tesa ACXplus and 3M VHB Acrylic Foam Tapes Explained: A Sign Maker’s Guide

Introduction: The Evolution of Signage Bonding

The UK signage industry has undergone a quiet revolution in mounting and fabrication techniques over the past decade. As design aesthetics increasingly favor clean lines, invisible mounting, and seamless integration, traditional mechanical fasteners have given way to advanced bonding solutions. Among these, acrylic foam tapes stand out as game-changers for the modern sign maker.

Acrylic foam tapes—specifically Tesa ACXplus and 3M VHB (Very High Bond)—have transformed how signs are designed, manufactured, and installed throughout the UK. These high-performance tapes eliminate visible hardware, simplify installation, enhance durability, and enable design possibilities that were previously impractical or impossible.

This comprehensive guide explains the science behind acrylic foam tapes, demystifies their properties and capabilities, and provides practical knowledge for UK sign makers to leverage these powerful bonding solutions in their projects.

Understanding Acrylic Foam Tape Technology

The Fundamentals

Acrylic foam tapes represent a significant advancement over conventional double-sided tapes. While they may appear similar at first glance, their composition and performance characteristics set them leagues apart:

Composition

Core Structure: Both Tesa ACXplus and 3M VHB tapes consist of a high-performance acrylic core that forms the foundation of their exceptional performance.

Tesa ACXplus offers two distinct core types:

• Solid acrylic cores (found in the 705x series) provide optimal transparency for applications requiring invisible bonding
• Foamed acrylic cores (found in 704x, 706x, 707x, and Black Line series) deliver superior conformability and stress distribution

3M VHB primarily utilizes foamed acrylic cores across its product range, with variations in the specific acrylic formulations to optimize performance for different applications.

ACXplus vs. 3M VHB Comparison

Feature / Category	Tesa ACXplus	3M VHB (Very High Bond)
Core Technology	Viscoelastic Acrylic Core (Solid or Foamed). Various acrylic formulations (pure, tackified, modified).	Viscoelastic Acrylic Foam Core. Various acrylic formulations.
Bond Strength	Very High. Specific N/cm values provided (e.g., 7063/7065 high adhesion).	Very High. Industry benchmark. Specific values available per product.
Transparency	Excellent options: ACXplus 705x series (Solid Acrylic, Pure Adhesive).	Excellent options: VHB 4905 / 4910 series (Clear).
Low Surface Energy (LSE) Bonding	Good options: ACXplus 706x series (Tackified Acrylic, plasticizer resistant). May still recommend primer.	Good options: VHB 59xx series (Modified Acrylic). Often require primer (e.g., 3M Primer 94).
Outdoor / Weather / UV Resistance	Very Good. ACXplus 707x series highlighted for cold shock (-40°C) & outdoor use (with primer). Pure acrylic generally good UV resistance.	Very Good. Many VHB families suitable for outdoor use (e.g., 4941, 4991). Good UV resistance.
Temperature Resistance	Good to Very Good. Specific ranges provided (e.g., 7078 up to 220°C short term).	Good to Excellent. Specific families for high temp (e.g., 4611).
Application Speed	Fast. Instant bond (handling strength), full strength builds over time (e.g., 72hrs).	Fast. Instant bond (handling strength), full strength builds over time (e.g., 72hrs).
Gap Filling	Good. Foam core conforms to irregularities. Various thicknesses available (500µm – 3900µm+).	Good. Foam core conforms. Various thicknesses available.
Product Range Naming	Series based (704x, 705x, 706x, 707x, 72xx, 78xx Black Line).	Number based, often indicating family/thickness (e.g., 4910, 5952).
Specialty Focus	Black Line (Automotive, deep black), MP (Multi-Purpose), High Transparency.	GPH (General Purpose High Temp), LSE Series (59xx).

