Heavy-duty tapes like UHB (Ultra High Bond) and AFT (Acrylic Foam Tape) have become popular alternatives to mechanical fasteners in industrial bonding applications. At Heskins, we specialise in offering bonding tapes that meet the varied demands of industrial settings. Our UHB range is crafted for maximum strength, making it suitable for projects that require reliability under stress, temperature changes, and challenging environmental conditions.
Understanding UHB Tape
Ultra High Bond (UHB) tape is precisely engineered to replace traditional bonding methods such as welding, screws, and rivets. At Heskins, we’ve developed our UHB tape with a high-performance acrylic foam that provides a robust bond, almost as a permanent fastener. This strength and its weather resistance and flexibility make it particularly advantageous for outdoor applications or projects involving materials that undergo temperature shifts or structural stress, such as metal, glass, and plastic.
Our UHB tape is designed to bond quickly and securely, forming a lasting connection that holds strong under vibration and stress. This makes it ideal for applications across various industries, including construction, automotive, and electronics manufacturing. For those who need a tape that will withstand demanding conditions without compromising on durability, UHB tape is an excellent choice.
The Benefits of AFT (Acrylic Foam Tape)
Acrylic Foam Tape (AFT) is another high-strength option designed for flexibility and adaptability across multiple surfaces. Like UHB, it’s a high-bonding adhesive, but it often serves as a more cost-effective solution when the bond strength required is slightly lower, or conditions are less extreme. AFT tapes are commonly used in assembly applications, particularly in sectors such as furniture, appliances, and transportation, where they can provide reliable adhesion on smooth surfaces like plastic, glass, and some metals.
AFT tape creates a strong, reliable bond that helps simplify the manufacturing process by reducing or replacing the need for bolts or screws. It’s often a go-to solution for projects requiring a seamless bond on surfaces prone to expansion, contraction, or mild vibration.
Choosing Between UHB and AFT
The decision between UHB and AFT tape depends on the application’s requirements. For projects that require a high-strength, weather-resistant bond—particularly those exposed to harsh conditions—UHB is typically the preferred choice. Its high performance under stress, combined with vibration and temperature resistance, makes it suitable for heavy-duty bonding.
However, AFT provides a compelling alternative when flexibility and economy are essential. Though it may not match UHB’s durability in extreme conditions, AFT still offers a reliable, high-bond solution for less demanding applications. Choosing the suitable tape ultimately ensures a lasting bond that meets the needs of your project, saving you time and resources by reducing the need for mechanical fasteners or additional adhesives.
Applications
Ultra High Bond (UHB) tape provides critical high bond performance for structural-level applications. It is a trusted solution for automotive industries, including trailer side panels, signage, electronics, construction, and fabrication. Its strong adhesion makes it reliable for demanding bonding needs across various sectors. In comparison, AFTs come in different levels, but the vast majority of these tapes are for lighter-duty applications.
Heskins UHB Tape Options
At Heskins, we provide UHB tapes in various thicknesses to meet different bonding requirements. Our selection includes three widths:
H9912X – 1.2mm
H9915X – 1.5mm
H9920X – 2mm
These options allow you to choose the correct thickness based on your specific bonding needs, from high-impact industrial applications to delicate installations requiring a subtler adhesive.
Whether you need tape for outdoor use, high-stress industrial applications, or indoor assemblies, Heskins UHB tape range is designed to support your project’s needs with reliability and strength.
Please contact us for more information on how Heskins can provide the right bonding solution or for technical specifications.