Double-sided 3M tape should be a staple in any electronics repair technician's toolbox. It is most commonly used to bond mobile phone and tablet displays, but it can also be used for other service tasks.oneHow to apply it correctly and what common mistakes should be avoided so that it can serve reliably for a long time?
About proper handling 3M tapes we talked to technicians working for the service network FixShop.czThey encounter the use of double-sided tape on a daily basis, especially when gluing touch screens. ProThey gave us a few practical tips that are worth knowing.
The basis is a clean and dry surface
Surface of two componeThe surface you are going to glue together must be perfectly clean and smooth. Only in this case can the double-sided adhesive tape adhere properly. The combination of grease and dust can significantly impair the adhesive properties of the tape, as a result of which its service life and durability decrease. In other words, it is more likely to peel off, which leads to unnecessary problems.
How to clean the surface before gluing?
Pro When cleaning glued surfaces, FixShop technicians recommend using quality cloths that do not leave pieces of fabric or threads. Alcohol or technical gasoline will do a good job of degreasing the surface. After cleaning the surfaces in detail, do not forget to dry them well. Start gluing immediately after drying. Sometimes it only takes a few tens of seconds and unwanted dust can get on the surface again.
Tape for gluing the display and optimal temperature
It will surely come as no surprise to you that 3M double-sided tapes are temperature sensitive. Ideally, gluing should be done at temperatures above 15 degrees Celsius. The colder it is, the worse the adhesive properties of the tape. Of course, too high a temperature is not suitable either.
To be sure that the tape will last reliably for a long time, pay attention to the temperature range for which it is built. Ideally, it should be able to handle the cold (we all use smartphones even during the winter), but at the same time it has to withstand high temperatures. Either as a result of direct sunlight or natural heat from the battery or processor.
Storage matters!
Double-sided touch glass tape should be stored at room temperature. Ideally, keep it in a dustproof box. The combination of dust, large temperature fluctuations, possibly high humidity and direct sunlight significantly shortens the life of the tape. It can happen that it loses a significant part of its properties during storage.
Is the display tape durable enough?
When you buy a new tape, test it "hard" before using it. Ideal on the same materials you will be gluing later. The properties of adhesive tapes vary depending on the specific surface. Try gluing 2 materials to it and then test its tensile or shear strength. If it holds without any problems, you have chosen a good version. If you think it is too weak, get another one with better strength. It is always better to have an oversized joint than an undersized one.
Proces bonding in a nutshell
Sticking with double-sided tape could be summarized in the following points:
- Glue in a clean room with a temperature of more than 15 degrees Celsius.
- Remove dirt and grease from the glued surfaces.
- Stick the tape, peel off the foil and apply the second glued surface.
- Press the two surfaces together for a moment to create a firm connection.
- Store the tape in a dark, dust-free place at room temperature.
If you are going to repair your phone, tablet or laptop yourself, it is worth paying attention to the practical instructions that are regularly prepared by experts from FixShop. This way you can handle the service work with ease, but most importantly, without the risk of forgetting something important.
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