Structural glazing tape on show at Interbuild

Structural glazing tape from 3M will revolutionise glazing installation: see it on display at Interbuild 2008 - Hall 5, Stand E55/F50

Structural Glazing Tape from 3M offers less waste, instant handling strength and a simpler application process than traditional techniques - making it a truly modern method of construction.

3M, the diversified technology company, has developed an alternative to the often messy, time consuming processes currently used to secure glass in structural applications.

VHB Structural Glazing Tape not only simplifies fabrication processes, but also shortens them by removing the time taken for adhesive curing, while providing a consistently neat, high-quality finish with very high strength and dependable durability.

The tape comprises high-performance, double-sided, pressure-sensitive acrylic foam.

It requires only very simple surface preparation and provides an instant bond, eliminating the time and space demanded by other systems, where the adhesive needs to cure.

It can even be pre-applied to the frame or glass and left with the protective liner in place until required, allowing a greater degree of off-site fabrication.

Full bond strength is achieved within 72 hours.

Structural glazing is conventionally installed using spacer tape and structural-grade silicone sealant, with the dimensions of the spacer tape governing the thickness of the silicone bead used - calculated according to wind-load requirements.

The 3M Acrylic foam VHB Structural Glazing Tape removes the need for both the spacer tape and structural silicone as it serves as the primary bonding agent and a secondary sealing agent in one single component.

The tape is a uniform 2.3mm thick, close to one third of the typical thickness of a typical structural silicone bond, making the bond far less visible from the inside of the window, meaning architects can incorporate cleaner and more visually appealing finishes.

The precise dimensional control of the tape also allows for extremely neat, accurate assembly.

Compared to conventional structural glazing materials, structural glazing tape is a lower-cost option - significant savings can be realised once additional cost elements such as productivity, waste, installation and clean-up time are considered.

The tape can be precisely cut to length, minimising material wastage and users benefit from more accurate forecasting of materials requirements.

Factor in the fact that, with structural silicone, it is possible to have a waste factor of 10 to 25 per cent just to ensure that there is enough silicone to fill and overshoot joints, and the benefits become very clear.

VHB Structural Glazing Tape uses advanced 3M adhesive technology to deliver secure bonding to all common frame substrates, including anodised aluminium and powder coats.

It will bond modern, coated solar-control and self-cleaning glasses.

Already proven in demanding South American climatic conditions, the tape offers extremely good UV and temperature resistance.

The adhesive strength is retained even through repeated thermal expansion and contraction and the flexible acrylic foam effectively reduces stresses at the bond line.

The tape has a closed-cell construction that ensures it provides lasting weather protection as well as a durable bond.

"Today's architectural glass facades demand a bonding system that is quick and cost-effective, simple to test, visually discreet and extremely durable over the long term," explains James Gravestock, business development manager for the 3M construction division.

"With VHB Structural Glazing Tape, 3M has developed a product that meets all these requirements.

The system has already been very well received in the markets in which it has been tested and we are starting to see more and more architects specifying it on projects in the UK".

Tested in accordance with ETAG002, 3M VHB Structural Glazing Tapes come in consistent and unobtrusive colours and are available in many different widths to suit the needs of individual applications and projects.

Addressing four key construction industry issues: innovation, efficiency, sustainability and protection, 3M will be using Interbuild 2008 to showcase a number of other class-leading technologies.

These include: advanced RFID underground-asset-tracking technology; flooring and cabling products; Novec 1230 non-Halon fire extinguishing systems, with a negligible environmental impact; air filtration systems; and anti-graffiti technology.

All products will have experts on hand to discuss precise application requirements.

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