Design Guide for ArchitecturalMetal Panels

Build fast to last

For more than 20 years, engineers worldwide have been specifying 3M™ VHB™ Tapes to permanently bond and sealmany surfaces for all the reasons shown here. And in commercialconstruction from Australia to Brazil, the United States to

Switzerland, applications for these double-sided acrylic foamtapes have continued to expand indoors and outdoors forpanel to frame bonding and stiffener attachment.

3M™ VHB™ Tapes...

Beauty, not the tape, is inthe eye of the beholder

• Virtually invisible fasteninghelps keep surfaces smoothand clean to enhance designand appearance

• Use a wider variety ofmaterials more readily forhigh impact visualcombinations

3M™ VHB™ Tapes...proven worldwide for greater productivity, design

• Cladding • Column covers • Curtain wall panels • Ceiling

Withstands wind, heat,cold, sway, and vibration

• Bond with high holdingstrength to replace screws,rivets, welds, and siliconesfor static and dynamic loads

• Elastic properties absorbshock and flexing forreliability against wind,vibration, and thermalexpansion/contraction

• Fill irregularities and gapsbetween surfaces to helpkeep out dirt, water, andcleaning chemicals

2

Bonds panel to aluminum frame

Expands the range ofdesign and materialoptions

• Join many surfaces includingdissimilar materials; tapeprevents bi-metalliccorrosion

• Use lighter weight andthinner substrates

• Bond most painted andpowder coated surfaces, andhard-to-bond plastics such asacrylic and polycarbonate

flexibility, and reliability

systems • Canopies • Decorative metal trim • And more...

Simply clean...

and apply 3M™ VHB™ Tape

Bonds copper trim to ACM panel

Adhesive applies easily tosave time, money, andlabor

• PSA (pressure sensitiveadhesive) bonds on contactwith no drying time orfixturing

• Save processing steps such asdrilling, screwing, welding,clean-up, and refinishing

• Easy-to-use; bond metal,glass, and most plastics withminimal surface preparation

3

Bonds aluminum stiffener to ACM panel

Walt Disney Concert Hall, Los Angeles, CA, USAArchitect: Frank O. Gehry Curtain wall: Permasteelisa, 2003Stiffener and frame attachment.

Plaza Centenário, Sao Paulo, Brazil

Architect: Carlos Bratke, 1995Aluminum stiffeners

bonded to ACM panels.

Around the building and around the world...

3M™ VHB™ TapeAluminum hat channel stiffener

ACM

3M™

VHB™

Tape

Aluminum structure

Aluminumpanel

Stainless steel perforated plate

Steel I-beam

3M™

VHB™

Tape

4

Price Waterhouse, Mexico City, MexicoConstruction: Salvador Diaz Dupont,2001Aluminum panelsbonded to frame.

adhesive technology for the art and productivity of commercial construction

Aluminumframing

Composite panel

3M™

VHB™

Tape

Aluminum

3M™

VHB™

Tape

Curtain wall

3M™ VHB™ Tape

Stiffener

Aluminumpanel

3M™ VHB™

Tape

Stainlesssteelcurtainwall

Extruded aluminumhorizontal panel clip

Horizontal seam

3M™ VHB™

Tape

Stainlesssteelcurtainwall

Extrudedaluminumverticalpanel clip

Vertical seam

Batten strip(verticalseam)

Toronto Bell Building, Toronto, ONT, Canada

2000Perforated stainless steel plate bonded to I-beam.

18

Shaffner Building, St. Joseph, MI, USA

Architect: Shaffner and Associates, 1986Aluminum composite panels bonded to aluminum framework.

Temasek Tower, SingaporeArchitect: Architects 61, 1985Aluminum stiffeners bonded to curtain wall panels.

Adelaide Convention Centre,South AustraliaArchitect: Woods Bagotwith Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, 2001Aluminum composite panelbonded to galvanized frame.

Dearborn Center, Chicago, IL, USAFabricator: Copper Sales Una-Clad, 2003Stiffeners bonded to exteriormetal trim cladding.

3M™

VHB™

Tape

Compositematerialfascia panel

Stiffener

3M™ VHB™

Tape

Stiffener

Cladding cover

High holding power and long term reliability

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O’Hare Airport, Chicago, IL, USA

Architect: Custom Products of Southgate, CA,1987

Mirror-finish composite ceiling panels bonded to a suspension frame.

Jurong West Telephone Exchange, SingaporeACM panels attached to stiffeners.

