Benefits
Reliable Bonding to Difficult Substrates
PX5015 is designed to provide robust adhesion to LSE plastics such as TPO and EPDM, which can be challenging for conventional pressure-sensitive adhesives.
Primerless Bonding Potential
The ZX adhesive system is specifically designed for bonding to suitable LSE and MSE substrates and automotive paint systems without an additional primer or adhesion promoter, helping simplify production processes. Actual primerless performance should always be validated on the specific substrate.
Excellent Conformability
The 1.52 mm acrylic foam core can conform to complex curves, contours and slightly uneven surfaces, helping maximize adhesive contact.
Stress Relaxation
The viscoelastic acrylic foam construction helps absorb and relax stresses generated by component movement, thermal expansion and dimensional differences.
Better Gap Compensation
Compared with thinner PX5000 grades, the 1.52 mm construction provides additional thickness for applications where surface irregularities or component geometry require greater conformability.
Efficient Assembly
As a pressure-sensitive adhesive tape, PX5015 supports fast bonding without the curing process associated with liquid adhesives.
Clean Bond-Line Appearance
The dark gray acrylic foam core provides a discreet bond line that is well suited to many automotive exterior trim applications.
Technical Specifications
| Property | PX5015 |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Double-sided acrylic foam tape |
| Product Series | 3M™ Acrylic Foam Tape PX5000 Series |
| Adhesive | 3M™ ZX pressure-sensitive adhesive |
| Adhesive Construction | ZX / Acrylic Foam / ZX |
| Foam Core | Acrylic foam |
| Color | Dark gray |
| Nominal Thickness | 1.52 mm (0.060 in) |
| Thickness Tolerance | ±0.15 mm (±0.006 in) |
| Density | Approx. 688 kg/m³ ±56 kg/m³ |
| Liner | 3M-branded red polyethylene liner |
| Liner Treatment | Silicone-coated for easy release |
| Recommended Substrates | LSE plastics, MSE substrates and suitable automotive paint systems |
| Primary Application | Automotive exterior attachment |
| Converting | Slitting, laminating, sheet converting and die-cutting |
3M’s current PX5000 Series Technical Data Sheet specifies PX5015 at 1.52 mm ±0.15 mm with a density of approximately 688 ±56 kg/m³. The PX5000 Series uses ZX adhesive on both sides of the acrylic foam core.
Temperature Performance
For the PX5000 Series, 3M documentation specifies temperature performance of approximately -40°C to +90°C, with short-term exposure up to approximately 120°C, depending on load and application conditions.
For applications involving temperatures above 80°C or demanding long-term environmental exposure, application-specific testing is recommended before production approval.
Applications
3M™ Acrylic Foam Tape PX5015 is primarily intended for automotive exterior attachment applications, including:
- Body side moldings
- Automotive claddings
- Rocker panels
- Running boards
- Wheel flares
- Exterior decorative trim
- Window visors
- Pillar garnishes
- Automotive sensors
- PP body side moldings
- TPO exterior components
- ABS nameplates
- Chrome nameplates
- Exterior vehicle accessories
- Complex-contour automotive components
The PX5000 Series is specifically positioned by 3M for exterior automotive trim attachment, including body side moldings, claddings, rocker panels, wheel flares and other components.
Compatible Materials
PX5015 is designed for bonding to a variety of automotive substrates, particularly:
- TPO
- PP
- PP/EPDM
- EPDM
- Other low surface energy plastics
- Medium surface energy plastics
- Automotive painted surfaces
- Selected automotive paint systems
- ABS
- Suitable coated metal surfaces
- Other validated automotive substrates
The actual adhesion level depends on the specific substrate formulation, paint system, surface preparation, component design and environmental conditions. Testing on the actual production materials is recommended.
Industries
- Automotive OEM
- Automotive Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers
- Automotive exterior trim
- Automotive component manufacturing
- Vehicle accessories
- Transportation
- Automotive electronics
- Plastic component manufacturing
- Industrial assembly
- Decorative trim manufacturing
Why Choose 3M™ PX5015?
3M™ PX5015 is a strong choice when an application requires a thicker acrylic foam tape for complex automotive geometries, LSE plastics and painted surfaces.
Its 1.52 mm acrylic foam core provides greater conformability and stress relaxation than the thinner PX5008 and PX5011 grades, making it particularly useful for components with pronounced curves, contours or demanding bond-line requirements.
