User manual 3M VHB COMMERCIAL VEHICLE TAPES SMOOTH TRAILERS BROCHURE

[. . . ] Aesthetics 7 Using 3MTM VHBTM Tape for panel attachment can give your trailer a smooth look with improved durability and a potentially quieter ride. 8 10 9 2 Smooth Sided (3MTM VHBTM Tape) vs. Mechanically-Fastened 11 12 Compare the reflections of the smooth-sided trailer at left made with 3MTM VHBTM Tape and the mechanicallyfastened trailer at right. Smooth sides convey a professional appearance and quality construction, as well as improve the look of graphics. Quick Glance Comparison 3MTM VHBTM Tape Customer wants Durability Flexes with thermal expansion and contraction Absorbs vibration; helps maintains the bond and seals against water and dirt intrusion Separates dissimilar metals to help prevent galvanic corrosion Aesthetics Smooth appearance even in the sun's heat Improved appearance of graphics Reduced noise Taped panels stay tight helping to reduce rattling Viscoelastic tape properties help provide sound damping May become loose during thermal expansion and contraction May become loose over time which can lead to leaks Dissimilar metals can come in contact leading to galvanic corrosion Expands into a quilted pattern in the sun Surface dotted with rivets and screws Rigid metal-to-metal attachment of mechanical fasteners transfer sound Mechanical Fastener Under equal stress conditions, metal panels bonded with VHB tape show no visible signs of stress compared to those with mechanical fasteners. 13 14 3 How is a Smooth Trailer Made? 16 15 For the last 15 years, many trailer manufacturers have relied on 3MTM VHBTM Tape for assembly of their smooth-sided trailers. [. . . ] 1) that can weaken with time and vibration. The high strength of 3MTMVHBTM Tape is only part of the equation in building a trailer to last for the miles. Side panel design is also an important factor. In constrained construction using 3MTM VHBTM Tape, the top and bottom of the panels are mechanically fastened (Fig. This constrains panel expansion and increases force on the taped seams that can lead to panel separation. . 23 An unconstrained design is much more durable. Mechanical fasteners are completely eliminated and the taped panels expand and contract without constraint at top and bottom (Fig. This preferred method of panel attachment greatly reduces expansion forces on the seams and helps ensure a long lasting bond. Result: The unconstrained panel design was found to be the most durable smooth panel attachment system. Post Tape 22 5 Third Party Testing of the Unconstrained Design 25 24 To prove the durability of the unconstrained design, 3M sent two trailers to the Bosch Automotive Proving Grounds in South Bend, Indiana. The side panels on one test trailer were attached with 3MTM VHBTM Tapes. Panels on the other test trailer were mechanically fastened. An independent test team at Bosch performed durability testing over various road conditions and exposure to heat cycling. Road Condition Durability Testing Testing parameters for heat cycle and road condition durability · Instruments were attached inside each trailer to detect changes in side panel position or dynamics Trailers were overloaded 120% Series of road tests simulated hauling 100, 000 miles String pot 26 · · Instruments for measurement 27 Weight 28 29 30 32 31 Result: After a simulated 100, 000 miles of different road conditions non-constrained panel construction held tight preventing leaks, absorbing vibration, and reducing noise. 33% of the mechanical fasteners were loose at 36, 000 miles. 6 After the 100, 000 mile road test, a pressure washer set at 3200 PSI sprayed water over each seam of the smooth-sided trailer. 3MTM VHBTM Tapes bond and seal in one step, helping reduce or eliminate the sealants required with mechanically-fastened panels. Thermal Cycling Durability Testing After 36, 000 miles each trailer was placed in an environmental chamber and exposed repeatedly to temperature cycling. Heaters inside the enclosure radiated up to 190°F to simulate the sun's heat against the trailer. 30 cycles were repeated for each side of the trailer in the graphics below. [. . . ] The materials to be bonded with the product, the surface preparation of these materials, the product selected for use, the conditions in which the product is used, and the time and environmental conditions in which the product is expected to perform are among the many factors that can affect the use and performance of a 3M product. Given the variety of factors that can affect the use and performance of a 3M product, some of which are uniquely within the user's knowledge and control, it is essential that the user evaluate the 3M product to determine whether it is fit for a particular purpose and suitable for the user's method of application. Limitation of Remedies and Liability: If the 3MTM VHBTM Tape is proved to be defective within the warranty period stated above, THE EXCLUSIVE REMEDY, AT 3M'S OPTION, SHALL BE TO REFUND THE PURCHASE PRICE OF OR TO REPAIR OR REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE 3MTM VHBTM TAPE. [. . . ]