3M™

VHB™

Tape

Mirrored ceiling panel

Steelframework

StiffenerL bar riveted to boxes

3M™

VHB™

Tape

Folded edgeACM panel

outdoors and indoors

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BankBoston, Sao Paulo, BrazilArchitect: Skidmore,Owings & Merrill andJulio Neves partnership, 2002Stainless steel panels bonded to aluminum tray frame.

Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, UAECurtain wall design: Schmidlin AG, 1998Aluminum panels bonded tosteel stiffeners. ACM

Steel

3M™

VHB™

Tape

Applies easily

8

Tamedia Building, Zurich, Switzerland

Facade design: Soder AG, 2001Glass steps bonded to varnished steel frame.

Paintedsteel

3M™ VHB™

Tape (clear)

Glass

Aeroporto Fortaleza, Fortaleza, Brazil

Architect: Claudio Silva, 1997Stainless steel panels bonded

to steel frame.

Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, South KoreaArchitect: Samoo Architects and Engineers, 1995Aluminum stiffeners bonded to aluminum panels.

Painted aluminum panel

Aluminumframe

3M™

VHB™

Tape

Aluminum stiffener

Stainless steel panel

Aluminumtray

3M™

VHB™

Tape

3M™

VHB™

Tape

Stainless steelpanel

Steel structure

to permanently bond many materials flat or curved

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Technical information

A. Structural Performance Tests

Architectural metal panels assembled using 3M™ VHB™ Tapes were given structural performance tests at Construction ResearchLaboratory (Miami, FL). Each panel measured 1524 mm x 2438 mm and was built with aperimeter frame and three stiffeners attached tothe aluminum or ACM sheet using only VHBtape. The tests were performed according toASTM E330 “Standard Test Method forStructural Performance of Exterior Windows,Curtain Walls, and Doors by Uniform Static AirPressure Difference”. The panels survived pressures up to 5.7 kPa in both direc-tions, which corresponds to a sustained windspeed of 355 kph. The VHB tapes demonstratedexcellent performance, even after the panels andstiffeners themselves had shown permanentdeformation in these simulated high winds.

A duplicate set of panels constructed using VHBtapes was subjected to non-ambient temperaturestructural performance tests. The panels weresubjected to positive and negative pressures upto 2.9 kPa at cold -29ºC, ambient 32ºC, and hot66ºC outside air test temperatures, which werethe most extreme temperatures obtainable in thisspecific test configuration. Subsequent inspection showed VHB tapes withstood thesewind pressures at the temperature extremes, andprovided excellent performance despite the panels and stiffeners exerting high stresses on thetapes at all three test temperatures.

Aluminum panels of another design were bondedwith VHB tape and tested in accordance with AS 2047 “Windows in Buildings” by the CSIRO Division of Building, Construction andEngineering (Australia). The panels were subjected to differential pressures up to 7.0 kPawith no signs of failure. This pressure representsa wind speed of approximately 390 kph.

B. Hurricane Impact and Pressure Cycling Tests

Architectural metal panels assembled with VHBtapes were subjected to impact and pressurecycling tests to determine their ability to survivea hurricane or other high wind event. This test-ing was also performed at Construction ResearchLaboratory (Miami, FL). The impact test wasperformed in accordance with ASTM E1996“Standard Specification for Performance ofExterior Windows, Curtain Walls, Doors andStorm Shutters Impacted by Windborne Debrisin Hurricanes”, using the most severe wind zoneclassification for non-essential buildings. Theimpacts resulted in heavy damage to the panels,frame, and stiffeners, but the VHB tapes heldfast and even expanded to maintain contact withboth dented surfaces.

The same panels were then given the pressurecycling sequence specified by Dade CountySpecification PA-203 using the test method provided in ASTM E1886 “Standard TestMethod for Performance of Exterior Windows,Curtain Walls, Doors, and Storm ShuttersImpacted by Missiles and Exposed to CyclicPressure Differentials”. This resulted in a total of 1,342 pressure cycles (in the positive and negative wind directions) on the panels using abuilding design pressure of 1.9 kPa. Visualinspection after the test indicated the VHB tapeshad maintained full contact to all stiffeners withno loss of adhesion. The pressure cyclingsequence was then repeated using a buildingdesign pressure of 2.9 kPa for an additional1,342 cycles. Two VHB tapes maintained com-plete adhesive contact with the stiffeners afterthis additional pressure cycling, indicating excel-lent performance throughout the hurricane-relat-ed tests.

