Benefits
- Primerless bonding: Can reduce or eliminate primer/adhesion-promoter steps for suitable LSE and MSE substrates.
- Reliable automotive adhesion: High initial tack and strong adhesion build support exterior trim assembly.
- Excellent conformability: The acrylic foam core adapts to curved, uneven and complex geometries.
- Stress relaxation: The viscoelastic foam construction helps manage stresses within bonded assemblies.
- Clean appearance: Dark gray foam helps maintain a discreet and consistent bond line.
- Production efficiency: Double-sided construction supports efficient manual or automated assembly.
- Design flexibility: The foam layer can accommodate minor surface irregularities and differences between substrates.
Technical Specifications
| Property | Typical Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Double-sided acrylic foam tape |
| Adhesive | 3M™ ZX pressure-sensitive acrylic adhesive |
| Carrier/Core | Acrylic foam |
| Color | Dark gray |
| Nominal Thickness | 1.14 mm (0.045 in) |
| Adhesive Construction | Same adhesive on liner side and non-liner side |
| Density | Approximately 688 kg/m³ typical |
| Liner | Red 3M-branded polyethylene liner, silicone-coated on both sides |
| Recommended Substrates | LSE plastics, MSE plastics, automotive paints |
| Temperature Resistance | Approximately -40°C to +90°C; short-term up to 120°C, load dependent |
| Shelf Life | 24 months from manufacturing under specified storage conditions |
| Primary Application | Automotive exterior trim attachment |
The current 3M technical data lists PX5011 thickness at 1.14 mm ± 0.10 mm. The published temperature range is load-dependent, and applications requiring temperatures above 80°C should receive additional testing.
Important: Peel, shear and other performance values depend strongly on substrate type, paint system, surface preparation and test conditions. Final specifications should be confirmed against the latest applicable 3M technical data sheet and application testing.
Applications
3M™ Acrylic Foam Tape PX5011 is particularly suitable for automotive exterior attachment applications, including:
- Automotive exterior trim
- Body side moldings
- Claddings
- Rocker panels
- Running boards
- Wheel flares
- Small PP body side moldings
- TPO exterior components
- Window visors
- Pillar garnishes
- Automotive sensors
- ABS nameplates
- Chrome nameplates
- Nested automotive components
- Exterior decorative components
3M specifically lists window visors, pillar garnishes, sensors, PP body side moldings, TPO claddings and ABS/chrome nameplates among recommended applications.
Compatible Materials
PX5011 is designed for bonding to a range of automotive substrates, particularly:
- TPO
- PP
- PP/EPDM
- ABS
- Automotive painted surfaces
- Medium surface energy plastics
- Low surface energy plastics
- Selected automotive clear-coat systems
- Metal components with suitable paint or surface treatment
Actual adhesion depends on the specific substrate formulation, paint system, surface condition and application environment. Testing on the actual production substrate is recommended before mass production.
Industries
- Automotive manufacturing
- Automotive OEM
- Automotive exterior trim
- Automotive component manufacturing
- Transportation
- Vehicle modification and accessories
- Automotive electronics and sensor assembly
- Industrial assembly
Why Choose 3M™ PX5011?
3M™ PX5011 is particularly valuable when an application requires strong bonding to difficult automotive plastics without unnecessarily adding a primer step.
Its combination of ZX acrylic adhesive, viscoelastic acrylic foam and 1.14 mm thickness provides a balance of adhesion, conformability and stress relaxation for automotive exterior components.
For automotive OEM and Tier suppliers, PX5011 can help simplify assembly processes while supporting reliable attachment to LSE/MSE substrates and suitable automotive paint systems.
Installation Guide
1. Surface Preparation
Clean both bonding surfaces thoroughly to remove dust, oil, grease, release agents and other contaminants.
For automotive substrates, the exact cleaning method should be selected according to the substrate and paint system.
2. Check the Surface
Ensure the bonding surfaces are dry and free from contamination. Test the actual substrate and paint system before production.
3. Apply the Tape
Remove the protective liner without touching the adhesive surface.
Apply PX5011 evenly to one substrate and use sufficient pressure to promote intimate contact and wet-out.
4. Assemble the Parts
Align the mating components carefully before applying final pressure.
Avoid unnecessary repositioning after the surfaces have contacted.
5. Apply Pressure
Apply firm, uniform pressure across the bonded area to maximize adhesive contact.
6. Allow Adhesion to Build
Final adhesion develops over time. Avoid excessive mechanical loading immediately after application whenever possible.
For critical automotive applications, follow the validated assembly process and customer/OEM specifications.
Storage
Store PX5011 in its original unopened packaging under controlled conditions.
Recommended storage conditions from 3M technical documentation include:
- Temperature: 4°C to 38°C
- Relative humidity: 0–95% RH
- Optimum condition: approximately 23°C ± 2°C and 50% ± 4% RH
- Shelf life: 24 months from date of manufacture
- Keep rolls protected from contamination and direct environmental exposure
- Level-wound rolls should be stored horizontally
Always follow the current 3M product documentation for storage and shelf-life requirements.
FAQ
What is 3M™ PX5011?
3M™ PX5011 is a double-sided acrylic foam tape designed primarily for automotive exterior trim attachment.
What thickness is PX5011?
The nominal thickness is approximately 1.14 mm (0.045 in).
What color is PX5011?
PX5011 has a dark gray acrylic foam core.
Is PX5011 double-sided?
Yes. PX5011 has the same 3M™ ZX adhesive system on both sides of the acrylic foam core.
Can PX5011 bond to PP and TPO?
Yes. PX5011 is specifically designed and tested for adhesion to LSE substrates such as TPO and PP/EPDM in suitable automotive applications.
Does PX5011 require primer?
For suitable LSE/MSE substrates and paint systems, PX5011 is designed to enable primerless bonding. However, actual application performance must be validated on the specific substrate and paint system.
What is the temperature resistance of PX5011?
3M technical data lists approximately -40°C to +90°C, with short-term exposure up to 120°C, depending on load and application conditions. Applications above 80°C require additional testing.
Can PX5011 be die-cut?
Yes. PX5011 can be supplied in slit rolls and can also be converted into sheets or custom die-cut components according to application requirements.
Is PX5011 suitable for automotive sensors?
Yes. 3M lists sensor bonding among the recommended applications for PX5011.
Can PX5011 replace mechanical fasteners?
In suitable applications, acrylic foam tape can provide permanent bonding without conventional mechanical fasteners. However, the final design should be validated according to load, substrate, environmental and OEM requirements.
Downloads
Available upon request:
- 3M™ Acrylic Foam Tape PX5011 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.
