<p>If you ook into the <a href="https://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/1732017O/3m-vhb-tape-design-guide-eu.pdf" rel="nofollow noreferrer">VHB design document</a>, the section <em>&quot;How to Prepare Specific Surfaces&quot;</em> describes how to treat the surface:</p>
<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/laL53.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/laL53.png" alt="enter image description here" /></a></p>
<p>For higher adhesion, a primer should be used according to the document.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.can-dotape.com/resources/surface-preparation-to-ensure-a-successful-bond/#:%7E:text=In%20the%20majority%20of%20situations,before%20applying%20the%20adhesive%20tape." rel="nofollow noreferrer">This reference</a> describes that roughing up plastic parts can be beneficial for the adhesion of some tapes:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Abrade the Surface:</strong>  Roughing up the surface (i.e. sanding) will loosen up any accumulated dirt, rust, or chipped paint.  It will aid in the adhesion to painted surfaces or plastic items.  A finely- abraded surface with shallow scratches created by a circular motion (rather than straight lines) has the best potential for a strong and persistent bond.  This method can create up to a 40 % increase in surface area and can result in greater immediate and long-term bonding potential.  Scrub pads, fine steel wool, or sandpaper can achieve the right level of abrasion.  A palm sander could be helpful for larger jobs.  Avoid using coarse abrasive materials because a too-rough substrate may inhibit the adhesive flow onto the surface.   Always clean with the IPA/Water solution, or other solvents, and make sure all loose particles are removed.  While it is not typical, some high-bond tapes adhere best to smooth, glassy surfaces, so double check with the manufacturer before you abrade the surface and compromise the bond strength.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Both references describe the use of a cleaning solution based on 50 % water and 50 % IPA.</p>
<hr />
<p>A higher temperature is beneficial for obtaining the bond strength faster, the VHB design document shows that increasing temperature shortens the time when the full bond strength is reached:</p>
<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/BQL8G.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/BQL8G.png" alt="enter image description here" /></a></p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2022-04-13T13:08:22.067Z
2022-04-14T06:56:50.497Z
2022-04-14T06:56:50.497Z
0scar
<p>I made a hook recently that I put up with VHB tape. It fell off around 2 weeks later (the hook come loose from the tape). It's just a hook for an empty backpack, so let's say it is under medium load.</p>
<p>Every time I design something like this I wonder if it helps to roughen up the surface before applying the tape. I'd imagine that the tape grabs onto grooves made with a knife or sandpaper but I am not sure tbh. I've seen some videos where someone preheats the tape before applying it but without explaining why.</p>
<p>Does anyone know how that works best?</p>

<pla><post-processing><surface><stability>
Does VHB tape stick better on 3D prints if the surface is completely flat or roughed up?
rehfore
# Does VHB tape stick better on 3D prints if the surface is completely flat or roughed up?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2022-04-11)

I made a hook recently that I put up with VHB tape. It fell off around 2 weeks later (the hook come loose from the tape). It's just a hook for an empty backpack, so let's say it is under medium load.

Every time I design something like this I wonder if it helps to roughen up the surface before applying the tape. I'd imagine that the tape grabs onto grooves made with a knife or sandpaper but I am not sure tbh. I've seen some videos where someone preheats the tape before applying it but without explaining why.

Does anyone know how that works best?

**Tags:** pla, post-processing, surface, stability

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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_1 on 2022-04-13. Score: 2 | Accepted answer

If you ook into the [VHB design document](https://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/1732017O/3m-vhb-tape-design-guide-eu.pdf), the section *"How to Prepare Specific Surfaces"* describes how to treat the surface:

[![enter image description here](https://i.sstatic.net/laL53.png)](https://i.sstatic.net/laL53.png)

For higher adhesion, a primer should be used according to the document.

[This reference](https://www.can-dotape.com/resources/surface-preparation-to-ensure-a-successful-bond/#:%7E:text=In%20the%20majority%20of%20situations,before%20applying%20the%20adhesive%20tape.) describes that roughing up plastic parts can be beneficial for the adhesion of some tapes:

> **Abrade the Surface:** Roughing up the surface (i.e. sanding) will loosen up any accumulated dirt, rust, or chipped paint. It will aid in the adhesion to painted surfaces or plastic items. A finely- abraded surface with shallow scratches created by a circular motion (rather than straight lines) has the best potential for a strong and persistent bond. This method can create up to a 40 % increase in surface area and can result in greater immediate and long-term bonding potential. Scrub pads, fine steel wool, or sandpaper can achieve the right level of abrasion. A palm sander could be helpful for larger jobs. Avoid using coarse abrasive materials because a too-rough substrate may inhibit the adhesive flow onto the surface. Always clean with the IPA/Water solution, or other solvents, and make sure all loose particles are removed. While it is not typical, some high-bond tapes adhere best to smooth, glassy surfaces, so double check with the manufacturer before you abrade the surface and compromise the bond strength.

Both references describe the use of a cleaning solution based on 50 % water and 50 % IPA.

---

A higher temperature is beneficial for obtaining the bond strength faster, the VHB design document shows that increasing temperature shortens the time when the full bond strength is reached:

[![enter image description here](https://i.sstatic.net/BQL8G.png)](https://i.sstatic.net/BQL8G.png)


---