C. Fire Tests

Several VHB tapes were bonded between piecesof aluminum (similar to architectural metal panelapplications) and tested by the WarringtonResearch Centre (United Kingdom) for fire performance according to British Standard 476Part 6 “Method of Test for Fire Propagation forProducts” and Part 7 “Surface Spread of FlameTest for Materials”. No surface spread of flameoccurred, and the products complied with therequirements for a Class 0 surface.

A different VHB tape bonded in a similar construction was tested to AS 1530 III “EarlyFire Hazard Properties of Materials” by the CSR Concord Research & Development Centre(Australia). This testing yielded the followingfire rating indices:

Ignitability = 0Spread of Flame = 0Heat Evolved = 0Smoke Developed = 0

D. Weathering Resistance

Bonds made with VHB tapes have been exposedon outdoor weathering decks in Arizona, Florida,Minnesota, and Japan to collect data on the long-term weathering resistance of VHB tapes.These tests typically showed full bond strengthretention after 5 years of exposure in these real-life weather tests, at which point the testswere discontinued.

Numerous accelerated aging tests have also beenperformed which subject a bond made with VHBtape to heat, humidity, and concentrated UV lightexposure to simulate outdoor weather conditions.For example, tests have demonstrated that VHBtape bond strength, as performed in a dynamicoverlap shear test, typically maintains its originalperformance even after 7000 hours of exposure to these harsh conditions, at whichpoint the tests were discontinued.

E. Solvent Resistance

Test results show no effect on VHB tape bondperformance after splashes or incidental contactwith a wide variety of solvents (such as fuels,alcohols, adhesive removers, weak acids, andweak bases).

F. Adhesive Properties

VHB tapes are ideal for bonding to a variety ofsubstrates, including most metals, glass, plastics,composites, and painted surfaces. Each productin the VHB tape family has specific features,including the ability to bond to different types ofmaterials. Determination of whether a specificVHB tape is fit for a particular applicationshould include adhesion testing with the actualsubstrates.

G. Compatibility with Silicone Sealants

VHB tapes have been tested for compatibilitywith several different silicone sealants using theprocedure described in ASTM C1087 “StandardTest Method for Determining Compatibility ofLiquid-Applied Sealants with Accessories Usedin Structural Glazing Systems”. The resultsshowed VHB tapes to be compatible with silicone sealants, with no noticeable color changeand no loss of adhesion to glass substrates.

H. Sealing

3M™ VHB™ Tapes can provide an excellent sealagainst moisture. They also form an excellentbarrier to prevent galvanic corrosion betweendissimilar metals.

Architectural metal panels with a perimeterframe attached only with VHB tapes were subjected to water leakage tests in accordancewith ASTM E331 “Standard Test Method forWater Penetration of Exterior Windows,Skylights, Doors, and Curtain Walls by UniformStatic Air Pressure Difference” at ConstructionResearch Laboratory (Miami, FL). The resultsindicated that, with proper tape application andperhaps a small amount of silicone sealant overthe tape seams, that VHB tape can provide anexcellent seal against water penetration.

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3M™ VHB™ Tapes for Architectural Metal Panels

Relative Adhesion: HSE – High Surface Energy LSE – Low Surface Energy

I. Design Considerations

Static Loads - As a general rule, 4 sq in of 3M VHB tape per 1 kg ( equals 60 sq cm per 1 kg)should be used to support static tensile or sheardead loads. While this guideline includes somesafety factors, a different amount of VHB tape maybe required depending on the particular application.

Dynamic Loads - For dynamic tensile or shearloads (such as wind loads), a design strength of12 psi (85 kPa) can generally be used for mostVHB tapes, while a design strength of 9 psi (60 kPa) should be used for the VHB tape 5952series. These guuidelines provide a safety factorof at least 5. These values can easil be adjustedto incorporate a different safety factor. For example, a safety factor of 3 would result in a design strength of 20 psi (140 kPa) for mostVHB tapes, and 15 psi (106 kPa) for the VHBtape 5952 series.

Thermal Expansion/Contraction - VHB tapesperform well in applications where the twobonded surfaces experience contraction andexpansion relative to each other. VHB tapes cantypically tolerate differential shear movement upto 3 times their original thickness. Since bondsmade with VHB tapes will be more flexiblethan other joining methods, suitable design mod-ifications may be needed to achieve requiredstiffness.

Tape Thickness - The optimal thickness of VHBtape for a particular application depends on thesize, rigidity, and flatness of the substrates, as wellas the amount of application pressure applied tomate the surfaces together. In general, thickertapes will handle greater mismatch and differen-tial thermal expansion between surfaces, andprovide better contact and sealing.