The ZX adhesive system on both sides also allows PX5015 to support primerless bonding to suitable LSE/MSE substrates and paint systems, potentially reducing assembly steps and processing costs.
Installation Guide
1. Prepare the Surfaces
Clean both bonding surfaces thoroughly.
Remove dust, grease, oil, release agents and other contaminants that could interfere with adhesion.
2. Verify the Substrate
Confirm that the actual plastic, paint or coated surface is compatible with PX5015.
For LSE substrates, verify primerless adhesion through application testing.
3. Apply the Tape
Apply PX5015 smoothly to the first substrate.
Avoid stretching the tape during application and avoid touching the exposed adhesive.
4. Remove the Liner
Remove the protective liner immediately before mating the second component.
Pull the liner back carefully to minimize contamination.
5. Assemble the Components
Position the components accurately before applying final pressure.
Once the adhesive contacts the mating surface, avoid unnecessary repositioning.
6. Apply Pressure
Apply firm and uniform pressure over the entire bonding area.
Adequate pressure helps maximize adhesive contact and wet-out.
7. Allow Adhesion to Build
PX5015 provides immediate holding power, while final adhesion continues to build over time.
Avoid applying excessive mechanical loads immediately after assembly whenever possible.
For automotive OEM applications, the final process should be validated under actual production conditions.
Storage
Store PX5015 in its original unopened packaging under controlled environmental conditions.
Recommended storage conditions include:
- Temperature: 4°C to 38°C
- Relative humidity: 0–95% RH
- Optimum storage condition: approximately 23°C ±2°C and 50% ±4% RH
- Shelf life: 24 months from date of manufacture
- Keep the original packaging intact until use
- Protect rolls from dust, moisture and contamination
- Store level-wound rolls horizontally where applicable
Always refer to the latest 3M technical documentation for the specific product configuration and storage requirements.
FAQ
What is 3M™ PX5015?
3M™ PX5015 is a double-sided acrylic foam tape in the PX5000 Series, designed primarily for automotive exterior trim attachment.
What is the thickness of PX5015?
The nominal thickness is 1.52 mm (0.060 in) with a tolerance of ±0.15 mm.
What color is PX5015?
PX5015 features a dark gray acrylic foam core.
Is PX5015 double-sided?
Yes. The PX5000 Series uses the same 3M™ ZX pressure-sensitive adhesive on both sides of the acrylic foam core.
Can PX5015 bond to TPO and EPDM?
Yes. The ZX adhesive system is designed for robust adhesion to LSE plastics such as TPO and EPDM in suitable applications.
Does PX5015 require primer?
Not necessarily. PX5015 is designed for primerless bonding to suitable LSE and MSE substrates and compatible paint systems. However, primerless performance must be verified using the actual production substrate and application conditions.
What is the temperature resistance of PX5015?
The PX5000 Series is generally specified for approximately -40°C to +90°C, with short-term exposure up to approximately 120°C, depending on load and application conditions.
Is PX5015 suitable for automotive exterior trim?
Yes. Automotive exterior attachment is the primary application area for the PX5000 Series. Typical applications include body side moldings, claddings, rocker panels, wheel flares, nameplates and other exterior trim components.
What is the difference between PX5008, PX5011 and PX5015?
The main difference is foam thickness:
| Product | Nominal Thickness | Typical Positioning |
|---|---|---|
| PX5008 | 0.76 mm | Thin automotive attachment |
| PX5011 | 1.14 mm | General automotive exterior attachment |
| PX5015 | 1.52 mm | Complex contours and greater conformability |
All three use the PX5000 Series ZX adhesive construction.
Can PX5015 be die-cut?
Yes. PX5015 can be converted into slit rolls, sheets and custom die-cut parts. For automated production, the appropriate liner and roll configuration should be selected according to the converting process.
Is PX5015 suitable for plastic automotive components?
Yes. It is particularly suited to difficult-to-bond LSE plastics such as TPO and PP/EPDM, subject to substrate and application validation.
Downloads
Available upon request:
- 3M™ Acrylic Foam Tape PX5015 Technical Data Sheet (TDS)
- Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
- Product Brochure
- Automotive Bonding Guide
- Die-Cutting Capability Guide
Please contact our sales team if you require the latest technical documentation.
