A Selection Guide to 3M™ PSA Adhesive Tapes for Low Surface Energy (LSE) Applications

Sometimes, adhesive tapes simply won't stick. Take thermoplastics like polyolefin (TPO), polypropylene (PP), and high- and low-density polyethylene (HDPE/LDPE). These materials are notoriously tough to adhere to.

These difficult-to-bond-to materials — known in the industry as LSE or Low Surface Energy materials — can pose a problem for manufacturers who want to harness the power of pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) tapes in their product designs.

Especially when said product designers neglect to factor in the substrate's surface energy's impact on their adhesive tape selection process.

Read on if you're ready to learn how to make your LSE adhesive tape selection process simple and pain-free.

Why does substrate surface energy matter?

Adhesive science tells us that for an adhesive to wet out thoroughly—or effectively spread across the surface so that it can form a secure bond—the substrate's surface energy must be higher than the surface energy of the adhesive.

So, how can you ensure an adequate surface energy difference between your tape and the bonding surface?

1. Increase substrate surface energy via specialty materials converting processes like corona and plasma surface treatment.
2. Select a specialty PSA tape with an LSE adhesive.

Surface treatments can be expensive and time-consuming, and if not done correctly, they can negatively impact the physical characteristics of the material.

And that's why product designers and engineers use LSE adhesive tapes for complex bonding problems.

Speaking of problems, what's the solution to picking the right LSE tape?

We can help you choose an LSE adhesive tape

There's no denying it, selecting adhesive tape can be overwhelming. Selecting specialty adhesive tapes? Even trickier. And that's how working with a knowledgeable converter like JBC Technologies can help.

We've teamed up with the adhesive experts at 3M™ to create an easy-to-use (LSE) adhesive tape selection guide that will assist you as you choose the perfect LSE tape for your LSE bonding applications. Tapes and Adhesives for Low Surface Energy Applications: 3M LSE Product Selection Guide The surface energy of commonly used substrates Types of pressure-sensitive tape constructions Critical adhesive tape performance properties  Options for 3M™ LSE adhesive tapes And much, much more

Download the guide for free today.

3M™ LSE Adhesive Tape Selection with JBC Technologies

For over 30 years, we've been helping our customers improve their products with custom die-cut solutions. Custom die-cut solutions from JBC Technologies can be found in nearly every industry, from automotive and medical to HVAC and appliances.

One of the most important ways that we can assist you in your custom die-cutting journey is by working with you in partnership with our material manufacturers to ensure that we choose the right materials for your specific application. When you're ready to start on your custom die-cut adhesive tape project, submit your project details to us today.

We're an ISO 9001, IATF 16949 Certified manufacturer and a 3M Preferred Converter.