
Sealing and Patching
3M 431 can be used for selected permanent sealing and patching applications where an aluminum foil backing is beneficial.
Heat Reflection
The shiny aluminum surface can be used for applications requiring heat reflection.
Light Reflection
The foil backing provides a reflective surface for selected light-reflection applications.
Splicing
3M 431 can be used for mechanical holding and splicing in general industrial applications.
Chemical Masking
Potential applications include masking during:
- Aluminum electroplating
- Chemical processing
- Critical masking operations
3M specifically identifies aluminum electroplating masking among the product applications.
Appliance Applications
3M’s product information identifies heat reflection and cold conduction applications in appliances.
Outdoor Equipment Repair
The tape can be used for selected patching applications involving equipment exposed to outdoor conditions, such as truck trailers.
Compatible Materials
3M™ Aluminum Foil Tape 431 may be evaluated for use with:
- Aluminum
- Steel
- Other metal surfaces
- Appliance components
- Foil substrates
- Selected industrial materials
For painted, coated or chemically treated surfaces, application testing is recommended because surface condition can significantly affect adhesion.
Industries
3M™ Aluminum Foil Tape 431 may be used or evaluated in:
- Aerospace
- Automotive
- Appliance Manufacturing
- HVAC
- Metal Processing
- Industrial Manufacturing
- Construction
- Electroplating
- Maintenance & Repair
- General Industrial Applications
Its aerospace relevance is supported by the product’s applicable FAR 25.853(a) performance and 3M’s published application information.
Why Choose 3M™ Aluminum Foil Tape 431?
3M™ Aluminum Foil Tape 431 provides a combination of thin dead-soft aluminum foil, transparent acrylic adhesive, heat/light reflection and low moisture vapor transmission.
The 0.08 mm total thickness makes it suitable when a relatively thin aluminum foil tape construction is preferred. The combination of acrylic adhesion and aluminum foil protection supports applications including:
- Sealing
- Patching
- Splicing
- Heat reflection
- Light reflection
- Chemical masking
- Mechanical holding
The product also offers documented flame-resistance and aerospace flammability performance for applicable requirements.
Installation Guide
1. Prepare the Surface
Clean the substrate thoroughly and remove dust, oil, grease and other contaminants.
2. Check the Application Temperature
3M states that best results are obtained when the tape is applied to a clean, dry surface above 0°C (32°F).
3. Cut the Tape
Cut the required length and avoid unnecessary deformation of the thin aluminum backing.
4. Position the Tape
Align the tape with the seam, joint, masking area or target surface.
5. Apply Firm Pressure
Apply uniform pressure across the tape to maximize adhesive contact. 3M specifically recommends firm and even application pressure.
6. Check the Bond
Inspect the tape for wrinkles, lifting edges or gaps, particularly for sealing and masking applications.
Storage
Store 3M™ Aluminum Foil Tape 431 in its original packaging in a clean, dry indoor environment.
Protect the tape from:
- Direct sunlight
- Excessive heat
- High humidity
- Dust and contamination
- Mechanical damage
For exact shelf-life requirements, refer to the current 3M product documentation for the relevant product configuration.
FAQ
What is 3M™ Aluminum Foil Tape 431?
3M 431 is a thin aluminum foil tape with a dead-soft aluminum foil backing and transparent acrylic adhesive for permanent sealing, holding, splicing and masking applications.
What is the thickness of 3M 431?
The total tape thickness is approximately 0.08 mm (3.1 mil), including a 0.05 mm (1.9 mil) aluminum foil backing.
What adhesive does 3M 431 use?
It uses a transparent acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive.
Is 3M 431 suitable for heat reflection?
Yes. 3M states that the foil backing provides an excellent reflective surface for heat and light.
Is 3M 431 suitable for sealing?
Yes. Its low moisture vapor transmission contributes to sealing and patching performance.
Can 3M 431 be used outdoors?
3M describes the tape as having good aging performance both indoors and outdoors. Application-specific testing is recommended for demanding outdoor environments.
What is the temperature resistance of 3M 431?
The published long-term temperature range is approximately -54°C to 149°C (-65°F to 300°F).
Is 3M 431 flame resistant?
Yes. The product meets UL 723, Class L low-flammability requirements and applicable FAR 25.853(a) requirements.
Can 3M 431 be used for electroplating masking?
Yes. 3M identifies the tape as a good maskant for aluminum electroplating and other critical operations.
Is 3M 431 electrically conductive?
The backing is aluminum foil, but the reviewed 3M documentation does not provide a specific electrical conductivity or EMI-shielding rating for 431. Therefore, it should not be marketed as a dedicated conductive or EMI tape without additional supporting data.
What is the difference between 3M 431 and 427?
Both use aluminum foil and acrylic adhesive, but 3M 427 has an easy-release paper liner, while 3M 431 is the thinner 3.1 mil total-thickness tape without the same linered construction. 3M lists 431 and 427 as separate aluminum foil tape products.
Can 3M 431 be die-cut?
It can be evaluated for converting and precision processing, but the suitability of a particular die-cut design depends on dimensions, tolerances and processing conditions. For products requiring a liner specifically for die-cutting, 3M 427 may be a more appropriate product to evaluate.
Downloads
Available upon request:
- 3M 431 Aluminum Foil Tape Technical Data Sheet (TDS)
- Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
- Product Brochure
- Die-Cutting Capability Guide
Please contact our sales team if you require the latest technical documentation.
