Benefits
- Low-temperature application: Suitable for bonding operations where ambient temperatures may be as low as 0°C.
- Permanent bonding: Provides durable attachment without screws, rivets or welding.
- Design flexibility: Allows thinner, lighter and dissimilar materials to be bonded.
- Clean appearance: Eliminates visible mechanical fasteners.
- Stress distribution: Acrylic foam helps distribute stress across the bonded area.
- Moisture sealing: Can create a durable seal against water and moisture.
- Production efficiency: Can reduce drilling, grinding, screwing, welding and associated cleanup.
Technical Specifications
| Property | 3M™ VHB™ Tape 4951 |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Double-Sided Acrylic Foam Tape |
| Color | White |
| Adhesive Type | Low-Temperature-Applicable Acrylic |
| Foam Type | Firm Acrylic Foam |
| Total Thickness | 1.1 mm / 0.045 in / 45 mil |
| Thickness Tolerance | ±10% |
| Foam + Adhesive Density | 800 kg/m³ / 50 lb/ft³ |
| Liner | PET |
| Liner Color | Clear |
| Liner Thickness | 0.05 mm / 0.002 in |
| 90° Peel Adhesion | 32 N/cm / 18 lb/in |
| Normal Tensile | 760 kPa / 110 psi |
| Overlap Shear Strength | 550 kPa / 80 psi |
| Minimum Application Temperature | 0°C / 32°F |
| Typical Long-Term Temperature* | Up to 93°C / 200°F |
| Typical Short-Term Temperature* | Up to 150°C / 300°F |
*Temperature performance depends on application conditions, substrate, load, exposure time and bond design. 3M’s design guide lists the 4951 family at 150°C for minutes and 93°C for hours/days/weeks. The individual TDS identifies the physical and adhesion data as typical rather than specification limits.
Applications
3M identifies 4951 for applications including:
- General-purpose bonding
- Panel-to-frame bonding
- Stiffener-to-panel bonding
- Decorative material attachment
- Trim attachment
- Nameplate and logo mounting
- Security device mounting
- Roof-to-roof-bow attachment
- Industrial assembly
- Permanent mounting
- Sealing and bonding
Compatible Materials
3M™ VHB™ Tape 4951 is particularly suitable for high surface energy (HSE) substrates, including:
- Aluminum
- Stainless steel
- Other metals
- Glass
- High-surface-energy plastics
- Acrylic
- Polycarbonate
- Painted metal
- Suitable painted surfaces
- Rigid plastic components
- Decorative materials
- Composite components
For low-surface-energy plastics such as some polyethylene or polypropylene grades, 4951 should not automatically be assumed suitable; substrate-specific testing or an LSE adhesive solution may be required. 3M specifically describes 4951 as suitable for metals, glass and easier-to-bond paints and plastics.
Industries
- Automotive & Transportation
- Electronics
- Appliances
- Construction
- Signage & Display
- Metalworking
- General Industrial
- Security Equipment
- Furniture & Fixtures
- Industrial Equipment
3M’s VHB product selector identifies transportation, metalworking, construction, signage, electronics and appliances as key application markets.
Why Choose
3M™ VHB™ Tape 4951 is a strong option when you need a 1.1 mm white VHB tape with firm acrylic foam and low-temperature application capability.
Its major distinction from standard 4950-family products is the low-temperature-applicable acrylic adhesive, which allows bonding down to 0°C under 3M’s stated conditions. This makes 4951 particularly useful for manufacturing and assembly environments where conventional pressure-sensitive tapes may be difficult to apply at lower temperatures.
For industrial converting, Yousan can supply:
- Custom-width rolls
- Narrow slit rolls
- Custom roll lengths
- Jumbo-roll converting
- Die-cut adhesive parts
- Kiss-cut components
- Custom shapes
- Laminated tape constructions
- OEM converting
- Custom packaging
Installation Guide
1. Surface Preparation
Clean the bonding surfaces to remove dust, oil, grease and other contaminants.
2. Check the Substrates
Confirm that the substrates are compatible with the 4951 adhesive system. High-surface-energy materials generally provide the best results.
3. Apply the Tape
Apply the tape smoothly to the first substrate while avoiding wrinkles and trapped air.
4. Apply Pressure
Apply firm, uniform pressure across the tape to maximize adhesive contact.
5. Remove the Liner
Carefully remove the PET liner without touching or contaminating the exposed adhesive.
6. Assemble the Second Substrate
Position the mating component accurately and bring the two surfaces together.
7. Apply Final Pressure
Apply sufficient pressure over the entire bonding area. Initial handling strength develops immediately, while the bond continues to build over time.
3M recommends testing the tape under actual application conditions before production use.
Storage
Store 3M 4951 in its original packaging in a clean, dry indoor environment.
Recommended practices:
- Keep the tape in its original packaging.
- Protect from direct sunlight.
- Avoid excessive heat and moisture.
- Prevent dust and contamination of exposed adhesive.
- Do not store with excessive pressure or deformation.
- Follow the latest 3M documentation for shelf-life and storage requirements.
FAQ
Q1: What is 3M 4951 VHB tape?
3M 4951 is a white, 1.1 mm double-sided acrylic foam tape with a firm foam core and low-temperature-applicable acrylic adhesive.
Q2: How thick is 3M 4951?
The nominal thickness is 1.1 mm / 45 mil / 0.045 inch.
Q3: Can 3M 4951 be applied at low temperatures?
Yes. 3M states that the 4951 family can be bonded at temperatures as low as 0°C / 32°F.
Q4: What color is 3M 4951?
3M 4951 is white.
Q5: What is the liner material?
The liner is PET, with a nominal thickness of 0.05 mm.
Q6: What materials can 3M 4951 bond?
It is designed for a broad range of HSE materials, including metals, glass, paints and plastics that are relatively easy to bond.
Q7: Can 3M 4951 replace screws and rivets?
Yes. 3M positions VHB tapes as alternatives to mechanical fastening methods such as rivets, welds and screws in suitable applications.
Q8: What is the difference between 3M 4951 and 3M 4950?
Both are 1.1 mm white VHB acrylic foam tapes, but 4951 uses a low-temperature-applicable acrylic adhesive, while 4950 belongs to the general-purpose 4950 family. This makes 4951 the more appropriate choice when low-temperature application is an important requirement.
Q9: Is 3M 4951 suitable for outdoor applications?
Yes, 3M describes VHB 4951 as providing long-term durability and suitability across indoor and outdoor applications. Actual outdoor performance should be validated for the specific substrate, load and environmental exposure.
Q10: Can 3M 4951 be die-cut?
Yes. 3M 4951 can be converted into custom-width rolls and die-cut adhesive components using appropriate converting processes.
Downloads
Available documents include:
- 3M VHB Tape 4951 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.