J. Other References

The above technical background provides only abrief summary about the performance of VHBtapes in construction applications. For completedetails and more technical information, pleaserefer to the following documents:

1. Technical data page: “VHB Tapes for Construction Applications”

2. Technical bulletin: “Structural Performance Tests of VHB Tapes in Architectural Metal Panels”

3. Technical bulletin: “Surface Preparation for 3M VHB Tape Applications”

4. Technical bulletin: “3M VHB Tape Durability”

K. Important Note

The details about each architectural metal panelapplication (such as panel design, materials, sur-face preparation, selected VHB tape, and build-ing-specific requirements) can affect the use andperformance of a VHB tape. Therefore, VHBtapes should be thoroughly evaluated by the userunder actual use conditions with intended sub-

strates to determine whether a specific VHBtape is fit for a particular purpose and suitable foruser’s method of application, especially ifexpected use involves extreme environmentalconditions.

L. Warranty

VHB tapes can provide the strength needed inthe assembly of architectural metal panels. Please refer to the Limited Product Warranties on page 12.

Note: This technical information and data should be considered representative or typical only and should not be used for specification purposes.

11

ProductNumber

49414941F49564956F4991

495049124959

59525962

Tape Thicknessw/o Liner Mils

1.1 mm1.1 mm1.55 mm1.55 mm2.3 mm

1.1 mm2.0 mm3.0 mm

1.1 mm1.55 mm

Description

Dark gray, closed-cell acrylicfoam carrier. Conformable.Good adhesion to manypainted metals. Plasticizerresistant.

White, closed-cell acrylic foamcarrier. General purposeadhesive.

Black, closed-cell acrylic foamcarrier. Conformable.Good adhesion to manypainted surfaces, includingpowder coatings.

AdhesiveType

Acrylic

Acrylic

Synthetic

Temperature

Short Long

121°C 93°C

149°C 93°C

149°C 121°C

SolventResist-ance

High

High

High

Application Ideas

Attach stiffeners and trim to metalsheet or painted ACM panels. Bondand seal perimeter frame to metalsheet or ACM panels.

Attach stiffeners and trim to baremetal panels. Bond and sealperimeter frame to bare metal panels.

Attach stiffeners and trim to paintedACM panels. Bond and seal perimeterframe to painted ACM panels.

Relative Adhesion

HSE LSE

High Med

High Low

High Med

Industrial Adhesives & Tapes Division3M UK PLC

3M Centre, Cain RoadBracknell, BerkshireRG12 8HTTel : 0870 60800 50Fax: 0870 60700 99website: www.3M.com/uk/tagE-mail: bondingsolutions.uk@mmm.com

Industrial Adhesives & Tapes Division3M Ireland

Adelphi CentreUpper Georges Street,Dun LaoghaireCo. Dublin, IrelandTel : 01 280 3555Fax: 01 280 3509 CJ1085

PE-BE-SB-27

Finishing, masking, and protecting metal surfaces

Bonding methods using Structural Adhesives.

Beyond bonding with 3M™ VHB™ Tape, 3M industrial technologies can help you finish, mask, and protect the surfaces ofarchitectural metal panels.

Adliswil Indoor Swimming Pool

Hybrid joining with 3M™ DP810 mixed adhesive and with 3M™ acrylic foam adhesive assembly tape 4664. The latest innovation from the 3M company.The facade elements, made of tempered (enamelled) glass, were bonded to thealuminium angle profiles. This type of hybrid joining provides maximum loadcarrying capacity, is invisible and is also extremely economical in both production and installation.

3M Abrasive Systems: From a wide selection of 3M non-wovenabrasive products you can find wheels and discsto quickly deburr, blend and finish any metal.Special construction runs cool and long for cost-effectiveness.

3M™ Masking Tapes: With this extensive line you have choices inholding power, paint edge sharpness, temperatureresistance, and clean removal to meet theproductivity and quality requirements of anypainting method.

3M™ Protective Films:To protect metal surfaces during processing,shipping and installation, these polyethylenefilms offer combinations of adhesive stickingpower and removability for the demands ofvarious conditions.

Limited Product Warranties3M warrants for 12 months from the date of manufacture that 3M™ VHB™ Tape will be free of defects in material and manufacture. 3M makes no otherwarranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. This warranty does notcover damage resulting from the use or inability to use 3M VHB tape due to misuse, workmanship in application, or application r storage not in accordancewith 3M recommended procedure.

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