Application of a panel bonding adhesive to a frame

Panel-to-Frame and Stiffener-to-Panel Assemblies

Permanently bond panels to rigid frames, or add rigid stiffeners to support large panels.

Advanced bonding and adhesive solutions for product design panels, frame reinforcements, and more.

  • Panel assemblies are significant in today’s construction, transport, and general industries. Holding strength, water-tight sealing, and thermal flexibility are critical for product designs and load-bearing panels. 3M panel bonding solutions help you meet these design and strength requirements while enhancing final product aesthetics.


Assemblies Explained

Panel-to-Frame
  • Application of 3M panel bonding tape to rigid frame.

    Panel-to-Frame Assemblies

    Panel-to-frame assemblies occur when decorative or load-bearing panels are applied to a rigid frame for support.

    Typical Requirements for Panel Assemblies
    • Dead load holding strength
    • Flexibility for dynamic loads or thermal expansion mismatch
    • Gap filling or variation in fit from end to end
    • Water-tight sealing
Applications include:
  • High-rise building against the evening sky.
    Construction Facades
  • Modern digital street signage along roadside with blurred cars passing by.
    Signage Panels
  • Tall metal cabinets used for commercial purposes
    Metal Cabinets
Stiffener-to-Panel
  • Video of 3M™ VHB™ Tape Server Rack Stiffener to Panel Application

    Stiffener-to-Panel Assemblies

    Stiffeners are applied to panels to give extra support and rigidity. The video above demonstrates the necessary steps:

    1. Stiffeners added to wall panel
    2. Application of tape
    3. Removal of liner
    4. Assembly attached to the server rack
    Typical Requirements for Panel Assemblies
    • Dead load holding strength
    • Flexibility for dynamic loads or thermal expansion mismatch
    • Gap filling or variation in fit from end to end
    • Water-tight sealing
Applications include:
  • High-rise building against the evening sky.
    Construction Facades
  • Modern digital street signage along roadside with blurred cars passing by.
    Signage Panels
  • Tall metal cabinets used for commercial purposes
    Metal Cabinets

3M Panel Assembly Solutions

3M tapes, adhesives, sealers and fasteners offer a range of options for panel-to-frame and stiffener-to-panel applications. These choices maintain elasticity for dynamic loads, and allow expansion differences when temperatures change.

    • Replaces screws, rivets, welds, and mechanical fasteners
    • Instant strength
    • High ultimate bond and seals simultaneously
    • Viscoelastic and flexible for thermal expansion/contraction
    • Best for flat-to-flat applications with consistent bond line thickness
    • Acrylic, epoxy and urethane adhesives
    • Over 1000 psi in overlap shear strength
    • For highest strength, fatigue and environmental resistance
    • Excellent for metal-to-metal bonds
    • Single component adhesive technology
    • Outstanding sealing properties
    • Fill larger and irregular gaps including rough substrates
    • Flexible for thermal expansion/contraction
    • Strong yet easily removable 
    • Allows access for servicing or replacement of panels
    • Usable with 3M™ VHB™ Tape or other 3M solutions

Explore Industries


Design challenges of Panel-to-Frame and Stiffener-to-Panel

  • Video of WS Steel Customer Testimonial (2:18)
    WS Steel Customer Testimonial (2:18)

    Learn how WS Steel replaced spot welds with 3M™ VHB™ Tape to simplify their panel and stiffener attachment processes, save time, and achieve a 20% drop in manufacturing costs!

  • Video of 3M VHB Tapes for Specialty Vehicles (1:54)
    3M VHB Tapes for Specialty Vehicles (1:54)

    Discover how design engineers used the dynamic adhesion strength and quick and easy application capabilities of 3M VHB tapes to manufacture durable specialty vehicles.


Application of structural adhesive on a metal substrate to illustrate the science of adhesion.
The Science Of Adhesion

Explore the science behind 3M Industrial Tapes and Adhesives’ strong bonds, and how it equips you with full design flexibility.

LEARN MORE

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