OT: Sticky Things.

farss wrote on 6/12/2007, 9:45 PM

I know most of us at one time or another need to stick things together that we can take apart and Velcro has been our friend. Except it's not that strong, can come apart when we don't want it to etc.
I've finally found a supply of a 3M product that is the answer to my needs. This isn't a hook and loop fastening system. Instead it's 250 plastic "mushrooms" /sqin that interlock. Very strong, you've got to push pretty hard to get it to snap together, there's quite an audible snap as it connects. This is only for fastening two rigid surfaces however, say a battery or wireless mic receiver to a plate.

If nowhere else it can be bought from Radio Spares, stock number 458-7321. Down here it's AUD 200 for a 5 metre roll so it's not cheap. Still compared to any other solution to what I was trying to achieve it's more convenient and less expensive.

Bob.

Comments

riredale wrote on 6/12/2007, 10:03 PM

Gotta hand it to the 3m people--they've invented some pretty useful things.

farss wrote on 6/12/2007, 10:25 PM

I write an interface to one of their software products, very nice people to work with. I just wish all their products were easier to buy.
They make, I know, this wonderful flame retarded reflective material. Use in several things and it'd be ideal for those of us making our own lighting kit but so far I can't find anyone that sells it, at least not by the metre / yard. One could I guess buy one of those el cheapo Chinese reflectors off eBay and cut that up but the material they're using is rubbish compared to the 3M product.

Serena wrote on 6/12/2007, 11:47 PM

But it direct from 3M in the USA?

EDIT: or how about from people who use it in making industrial clothing
http://www.elliottaustralia.com/products.asp?MasterProductCategoryID=40&ProductCategoryID=48aluminised furnacemen's apparel[/link]

farss wrote on 6/13/2007, 12:46 AM

Thanks,
I'll contact them tomorrow.

Chienworks wrote on 6/13/2007, 2:29 AM

I've tried that stuff, and of course Velcro too. The consistent problem i have with both is that they hold together stronger than their adhesive holds to the items. So, the first time i try to pull it apart, the two halves stick together and disconnect from the surfaces they're stuck to.

The only time i've had Velcro work well is the sew-on kind, but that's not an option for hard items.

farss wrote on 6/13/2007, 2:52 AM

We have a camera mounted light system that uses this same stuff to hold the battery onto a mounting plate. We've got 5 units with 3 batteries each in pretty regular service. So far we've had one piece of this material come unstuck and the surface of the battery is quite rough.
I do worry about the strength of the glue though, somehow I'd prefer to add a few tiny rivets through the material as a backup.
Getting the surface absolutely clean does seem to be the trick to getting most sticky things to stick.

Bob.

Chienworks wrote on 6/13/2007, 3:36 AM

Now that i'm awake and thinking ....

I recall that there is a method i've had good success with. It still involves using the sew-on version, but i epoxy it to hard surfaces. That makes a pretty permanent bond.

farss wrote on 7/14/2007, 12:24 AM

I finally finished off my battery box and mounting plate. Fitted two lengths of this stuff to the plate and battery box.
Warning: 3M should supply a crowbar with this stuff!
I've now reduced the amount used to hold the box to the plate by around 70% so at least The Hulk will have a chance at prying the two apart. The glue sticks like crazy, took serious work with a knife and pliers to get the stuff off. This was on clean anodized aluminium though. This stuff is nothing like Velcro and I can see why it costs so much, a 1" length will hold quite a lot so a roll will last a long time.
The trick to using it so you can unclip the part easily is to not have it running right to the edges. If the user can get some leverage to sort of roll it off it's not to bad. If they have to pull it apart all at once, not a prayer of getting it to let go.
Highly recommended, once you work out how to use it.

Bob.

busterkeaton wrote on 7/14/2007, 2:21 AM

Bob,

I just looke the stuff up at 3M.

"Dual Lock consists of different densities of interlocking stems available in 400, 250 and 170 stems per square inch."

Perhaps the 170 stems stuff is easier to open.

farss wrote on 7/14/2007, 3:48 AM

Now that I'd not found before, thanks.