3m Panel Bond Adhesive instead of welding

[Whiskeymike]

Anyone use 3m Panel Bond Adhesive instead of welding? I understand that it can be stronger than welding. Is it ever used when the steel is painted? Or do the automotive companies that use it, apply it when it's bare metal panels and then paint afterwards?

I'm looking to affix plasma cut steel signs and would prefer to not weld it due to warping thin steel and I'd also like to paint it first before affixing different layers together.

Any recommendations on brands? 3m seems to provide the best stuff, but it's pricey so if there's a lower cost alternative. My stuff is not structural, but I don't want it to fall apart.

 

[Bill Bowman]

I've used a lot of the 3m stuff, in fact, several years ago, I did a seminar to show the 3m rep how to properly use it. Basically, you want clean sanded steel on both surfaces. Spread a thin coat on each part, covering the entire sanded area, then a small bead, or squish/ooze bead. Clamp it together and clean off any excess that has worked it's way out the edge, with lacquer thinner. Easy peasey. Just, as you mentioned, NO structural situations.

 

[HD FLHX]

I've been using 3m's panel bonding adhesive since the late 90's. Excellent product. When used in its intended purpose it needs to be used on bare steel. Check out 3m 08217 universal adhesive it maybe suited better for your application

 

[Radartom1]

Anyone use 3m Panel Bond Adhesive instead of welding? I understand that it can be stronger than welding. Is it ever used when the steel is painted? Or do the automotive companies that use it, apply it when it's bare metal panels and then paint afterwards?

I'm looking to affix plasma cut steel signs and would prefer to not weld it due to warping thin steel and I'd also like to paint it first before affixing different layers together.

Any recommendations on brands? 3m seems to provide the best stuff, but it's pricey so if there's a lower cost alternative. My stuff is not structural, but I don't want it to fall apart.

not sure how big of a sign your building but I have done the same double layer plasma stuff with the 3m double sided molding tape, works like a champ.

 

[K13]

Evercoat makes a panel bond ( 4 different speeds) that works as well as the 3M, is less money and doesn't require the specialized gun to use it.

http://www.evercoat.com/adhesives-sealants/us/

 

[Whiskeymike]

not sure how big of a sign your building but I have done the same double layer plasma stuff with the 3m double sided molding tape, works like a champ.

This sign is 4x3 and probably 3 layers. I've heard a lot about the 3m tapes and ordered a roll, but just nervous of it separating after the fact.

I'll check out the 3m Universal and Evercoat as well.

Thanks guys

 

[tdcisco1]

ive used the 3m double sided tape with no problems for years now.

 

[kerrynzl]

I use a Bostik variety .[Simson ISR 70-03] it is cheap

It is only as strong as the surface you adhere it to, so clean bare metal is best.

I've done a few tests to destruction with it.
It will pull hot dip galvanising or powder coating off the surface before it lets go.

I did a thread here on a trailer build where I used it on the deck

 

[1969]

Learning.......

 

[Zeke]

ive used the 3m double sided tape with no problems for years now.

Yes, 3M makes adhesive tapes in hundreds of varieties. Get a hold of a 3M distributor.

 

[kbs2244]

Most people do not realize that their roof top luggage racks are glued on.
And that jets are often glued together.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I've used a lot of the 3m stuff, in fact, several years ago, I did a seminar to show the 3m rep how to properly use it. Basically, you want clean sanded steel on both surfaces. ...

Clean, clean, Super clean !

Do you recommend any kind of "surface prep"/etchant ? (Folks doing aluminum sweat by Rustoleum "self-etching" primer.)

 

[countryroad82]

I've been using it a lot as of late. The big thing is it has to be clean metal on both panels or your asking for a failure point.

 

[sberry]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Anyone use 3m Panel Bond Adhesive instead of welding?

You are asking about a product,,, a different thing than the application or the intent.
Signs are a bit different than auto body, double stick tape to hold the pieces together while a gob of silicone sets up is the trick. Economical is good here as is practical.

 

[Daveo]

Panel bond shouldnt be used on a surface that will show. I mean like a quarter sail panel, I seen a couple shops do it and it always comes back with a "ghost" line. Meaning you can always see where the panel was glued on.

 

[Git]

Haven't you ever seen the 3m bowling ball test?

 

[venturesomerite]

I have heard many a good thing about these adhesives, but never used any. Keep the info coming

 

[iajonesy]

Haven't you ever seen the 3m bowling ball test?

That's pretty impressive. I had my doubts until I saw this video.

Mike

 

[LIGOOMBA]

I work on a sprint cup team and we use that stuff like nuts.No issues ever.We use Lord Fusor though.For metal signs I would use the 3M 8115 that's what I have used to put door skins on.I would grind the metal with some 50 grit roloc pads glue/clamp .

 

[Greyhorse]

Sikaflex 252

 

[mikhett]

I have heard many a good thing about these adhesives, but never used any. Keep the info coming

Hi there ,I'm also restoring a 56 Victoria,if you go on the HAMB forum and look up Mikhett go in my profile and U will see pics.Good Luck with yours!

 

[toplessHO]

my answer to the fancy caulk guns needed was a large caulk gun and some PVC pipe to act as depressor

 

[theoldwizard1]

They use a fair amount of adhesive on the aluminum body F150.

Where they can get away with (cosmetic reasons) the use self drilling blind rivet. Fast (adhesives do take time to cure) and inexpensive, especially when installed by robot.

 

[RivennHewn]

We've had several signs made, in different thickness up to 1/8", and installed them with VHB tape.

There is a large selection of widths and thicknesses.

We usually just wipe the mating surfaces with acetone.

 

[sberry]

Anyone use 3m Panel Bond Adhesive instead of welding? I understand that it can be stronger than welding. Is it ever used when the steel is painted? Or do the automotive companies that use it, apply it when it's bare metal panels and then paint afterwards?

I'm looking to affix plasma cut steel signs and would prefer to not weld it due to warping thin steel and I'd also like to paint it first before affixing different layers together.

Any recommendations on brands? 3m seems to provide the best stuff, but it's pricey so if there's a lower cost alternative. My stuff is not structural, but I don't want it to fall apart.

Mike, I may be off here but asking if these products are good is a separate issue from is this the right product for me. Its likely you ant a simple adhesive sealant, Lexel or in many cases simple silicone on super sale when you can get a few tubes and a simple caulk gun.
Its not likely you need an expensive precision system designed for auto body finish on top etc.

 

[kerrynzl]

Mike, I may be off here but asking if these products are good is a separate issue from is this the right product for me. Its likely you ant a simple adhesive sealant, Lexel or in many cases simple silicone on super sale when you can get a few tubes and a simple caulk gun.
Its not likely you need an expensive precision system designed for auto body finish on top etc.

Don't use silicone , use a urethane adhesives

They're paintable and come in Caulking tubes.

 

[sberry]

Sure, a urethane is great and convenient but the sign industry uses a lot of common caulk too.
My point is,,,,,, the question is like,,, what is the best auto paint, turns out He is whitewashing a fence.
He asked about something which I suspect isn't the right type of product for him