Adhesive Chemistry

The acrylic adhesive systems in these tapes are engineered at the molecular level:

• Pure acrylic adhesives (Tesa 705x, 707x series; various 3M VHB families) offer excellent temperature resistance and weathering properties
• Tackified acrylic adhesives (Tesa 706x series; 3M 59xx series) incorporate additional tackifying resins to enhance adhesion to challenging surfaces
• Modified acrylic adhesives (Tesa Black Line; specific 3M formulations) include proprietary modifications to enhance specific performance characteristics

Viscoelastic Properties

The defining characteristic of acrylic foam tapes is their viscoelastic behavior—they exhibit both viscous (fluid-like) and elastic (solid-like) properties:

• Viscous behavior allows the tape to flow and conform to surface irregularities
• Elastic behavior enables the tape to store energy and return to its original shape
• Combined viscoelasticity provides exceptional stress distribution, shock absorption, and durability under dynamic loads

Key Performance Characteristics

Stress Dissipation

The viscoelastic nature of acrylic foam tapes allows them to absorb and dissipate energy from various forces:

• Wind loads on outdoor signage
• Thermal expansion/contraction of different materials
• Vibration from nearby machinery or traffic
• Impact forces from incidental contact

This stress dissipation prevents concentrated stress points that typically cause failure in mechanically fastened systems.

Temperature Resistance

Acrylic foam tapes maintain their performance across a wide temperature range:

• Tesa ACXplus 707x series offers temperature resistance from -40°C up to 120°C long-term (220°C short-term for 7078)
• 3M VHB 4611 family specifically designed for high-temperature applications up to 230°C short-term
• Cold shock resistance is particularly important for UK outdoor applications during winter months

Environmental Resilience

Modern acrylic foam tapes are engineered to withstand challenging environmental conditions:

• UV resistance prevents degradation from sunlight exposure
• Moisture resistance maintains bond integrity in high humidity and direct water exposure
• Chemical resistance protects against typical environmental pollutants

Immediate Handling Strength

Unlike liquid adhesives that require curing time, acrylic foam tapes provide:

• Immediate handling capability upon application of pressure
• Progressive bond building over 24-72 hours to reach ultimate strength
• No mixing, measurement, or curing equipment requirements

Product Range Overview: Tesa ACXplus vs. 3M VHB

Tesa ACXplus Family

Tesa organizes its ACXplus offerings into distinct series, each optimized for specific application requirements:

705x Series (High Transparency)

• Products: 7054 (500µm), 7055 (1000µm), 7058 (2000µm)
• Key Features:
  • Solid acrylic core with exceptional transparency (>99% light transmission)
  • Pure acrylic adhesive system
  • Ideal for bonding transparent materials (glass, acrylic)
• Applications:
  • Illuminated signs
  • Glass displays
  • Acrylic panels
  • Transparent partitions

706x Series (High Adhesion)

• Products: 7063 (800µm), 7065 (1200µm)
• Key Features:
  • Foamed acrylic core with black color
  • Tackified acrylic adhesive formulated for difficult surfaces
  • Resistance to plasticizer migration
• Applications:
  • Powder-coated surfaces
  • Low surface energy plastics
  • Automotive signage components

707x Series (High Resistance)

• Products: 7074 (1000µm), 7078 (2000µm)
• Key Features:
  • Foamed acrylic core with outstanding cold shock performance (-40°C)
  • Pure acrylic adhesive with exceptional environmental resistance
  • Superior temperature resistance (up to 120°C long-term)
• Applications:
  • Outdoor signage
  • High-stress mounting situations
  • Applications with significant thermal cycling

Black Line Series (Automotive Grade)

• Products: 7805 (500µm), 7811 (1100µm), 7815 (1500µm)
• Key Features:
  • Deep black color for enhanced aesthetics
  • Closed cell acrylic foam core
  • PFAS/PFOS free formulation
• Applications:
  • Automotive signage and trim
  • Premium black-edge applications
  • Decorative elements requiring deep black appearance

Multi-Purpose (MP) Series

• Products: 7254 (transparent, 500µm), 7273 (grey, 800µm)
• Key Features:
  • Balanced performance characteristics
  • Cost-effective solution for less demanding applications
• Applications:
  • Interior signage
  • General mounting applications
  • Emblem and decorative element mounting

3M VHB Family

3M’s VHB tapes are identified by numerical designations that indicate specific product characteristics:

49xx Series (Transparent)

• Products: 4905 (500µm), 4910 (1000µm)
• Key Features:
  • Clear acrylic construction
  • Good optical clarity
  • General purpose adhesion profile
• Applications:
  • Glass and acrylic bonding
  • Transparent material mounting
  • Illuminated signage

59xx Series (LSE Adhesion)

• Products: 5952 (1100µm), 5962 (1600µm)
• Key Features:
  • Modified adhesive formulation for challenging surfaces
  • Excellent adhesion to low surface energy plastics and powder coats
  • Dark grey/black appearance
• Applications:
  • Powder-coated metals
  • Plastic signage components
  • Textured surfaces

