XHA 9500 utilizes a new technology that provides significantly quicker initial bond and superior adhesion to low surface energy materials, like plastics and clearcoats. The quicker bond and superior adhesion are a function of the tape chemistry and are achieved without sacrificing cold temperature or high temperature performance.

Because of the quick initial bond and superior adhesion to low surface energy materials, XHA 9500 delivers exceptional adhesion to many more substrates than acrylic foam tapes can. XHA 9500 will bond to almost any material, while acrylic foam tapes will not.

Generally, 1 square inch of XHA 9500 per 15 grams part weight is effective if the part is not under any added stress. Some applications may require more tape.

There are three main properties that affect the amount of tape used:

1. Center of gravity: If the part’s center of gravity is more than 1/2” from the tape area, more tape is required to withstand the cantilever effect.
2. Coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE): parts with high CTE will require more tape.
3. Stiffness: stiffer parts (high modulus), especially those with significant memory, will require more tape.

The tape thickness tolerance is +/- 0.004 mils (0.10 mm). Width tolerance is 0.020 mils (0.50 mm).

Because of the unique chemistry used to develop XHA tapes, adhesion promoter is not required for most applications, including thermoplastic polyolefins, ABS and polycarbonate plastics. Each substrate should be evaluated to determine if primer is necessary.

Primer is required for all PVC parts and may be needed for parts with reduced contact area, such as ribbed parts.

XHA 9500 can be applied as soon as the solvent evaporates from the primer, which is usually 20 to 40 seconds.

The tape can be formed around corners as long as the turn is in the direction of the tape. For corners where the tape is flat and bent so that the liner is stretched and curved, there is a limit to the amount of bend the tape can tolerate. Curves tighter than a 6” radius will cause the liner to wrinkle or pop off the tape. For these applications, die-cut tape will be necessary.

XHA 9500 can be die cut. Typically when die cutting, a second liner is laminated to the adhesive and the tape die cut to the added liner. This is achieved with a flat bed die or a rotary die. The adhesive in XHA 9500, while very aggressive, will not stick back together making butt cutting possible.

For many paint processes the tape can be applied before painting. The tape and liner can withstand temperatures up to 132°C for moderate time periods (20 to 40 minutes). Performance of the tape and liner should be evaluated to ensure the tape and liner are not degraded during the paint cycle.

The XHA 9500 foam in is very compressible and conformable and provides an effective bond to lightly textured or rough surfaces. The foam allows the tape to fill gaps and achieve an effective bond to both materials. The actual bond strength is dependent on the specific texture or surface properties and should be evaluated.

Enough pressure is required to slightly compress the foam to ensure the adhesive is completely bonded to the part. This takes only 2 psi of pressure on a roller.

Most applications are best taped with automated equipment that guides the tape onto the part and then applies light pressure (2 psi) with a roller. Hand application is effective, but the tape must be kept away from the part until pressure is applied by hand to eliminate trapping air.

The pressure required depends on the part shape, size, and flexibility. Typically, 10 to 20 psi is effective. However, enough pressure should be applied to compress the foam by at least 25% to achieve 100% wet out.

Pressure is typically applied by a roller or a press. A roller is the preferred method since it keeps air from being entrapped. The roller should provide consistent pressure over the entire part. Where a roller can’t be used, a press is an alternate method. Uniform pressure should be applied across the entire part.

“Wet out” is the contact of the adhesive with the surface. If 100% of the adhesive is in contact with the panel, then the adhesive has achieved 100% wet out. Wet out occurs in two states - initial and aged. Initial wet out is controlled by the fit off the part to the panel, the pressure applied and the properties of the foam. Aged wet out occurs over time as the adhesive continues to flow and bond with the panel.

The surface must be clean and dry before XHA 9500 is applied. It is unnecessary to clean the surface before tape application; however, in most facilities dust and airborne dirt can potentially contaminate the surface. Wiping the surface with a clean cloth or an alcohol cloth ensures a clean surface.

The adhesive in XHA 9500 is strong and achieves a quick initial bond. As soon as the tape is applied to most surfaces the bond will be too strong to remove without damaging the tape or the part.

XHA 9500 utilizes a different technology that reaches its maximum bond much quicker than conventional foam tapes. The actual time it takes depends on the substrates surface energy. High surface energy materials reach the maximum bond very quickly (less than 12 hours), while low surface energy material may take up to 72 hours. Heat is not required to reach the ultimate bond, although it will reduce the time needed. Applying 50° to 60° C for 30 seconds will result in an immediate ultimate bond.

XHA 9500 is designed to withstand temperatures from –30°C and more than 100°C. XHA 9500 will withstand shocks and cold slams that typically occur with colder temperatures without failing. It will also withstand softening and creep and prevent moldings from sliding out of place, which typically occurs at higher temperatures.

XHA 9500 can withstand temperatures up to 140°C for intermittent times less than 60 minutes. Since paint bake cycles occur at 140°C or lower for shorter time periods, XHA 9500 will perform well during a paint bake.

Yes. XHA 9500 is resistant to gas and diesel, as well as other solvents that might come in contact with a car, such as a splash or short time immersion. Long periods of complete immersions will degrade the tape, but it takes a long time for debonding to occur.

In all cases, the best performance is achieved when the molding contour matches the body contour. However, for slight variations in line-to-line fit, the foam core of XHA 9500 will compensate and provide good performance. For parts with larger variations in the line-to-line fit, the ability of the foam to compensate is dependent on the stiffness of the part. The more flexible the part the more the tape can compensate for irregularities.