3M structural adhesives and epoxies used for adhesive bonding of composites
Multi-material design breakthroughs start here.

Transform your composite and multi-material assembly process with 3M adhesives.

Adhesives for composite material applications

  • Take your designs to the limit and beyond with 3M structural adhesives. With the ability to bond dissimilar (multi) materials, including aluminum and carbon fiber composites, you can use lighter and thinner materials for groundbreaking innovations in form and function.

    Recent advances in multi-material adhesives have given manufacturers new assembly options beyond traditional mechanical and thermal assembly methods. Use these strong and durable adhesives on composite materials for maximum performance to optimize your design.


Find the right adhesive for your design.

Select the substrates you'd like to bond to find possible matches.


What to consider when choosing a structural adhesive.

  • Your assembly requirements, end use and materials are all important factors in selecting the optimal joining and bonding solution. Consider these questions to help you select the best adhesive for your needs.
     

    • What materials will be bonded?
    • What kind of environment will it be used in (temperature, humidity, UV exposure, etc.)?
    • What kind of force are the joints built for (shear, tension or compression)?
    • Does it need to resist chemicals (motor oil, jet fuel, weak acids and bases)?
    • Are there any mechanical challenges (impact, vibration, stress type and magnitude)?

    Considering these key factors will help determine your adhesive options. Keep reading to learn more about 3M adhesives, or for fast, helpful advice, contact our technical specialists for additional information or call 1-800-362-3550 for assistance.


  • Choose your multi-material adhesive

    Selecting the optimal adhesive is important, and we have the resources to guide you through it. 3M has completed extensive field trials and testing and developed a selector chart that covers the majority of composite and multi-material applications. Flip through it and find your application and materials to make your selection.


Adhesive options to optimize your designs

  • Epoxy adhesives generally have the highest strength and overall performance.

    Feature focus: Best resistance to high temperatures, solvents and outdoor weathering.

  • Two-part adhesives that provide excellent bond strength and durability, although slightly lower than epoxy adhesives.

    Feature focus: Faster cure speed, high tolerance for oily or unprepared bonding surfaces, bonding with a wide variety of materials, including nearly all plastics.

  • Two-part flexible adhesives with excellent impact resistance and good adhesion to most plastics.

    Feature focus: Bonds well to woods, concrete and rubbers with reduced resistance to solvents and high temperatures.


Applications

  • Glass-filled polypropylene for bonding composites

    Glass-filled polypropylene

    Permanent composite bonding for strength and aesthetics

    3M™ Scotch-Weld™ Structural Plastic Adhesive DP8010 Blue was used to bond ABS inserts to glass-filled polypropylene bumpers. It was the only solution that provided a permanent structural bond without pretreatment while maintaining the desired look.

  • Installed interior car trim

    Thermoplastic Composites

    Lightweight composite adhesive bonding for vehicle panels

    3M™ Scotch-Weld™ Structural Plastic Adhesive DP8010NS Blue is used in bonding interior trim panels to the aluminum frame. It provided the desired bonding strength for the lightweight interior panels that could also withstand driving force and provide structural support.

  • Buses

    Glass Reinforced Plastic

    Flexible adhesive for vehicle manufacturing

    A 3M polyurethane adhesive sealant was used to bond the glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) side panel to the coated steel frame of a commercial bus and coach. It was selected because it offered a high load capacity and could withstand vibrations and thermal expansion. This customer also used 3M™ VHB™ Acrylic Foam Tape with the adhesive sealant to speed up production.

  • Drilling platform

    Carbon Fiber

    Carbon fiber composite bonding for drilling platforms

    3M™ Scotch-Weld™ Toughened Epoxy Adhesive has been used to bond carbon fiber during the assembly of lightweight drilling platform equipment. 3M’s epoxy adhesive was used to secure bonded joints of carbon fiber and stainless steel. Field tests have shown resistance to dynamic loading, crude oil, hydrocarbon mud and fragments of rock mixture flowing at 80 to 100ºC.


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Level up your design game.
With new structural adhesive options, you’re free to design with advanced and unique composite materials that set your products apart. 3M is here to help you navigate all the solutions available to help you make the right decision.
Call 1-800-362-3550 for assistance

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