3M laminating adhesives are used to bind together the different layers of a membrane switch. Because the layers may be made of different materials with unique properties, the adhesives used to hold them together must possess special characteristics. 3M laminating adhesives have been engineered to perform well with a large selection of substrates, in a wide range of conditions, under a variety of pressures and against a list of environmental factors.

3M laminating adhesives are pressure sensitive acrylic adhesives made from synthetic polymers, and designed to adhere to most surfaces. The adhesion strength of these materials provides excellent resistance to the effects of chemicals and temperature. They are engineered for permanent bonding applications.

The level of adhesion, or bond strength between adhesive and surface, varies directly with surface energy. The materials used in membrane switches include adhesives for both low surface energy (LSE) and high surface energy (HSE) materials. Some adhesives work better with LSE materials, such as certain plastics (polypropylene and polyethylene), porous fabrics, foams, oily metals, and powder paints. Other adhesives are better suited to HSE surfaces, such as clean metals and HSE plastics.

3M laminating adhesives include solvent-free materials for use with solvent-sensitive films and substrates, thick adhesives for use on textured surfaces, and soft adhesives for use on contoured surfaces.

For full information, please refer to the Adhesives product section.