Adhesion testing per ASTM D3359 with Permacel P-99 discontinued

ASTM D-3359 Tape

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A. Hi Gobi Krish,
3-M #250 was discontinued for a while but is again available and they say it will remain so.

However, careful reading is required to avoid confusion on this subject because there is more than one tape adhesion test :-)
I believe that when you speak of ASTM D3559, it specified Permacel P-99, which has been discontinued.

Referring to compliance with ASTM D-3559, we see claims that SEMicro CHT complies; that Elcometer 99 complies; and that M.E. Taylor Cross Hatch Tape complies.

We suggest that you carefully read the latest revision of ASTM D-3359 and the referenced product specifications to decide. KTA has a broad & interesting presentation on the whole subject of ASTM D-3359 testing at kta.com/kta-university/adhesion-astm-d3359/ Luck & Regards,


Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey

Doug,

A. The information you have received is correct. 3M is discontinuing its #250 tape. After contacting 3M, they are recommending their 2517, 2525, and 2526 tapes as replacements. It is unknown at this time if they will meet the requirements of various specifications. I have requested the technical data sheets and will inform upon review . . .

----
Hello again Doug. After reviewing the FED-STD-141 Method 6301.3, the suggested tapes do not conform to the 60 oz./inch width requirement. The adhesion strengths are between 69 and 74 oz. per inch width. After contacting 3M again, they have no tapes which will conform to the Fed Standard. In reference to the ASTM D3359 adhesion standard, the adhesion strength is determined by the supplier and user.

Best Regards,

A. FED-STD-141 Method 6301.3, states an average adhesion of 60 oz/in. width. Actually 3M lists the #250 tape as 65 oz/in.

Where can I find and order the "Intertape polymer group product PS3" that you mention. We are doing paint testing and I need to order the tape ASAP.

Thank you.

A. The 3M #250 tape is still available (in the 1" wide size). However, it will be a special order item and the cost is not pretty. If you have your own tape distributor, they should be able to contact 3M for the product. If you do not, "Tapes, Etc." and Ameripak Company were very helpful in attaining the tape.

A. You might purchase a suitable tape from Elcometer Ltd. This company has local distributors all over the world and they supply ASTM tapes.

Best,

A. This ASTM calls for Permacel #99, I think you can only get it from Gardco, check the website.

A. There used to be a QPL that listed the 3M tape. Check with the prime office for the spec for their qualified products. I do not think that they can expect the lay person to do testing on tape.
When you find it, put it in a baggie and keep it in a cool, dry, dark place. I am not in favor of refrigeration for this.

A. I don't know if any of the wise folks who support Finishing.com offers tape and applicators, but one firm that does is the Paul N Gardner Company. I'd contact them.

A. Are you really sure that 250 tape is no longer available? Or is it that your local stockist has run out and told you it was discontinued to try and get you to buy something else? This has happened to me a few times.

Contact 3M and find out if it really has been discontinued first. They will also have a list of local stockists that regularly hold that product.

If they have discontinued it, boy, that's going to cause a world of hurt -- this standard tape has been called up in any number of specifications worldwide.

A. We use 3M #250, it's still being made (3M is a local company here). Barry and Sewall Industrial Supply stocks it, sells it with certs, one roll at a time.

3M warrants specs for 12 months. Date code on roll is YDDDXXX, where Y is the last digit of the year of manufacture, DDD is the day of the year and XXX is the day's lot number.

We replace the tape before the 12 months from manufacture. It's a minor and manageable cost of doing business.

A. I work for 3M Company, Industrial Tapes and Adhesives Division, technical response. We discontinued this product temporarily about 8 years ago, then brought it back the same year after this cancellation. It has not nor will be discontinued again, and for some reason I keep getting calls about this lately, random calls, few and far between. Have no fear, the tape is current, still available, and won't go away any time soon. Case quantity in 1" size only. FYI.

That is very helpful Ms. 3M, but if there is only a 6 month shelf life who needs a case?

Paul Arato
- Toronto, Ontario Canada
February 24, 2014


That's only 2-1/2 miles of tape per year, Paul. Up your game :-)
... but some distributors will sell you one six-pack of rolls rather than a case of 36 rolls. A reader claimed that Barry and Sewall Industrial Supply sells it one roll at a time, but I don't know if that info is outdated.

Management philosophies come and go. Just a few years ago, it was all about "responsible product stewardship"; now it seems we're back to "short term profit is what matters" -- the heck with the planet. But tape is only a minor problem -- it's masking materials, treatment chemicals, and so much else that finishing shops must buy and throw away. One megacorp serving the finishing industry won't let their distributors split pallet loads of 55-gallon drums among more than one customer. Lack of pressure against minimum quantities & waste is disheartening :-( I await one of the bulldog environmental organizations going after a megacorp on this. The companies are aware of the harm they're doing, and if they become the evening news and heads roll, well, they earned it :-)

Luck & Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey