Acrylic Adhesive (S3)
Acrylic Adhesive (S3) is a solvent-based acrylic pressure sensitive adhesive formulated for specialty applications requiring good weathering and creep resistance, supplied at a minimum 2 mil thickness. The adhesive delivers a minimum 1.5 lb/in width adhesion to steel (1 mil PET backing) per ASTM D1000, with a recommended temperature range of −40°F to 180°F — extending 10°F lower than the emulsion-based APSAA3 grade.
Key Properties
- Adhesion to Steel (1 MIL PET): 1.5 lb/in width minimum (ASTM D1000)
- Adhesive Type: Acrylic (Solvent based)
- Adhesive System: Permanent Adhesive
- Adhesive Thickness: 2 mils minimum
- Recommended Temperature Range: −40°F to 180°F
- Recommended Application Range: 50°F to 110°F
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- Specifications
- Applications
- General Info
- FAQs
Physical Properties
| Property | Value | Test Method |
| Adhesive Type | Acrylic (Solvent based) | — |
| Adhesive System | Permanent Adhesive | — |
| Color | Clear | — |
| Adhesive Thickness | 2 mils minimum | — |
Adhesion Properties
| Property | Value | Test Method |
| Adhesion to Steel (1 MIL PET) | 1.5 lb/in width minimum | ASTM D1000 |
Thermal Properties
| Property | Value | Test Method |
| Recommended Application Range | 50°F to 110°F | — |
| Recommended Temperature Range | −40°F to 180°F | — |
- Outdoor and weathering-exposed adhesive bonding where long-term UV and environmental durability are required
- Sustained-load applications where creep resistance prevents bond migration under static stress
- Cold-temperature adhesive bonding applications operating down to −40°F
- Specialty converted tape constructions requiring solvent-based acrylic chemistry
- Industrial coating applications where long-term dimensional bond stability is critical
Common industries: Industrial converting, outdoor signage, pressure-sensitive adhesive tape manufacturing, specialty lamination.
Acrylic Adhesive (S3) is a solvent-based acrylic pressure sensitive adhesive specifically formulated for specialty applications where weathering resistance and creep resistance are the primary selection criteria. Unlike the general-purpose emulsion-based APSAA3, this grade trades off peak peel adhesion (1.5 lb/in width minimum versus 2 lb/in width minimum) in favor of superior long-term environmental durability and static-load retention.
The solvent-based chemistry typically provides better weathering performance, UV stability, and resistance to creep under sustained load compared to emulsion systems.
The adhesive is supplied at a minimum 2 mil thickness. Temperature range extends from −40°F to 180°F — 10°F colder on the low end than the emulsion-based variant — making it appropriate for outdoor or cold-temperature applications. Recommended application range is 50°F to 110°F. Adhesion to steel is specified per ASTM D1000 with 1 mil PET backing. The TDS does not publish shear performance values, tack, or substrate-specific peel data; specifiers requiring those parameters should contact H-O Products directly.
What differentiates Acrylic Adhesive (S3) from APSAA3?
APSAS3 is a solvent-based acrylic formulated specifically for weathering and creep resistance, making it preferred for outdoor or long-term load-bearing applications. APSAA3 is an emulsion-based general-purpose acrylic with higher initial adhesion (2 lb/in width minimum vs. 1.5 lb/in width minimum). Select APSAS3 when environmental durability matters more than peak adhesion; select APSAA3 when quick aggressive bonding is the primary need.
Why is peel adhesion important when selecting this adhesive?
Peel adhesion establishes the baseline bond strength under controlled separation testing. For APSAS3, the 1.5 lb/in width minimum per ASTM D1000 is a moderate value that reflects the adhesive's specialty positioning — the formulation is optimized for creep and weathering resistance rather than peak peel strength.
What is the temperature range for APSAS3?
APSAS3 has a recommended temperature range of −40°F to 180°F, with a recommended application range (surface temperature at bonding) of 50°F to 110°F. The lower limit of −40°F is 10°F colder than the emulsion-based APSAA3.
Is APSAS3 suitable for outdoor or weathering-exposed applications?
Yes. The TDS explicitly identifies specialty applications "needing good weathering and creep resistance" as the design target for this adhesive. No specific regulatory compliance standards are listed on the TDS for this material.
How should APSAS3 be specified?
Specify adhesive designation (APSAS3 / Acrylic Adhesive S3), adhesive chemistry (solvent-based acrylic), minimum thickness (2 mils), target substrate, environmental exposure requirements, compliance requirements, and finished format.
