AFTC 5304
AFTC 5304 is a 0.015″ thick, double-sided closed cell acrylic foam tape designed for bonding high and medium surface energy materials — including transparent plastics and glass — where a highly transparent bond is required and no stress corrosion may occur. It delivers 90° peel adhesion of 17 lb/in, dynamic shear strength of 88 lb/in², and tensile strength of 98 lb/in², and operates across a temperature range of -40°F to 212°F long-term and 320°F short-term. The tape’s conformability enables full-surface, tension-free bonding of thin and structured materials; stress and tension on the bond must be avoided during application.
Key Properties
- 90° Peel Adhesion: 17 lb/in (ASTM D3330)
- Dynamic Shear Strength: 88 lb/in² (ASTM D1002)
- Tensile Strength: 98 lb/in² (ASTM D897)
- Temperature Resistance: -40°F min / 212°F long-term / 320°F short-term
- Carrier / Liner: Uncoated acrylic foam core / Red PE liner
- Total Tape Thickness: 0.015″ ±15%
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- Specifications
- Applications
- General Info
- FAQs
Physical Properties
| Property | Value | Test Method |
| Thickness | 0.015″ ±15% | — |
| Color | Clear | — |
| Material / Substrate | Uncoated Acrylic Foam | — |
| Core | Acrylic Adhesive Foam Core | — |
| Adhesive Type | Closed Cell Acrylic | — |
| Adhesive System | Permanent Adhesive | — |
| Adhesive Side | Double Sided Adhesive | — |
| Liner | Red PE liner | — |
| Density | 56 lb/ft³ | — |
| Cell Structure | Closed Cell | — |
Adhesion Properties
| Property | Value | Test Method |
| 90° Peel Adhesion | 17 lb/in | ASTM D3330 |
| Dynamic Shear Strength | 88 lb/in² | ASTM D1002 |
| Tensile Strength | 98 lb/in² | ASTM D897 |
| Static Shear Strength @ 72°F | 1,000 grams* | ASTM 3654 |
| Static Shear Strength @ 150°F | 500 grams* | ASTM 3654 |
| Static Shear Strength @ 200°F | 500 grams* | ASTM 3654 |
*Weight that 1/2 square inch will hold 10,000 minutes (7 days).
Thermal Properties
| Property | Value | Test Method |
| Minimum Temperature Resistance | -40°F | — |
| Short-Term Temperature Resistance | 320°F | — |
| Long-Term Temperature Resistance | 212°F | — |
| Recommended Application Temperature | Minimum 59°F | — |
Environmental Performance
| Property | Value | Test Method |
| UV Resistance | Excellent | — |
| Solvent Resistance | Excellent | — |
Shelf Life / Storage
| Property | Value | Test Method |
| Shelf Life | 18 months | — |
| Recommended Storage Conditions | Store in its original package and in a dry place between 39.2°F and 100.4°F | — |
- Transparent bonding of glass panels and glass/epoxy components where optical clarity through the bond line is required
- Full-surface, tension-free bonding of transparent plastics where stress corrosion at the bond interface must be prevented
- Bonding of thin or textured high and medium surface energy plastic substrates requiring full-surface contact without trapped tension
- Structural attachment of coated aluminum and anodized aluminum components using a clear tape where bond visibility must be minimized
- Low-temperature-range bonding applications on stainless steel and galvanized steel requiring high impact resistance below 0°C
Common industries: Glazing, display fabrication, automotive glazing, architectural metalwork, industrial assembly.
AFTC 5304 is a 0.015″ thick grade in the 53xx series of clear, conformable double-sided acrylic foam tapes. Unlike the other grades in the 53xx series, AFTC 5304 is specifically designed for applications where a highly transparent bond is required and where stress corrosion at the bond line cannot be tolerated — making it the preferred grade for bonding glass and transparent plastics where optical clarity and bond stress management are critical.
The TDS explicitly states that stress and tension on the bond must be avoided during application. Due to its conformability, the tape bonds thin and structured surfaces full surface and tension free. The acrylic adhesive foam core is closed cell and carries a permanent adhesive system on both faces, protected by a red PE liner.
The tape maintains high impact resistance at sub-zero temperatures and exhibits very good sealing properties, vibration damping, and very good resistance to weathering, aging, UV/yellowing, chemicals, and plasticizers, resulting in excellent long-term stability per the TDS. It also exhibits excellent UV resistance and excellent solvent resistance.
Static shear strength is 1,000 grams per 1/2 square inch held for 10,000 minutes (7 days) at 72°F, and 500 grams at 150°F and 200°F. A minimum bond-line pressure of 14.5 psi must be applied in a rolling fashion. Full end-strength is reached within 72 hours; use of H-O Products Primer 33 or Primer 101 reduces this to approximately 20 minutes. Minimum recommended application temperature is 59°F.
What differentiates AFTC 5304 from AFTC 5305, the adjacent thin grade in the 53xx series?
AFTC 5304 and AFTC 5305 are both thin, clear grades with closely matched adhesion values (17 lb/in peel, 88 lb/in² dynamic shear). The key distinction is application intent and liner type: AFTC 5304 is specifically designed for applications requiring a highly transparent bond and where stress corrosion cannot occur, with an explicit instruction to avoid stress and tension during application. AFTC 5305 emphasizes low-temperature bonding, very high initial tack, and plasticizer resistance without the stress-corrosion constraint. AFTC 5304 uses a red PE liner; AFTC 5305 uses a paper liner.
Why is peel adhesion important when selecting a tape for transparent or stress-sensitive bonding applications?
In transparent bonding applications — particularly glass and clear plastics — the tape must maintain continuous contact across the entire bond line. Any loss of peel adhesion creates visible voids or delamination zones that compromise both optical clarity and structural integrity. For stress-corrosion-sensitive assemblies, edge delamination induced by insufficient peel adhesion introduces localized stress concentrations that can initiate corrosion or crack propagation. AFTC 5304 delivers 17 lb/in at 90° peel, providing consistent full-surface contact on conformable, tension-free bonds.
What is the operating temperature range for AFTC 5304?
AFTC 5304 has a minimum temperature resistance of -40°F, a long-term temperature resistance of 212°F, and a short-term temperature resistance of 320°F, as listed on the TDS.
Is AFTC 5304 suitable for transparent glazing or optical bonding applications?
Yes. The TDS specifically identifies AFTC 5304 as designed for applications where a highly transparent bond is required and no stress corrosion may occur, including glass and various transparent plastics. It maintains high impact resistance below 0°C and provides excellent long-term UV stability with no yellowing tendency. No specific regulatory compliance standards are stated on the TDS.
How should AFTC 5304 be specified?
Specify grade (AFTC 5304), thickness (0.015"), color (clear), compliance requirements, dimensional tolerances, adhesive side (double), liner type (red PE liner), and finished format. Note application requirement to avoid stress and tension on the bond during installation.