4941/4991 Series (General Purpose)

• Products: 4941 (1100µm), 4991 (2300µm)
• Key Features:
  • Gray foam with general purpose adhesive
  • Excellent conformability to surface irregularities
  • Good all-around performance
• Applications:
  • Outdoor signage
  • Metal and painted surface mounting
  • General signage applications

4611 Series (High Temperature)

• Products: 4611 (1100µm)
• Key Features:
  • Specialized formulation for high-temperature resistance
  • Maintains performance in elevated temperature environments
• Applications:
  • Signage near heat sources
  • Applications with exposure to high temperatures
  • Illuminated signs with heat concerns

Application Guide for UK Sign Makers

Material Compatibility Guide

Selecting the appropriate tape for specific material combinations is critical for success:

Acrylic-to-Acrylic Bonding

• Recommended Tesa Products: ACXplus 7054, 7055, 7254
• Recommended 3M Products: VHB 4905, 4910
• Key Considerations: Ensure edge quality, transparency requirements, and gap-filling needs

Metal-to-Metal Bonding

• Recommended Tesa Products: ACXplus 7074, 7078, 7273
• Recommended 3M Products: VHB 4941, 4991, 4611 (for high temp)
• Key Considerations: Surface preparation, potential thermal expansion, and exposure conditions

Low Surface Energy Plastics

• Recommended Tesa Products: ACXplus 7063, 7065
• Recommended 3M Products: VHB 5952, 5962
• Key Considerations: Surface energy level, use of appropriate primers, and long-term stress requirements

Glass Bonding

• Recommended Tesa Products: ACXplus 7054, 7055, 7058
• Recommended 3M Products: VHB 4905, 4910
• Key Considerations: Edge quality, silicone contamination prevention, and visual requirements

Powder-Coated Surfaces

• Recommended Tesa Products: ACXplus 7063, 7065
• Recommended 3M Products: VHB 5952
• Key Considerations: Coating quality, surface texture, and adhesion promoter requirements

Application-Specific Guidelines

Illuminated Signs

• Tape Selection Factors:
  • Light transmission requirements
  • Heat dissipation considerations
  • Edge visibility concerns
• Best Practices:
  • Use transparent tapes for light-critical areas
  • Consider thicker tapes (1000µm+) for improved heat dissipation
  • Design with thermal expansion in mind for mixed materials

Exterior Signage

• Tape Selection Factors:
  • UV exposure levels
  • Temperature cycling range
  • Wind load considerations
• Best Practices:
  • Select weather-resistant formulations (Tesa 707x or 3M 4941/4991)
  • Use appropriate adhesion promoters for long-term durability
  • Calculate adequate tape width based on expected wind loads

Monument Signs

• Tape Selection Factors:
  • Substantial weight of components
  • Exposure to ground-level moisture
  • Potential vandalism concerns
• Best Practices:
  • Use thicker (1500µm+) tapes for larger bonding area
  • Consider hybrid systems (tape + mechanical fasteners) for heaviest elements
  • Ensure complete edge sealing to prevent moisture ingress

Wayfinding Systems

• Tape Selection Factors:
  • Frequent handling by the public
  • Aesthetic requirements
  • Installation environment variability
• Best Practices:
  • Select tapes with high initial tack for efficient installation
  • Consider tamper resistance in public areas
  • Use consistent application methods across the system

Retail Displays

• Tape Selection Factors:
  • Visual quality requirements
  • Temporary vs. permanent installation
  • Material diversity
• Best Practices:
  • Use transparent tapes for premium aesthetic applications
  • Select appropriate thickness for gap-filling requirements
  • Consider ease of removal for temporary installations

Application Techniques for Optimal Results

Proper application technique is as important as selecting the right tape:

Surface Preparation

1. Cleaning: Use isopropyl alcohol (IPA) or manufacturer-recommended cleaners to remove oils, dust, and contaminants
2. Abrasion: For very smooth surfaces, light abrasion can improve mechanical keying
3. Priming: Apply appropriate primers (tesa® Adhesion Promoter or 3M Primer 94) for challenging surfaces
4. Drying: Ensure surfaces are completely dry before tape application

