Benefits
- Low-fogging performance makes it suitable for automotive interior applications.
- High initial tack enables rapid positioning and assembly.
- The thick 8 mil adhesive layer provides good conformability.
- Strong adhesion to a broad range of substrates.
- Suitable for bonding foam and fabric materials.
- Can accommodate rough or textured surfaces.
- Carrierless construction provides a thin, flexible adhesive interface.
- Suitable for large-area lamination and gasket assembly.
- Can be converted into custom die-cut adhesive components.
Technical Specifications
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product | 3M™ Adhesive Transfer Tape 6038PC+ |
| Tape Type | Adhesive Transfer Tape |
| Adhesive | 3M™ Adhesive 300MP+ |
| Adhesive Type | Acrylic |
| Carrier | None |
| Total Tape Thickness | 0.203 mm (8 mil) |
| Liner | 58# Polycoated Kraft Paper |
| Liner Thickness | 0.107 mm (4.2 mil) |
| Product Color | Transparent |
| Liner Color | Brown |
| Construction | Carrierless |
| Adhesive Sides | Double-sided |
| Application | Indoor / Outdoor |
| Shelf Life | 18 months |
| Automotive Fogging | Tested to automotive OEM fogging specifications |
3M’s current product page identifies 6038PC+ as an 8 mil adhesive transfer tape using 300MP+ acrylic adhesive. The listed application areas include gasket assembly, interior gasket & seal attachment and large-surface lamination assembly.
Typical 90° Peel Adhesion
3M’s technical data gives the following typical values:
| Substrate | Dwell / Temperature | Typical Peel |
|---|---|---|
| Polycarbonate (PC) | 15 min / 23°C | 13.7 N/cm |
| Stainless Steel | 15 min / 23°C | 18.1 N/cm |
| ABS | 72 hr / 23°C | 15.7 N/cm |
| Polycarbonate (PC) | 72 hr / 23°C | 16.0 N/cm |
| Polypropylene (PP) | 72 hr / 23°C | 10.5 N/cm |
| Stainless Steel | 72 hr / 23°C | 23.0 N/cm |
| ABS | 72 hr / 70°C | 13.1 N/cm |
| Polycarbonate (PC) | 72 hr / 70°C | 11.6 N/cm |
| Polypropylene (PP) | 72 hr / 70°C | 9.0 N/cm |
| Stainless Steel | 72 hr / 70°C | 27.0 N/cm |
These values are typical performance data, not product specifications.
Applications
3M™ 6038PC+ is particularly suitable for:
- Automotive interior assembly
- Interior gasket attachment
- Interior seal attachment
- Gasket assembly
- Large-surface lamination
- Foam lamination
- Foam gasket bonding
- Fabric lamination
- Textile bonding
- Plastic component attachment
- Automotive trim assembly
- Interior acoustic components
- Sealing components
- Rough-surface bonding
- Textured-surface bonding
- Precision die-cut adhesive components
3M specifically identifies gasket assembly, interior gasket & seal attachment, and large-surface lamination assembly among the product’s applications.
Compatible Materials
Plastics
- ABS
- Polycarbonate (PC)
- Polypropylene (PP)
- Other automotive plastics
Foams
- EPDM foam
- Polyether foam
- Microcellular foam
- Other automotive foam materials
Flexible Materials
- Fabrics
- Textiles
- Felt
- Rubber
- Foam-backed materials
Other Substrates
- Stainless steel
- Aluminum
- Painted surfaces
- Gasket materials
- Interior trim materials
- Rough and textured surfaces
3M’s technical data confirms adhesion testing on ABS, PC, PP and stainless steel, while the product description specifically identifies foams, fabrics and rough/textured substrates as suitable bonding surfaces.
Industries
- Automotive
- Automotive interiors
- Automotive component manufacturing
- Transportation
- General industrial manufacturing
- Foam converting
- Gasket manufacturing
- Textile and fabric lamination
- Industrial assembly
- Consumer products
Why Choose 3M™ Adhesive Transfer Tape 6038PC+?
The biggest advantage of 6038PC+ is its combination of low-fogging performance, 300MP+ acrylic adhesive and an 8 mil adhesive layer.
For automotive interior components, low fogging can be an important material-selection criterion. 6038PC+ is specifically formulated for low-fog characteristics and is described by 3M as meeting automotive OEM fogging specifications.
