Written by Caleb Shaw

3M extreme sealing tape has been around for quite a long time – is the FS500 sealing tape from Forgeway a valid alternative?

3M  Extreme sealing tape has been widely used for sealing trucks, trailers, roofs – offering very good adhesion to a wide variety of substrates. It is used where operators need a fast and tidy seal to prevent water ingress.

The acrylic adhesive is similar to the adhesive used on the rest of the VHB products, offering high peel values and the elastomeric core allows the tape to conform around fixings such as rivets.

So how does it compare to the FS500 sealing tape from Forgeway? Well at 2mm thick, the 3M™ Extreme Sealing Tape 4412 is actually a lot thicker, this has the advantage of actually being more conformable around protruding objects, also this gives the tape more chance to ‘self heal’ should the tape ever split, The FS500 is actually most similar to 3M™ Extreme Sealing Tape 4411 which is 1mm thick. The advantage of the FS500 is that it is easier to handle and apply.

With a tensile strength of 310KPa, the risk of this tape splitting is very low, making this a great option for external application on trucks and trailers, especially where there may be some joint movement.

As with both products, any overlaps should be sealed with a suitable sealant, Formoa 063 bonds well to FS500, after cleaning with Formoa surface activator.

For samples or information – get in touch Enquiries@forgeway.com