Application Process

1. Temperature: Apply at recommended temperature range (typically 15-35°C)
2. Positioning: Apply tape to one surface first, then carefully position the second component
3. Pressure: Apply consistent pressure (15-20 PSI) across the entire bond area
4. Tools: Use rollers or pressure applicators rather than hand pressure for consistency

Curing Considerations

1. Handling Strength: Immediate handling strength allows for continued processing
2. Full Cure: Allow 72 hours when possible for full bond development
3. Temperature Impact: Bond development is slower in colder conditions
4. Loading: Avoid full structural loads until complete curing

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Problem: Poor Initial Adhesion

• Potential Causes:
  • Inadequate surface cleaning
  • Application below minimum temperature
  • Insufficient application pressure
• Solutions:
  • Ensure thorough cleaning with appropriate solvents
  • Warm materials to at least 15°C before application
  • Use proper pressure application tools

Problem: Bond Failure Over Time

• Potential Causes:
  • Incorrect tape selection for the application
  • Thermal expansion/contraction issues
  • Surface contamination
• Solutions:
  • Review tape selection based on environmental conditions
  • Ensure tape thickness accommodates thermal movement
  • Implement more rigorous surface preparation protocols

Problem: Visible Bubbles in Transparent Applications

• Potential Causes:
  • Trapped air during application
  • Surface irregularities
  • Uneven pressure application
• Solutions:
  • Apply tape from center outward to push air to edges
  • Use thicker tapes for irregular surfaces
  • Apply pressure progressively from center to edges

Problem: Edge Lifting

• Potential Causes:
  • Exposure to solvents or cleaning agents
  • Inadequate edge pressure during application
  • Environmental stress concentration
• Solutions:
  • Apply additional pressure to edges during installation
  • Consider edge sealing for outdoor applications
  • Avoid exposure to incompatible chemicals

Cost-Benefit Analysis for UK Sign Makers

Initial Investment vs. Long-Term Value

While acrylic foam tapes represent a higher initial material cost compared to mechanical fasteners, the overall project economics often favor tape solutions:

Labor Cost Savings

• 40-60% reduction in installation time compared to mechanical fastening
• Elimination of drilling, threading, and finishing operations
• Reduced equipment requirements and setup time
• Fewer personnel needed for installation

Quality Improvements

• Enhanced aesthetic appearance
• Improved durability and longevity
• Reduced warranty claims and service calls
• Higher customer satisfaction and referral rates

Design Advantages

• Greater design freedom
• Ability to bond dissimilar materials
• Thinner, lighter constructions
• Cleaner aesthetic appearance

ROI Considerations

• For typical projects, the combined material and labor costs favor acrylic foam tapes
• Premium appearance allows for higher project valuation
• Reduced installation time enables more projects per period
• Lower long-term maintenance costs

Looking Forward: Future Developments in Acrylic Foam Tape Technology

The technology behind acrylic foam tapes continues to evolve, with several emerging trends particularly relevant to UK sign makers:

Enhanced Environmental Performance

• Increased focus on sustainable manufacturing processes
• Development of PFAS/PFOS-free formulations (already seen in Tesa’s Black Line)
• Reduced environmental impact without compromising performance

Application-Specific Optimization

• Increasingly specialized formulations for niche applications
• Enhanced performance on new substrate materials
• Tapes with integrated functional properties (e.g., electrical conductivity, thermal management)

Smart Installation Systems

• Development of application tools for more consistent results
• QR-coded products linking to digital application guides
• Augmented reality tools for optimal tape placement

Technical Advancement

• Higher temperature resistance capabilities
• Improved immediate handling strength
• Enhanced conformability to complex geometries

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

Both Tesa ACXplus and 3M VHB represent the pinnacle of modern bonding technology for UK sign makers, offering transformative advantages over traditional fastening methods. The choice between these premium tape systems often comes down to specific application requirements, material combinations, and environmental conditions.

For most sign makers, access to both systems provides maximum flexibility to select the optimal solution for each specific project. As a professional sign maker, understanding the nuanced differences between these systems empowers you to deliver superior results for your clients while optimizing your production processes.

For a comprehensive overview of the full range of tesa® ACXplus products and their applications in signage, explore our definitive guide to invisible and durable signage mounting.

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Need project-specific advice on selecting and applying acrylic foam tapes? Contact Austen Direct’s technical team for expert guidance on both Tesa ACXplus and 3M VHB solutions for your signage applications.