Compared with 3M™ 6035PC+, which has a 5 mil adhesive layer, 6038PC+ uses an 8 mil (0.203 mm) adhesive layer. This additional adhesive thickness can be advantageous where greater conformability is required.
For tape converters and die-cutting suppliers, the carrierless construction also makes it suitable for:
Automotive Interior → Foam → Gasket → Seal → Fabric → Lamination → Die-Cutting
Installation Guide
1. Surface Preparation
Clean the bonding surfaces and remove dust, oil, grease, moisture and other contaminants.
For automotive plastic components, make sure molding-release agents and processing residues are removed.
2. Cut or Die-Cut
Convert the tape into the required roll, sheet or precision die-cut shape.
3. Apply the First Side
Remove the release liner and apply the exposed adhesive to the first substrate.
4. Apply Pressure
Use firm, uniform pressure to maximize adhesive contact with the substrate.
5. Remove the Remaining Liner
Carefully remove the liner from the exposed adhesive.
6. Position the Second Substrate
Align the second component accurately and bring it into contact with the adhesive.
7. Apply Pressure Again
Apply even pressure across the complete bonding area.
8. Allow Bond Development
Allow sufficient dwell time for the adhesive to develop its final bond strength before exposing the assembly to demanding loads or environmental conditions.
Storage
For best performance:
- Keep the tape in its original packaging.
- Store in a clean, dry environment.
- Protect from direct sunlight.
- Avoid excessive heat and humidity.
- Protect from dust, oil and chemical contamination.
- Keep the release liner intact until use.
- Avoid unnecessary exposure of the adhesive surface.
3M currently lists an 18-month shelf life for 6038PC+.
Always verify the latest 3M documentation for the specific product configuration before production use.
FAQ
What is 3M™ Adhesive Transfer Tape 6038PC+?
It is an 8 mil carrierless acrylic adhesive transfer tape using 3M™ Adhesive 300MP+, formulated for low-fogging applications and strong bonding to many substrates.
Is 6038PC+ suitable for automotive interiors?
Yes. Automotive interior applications are one of its key target applications, particularly where low fogging, high initial tack and environmental resistance are important.
What adhesive does 6038PC+ use?
It uses 3M™ Adhesive 300MP+ acrylic adhesive.
Does 6038PC+ have a carrier?
No. It is an adhesive transfer tape, so there is no PET, tissue, nonwoven or foam carrier.
How thick is 6038PC+?
The adhesive tape thickness without liner is 0.203 mm (8 mil).
What liner does 6038PC+ use?
The current product information specifies a 58# polycoated kraft paper liner with approximately 0.107 mm (4.2 mil) thickness.
Can 6038PC+ bond foam?
Yes. 3M specifically identifies foams as suitable substrates and reports good peel values on foam materials.
Can 6038PC+ bond fabric?
Yes. Fabrics are among the substrates identified by 3M for this product.
Can 6038PC+ bond polypropylene?
Yes. 3M’s published typical 72-hour peel adhesion on polypropylene is 10.5 N/cm at 23°C and 9.0 N/cm at 70°C.
Is 6038PC+ low fogging?
Yes. Low-fogging performance is one of the main characteristics of 6038PC+. 3M states that it is formulated for low fog characteristics and meets automotive OEM fogging specifications.
Can 6038PC+ be used for die-cutting?
Yes. Its carrierless adhesive-transfer construction is suitable for converting processes including slitting, laminating and precision die-cutting.
What is the difference between 6038PC+ and 6038PL+?
Both are 8 mil 300MP+ low-fogging adhesive transfer tapes. The key difference is the liner construction. 6038PC+ uses a 58# polycoated kraft paper liner around 4.2 mil, while 6038PL+ uses an 83# polycoated kraft paper liner around 6.2 mil.
What is the difference between 6038PC+ and 6035PC+?
The primary difference is adhesive thickness:
- 6035PC+ → 5 mil / 0.127 mm
- 6038PC+ → 8 mil / 0.203 mm
Both use 300MP+ acrylic adhesive and are positioned for low-fogging automotive applications.
Downloads
Available upon request:
- 3M™ 6038PC+ Technical Data Sheet (TDS)
- Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
- Product Brochure
- Precision Die-Cutting Capability Guide
Please contact our sales team if you require the latest technical documentation.
