AFTC 5308
AFTC 5308 is a 0.03″ thick, double-sided closed cell acrylic foam tape specially designed for bonding high and medium surface energy substrates in low temperature ranges. It features very high initial tack and very good plasticizer resistance, and its excellent adaptability enables thin or textured surfaces to be bonded full surface and tension free. It delivers 90° peel adhesion of 18 lb/in, dynamic shear strength of 80 lb/in², and tensile strength of 91 lb/in², with a temperature range of -40°F to 212°F long-term and 320°F short-term.
Key Properties
- 90° Peel Adhesion: 18 lb/in (ASTM D3330)
- Dynamic Shear Strength: 80 lb/in² (ASTM D1002)
- Tensile Strength: 91 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: 0.03″ ±10%
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- Specifications
- Applications
- General Info
- FAQs
Physical Properties
| Property | Value | Test Method |
| Thickness | 0.03″ ±10% | — |
| 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 | 18 lb/in | ASTM D3330 |
| Dynamic Shear Strength | 80 lb/in² | ASTM D1002 |
| Tensile Strength | 91 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 | — |
- Low-temperature bonding of high and medium surface energy plastics and transparent plastics where very high initial tack is required for immediate bond engagement
- Full-surface, tension-free bonding of thin or textured substrates in assemblies exposed to plasticizer migration at a 0.03″ bondline
- Bonding of glass and glazing components in cold-environment manufacturing or installation conditions requiring greater bondline body than thinner 53xx grades
- Structural attachment of coated and anodized aluminum components requiring long-term resistance to weathering, UV yellowing, and chemical exposure
- Applications on stainless steel and galvanized steel requiring high impact resistance below 0°C and excellent long-term stability at a mid-range bondline thickness
Common industries: Glazing, display fabrication, automotive assembly, architectural metalwork, industrial assembly.
AFTC 5308 is a 0.03″ thick grade in the 53xx series of clear, conformable, low-temperature double-sided acrylic foam tapes. It is specifically formulated for bonding applications that occur in low temperature ranges and features very high initial tack for immediate bond engagement on first contact. Very good plasticizer resistance ensures long-term bond integrity in assemblies where plasticizer migration from adjacent materials is a concern.
The excellent adaptability of the formulation allows thin or textured substrates to be bonded 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 5308 from adjacent grades 5305 and 5310 in the 53xx series?
AFTC 5308 is 0.03" thick (±10%), positioned between 5305 (0.019", ±15%, paper liner, 99 lb/in² tensile) and 5310 (0.039", ±10%, 75 lb/in² dynamic shear). It delivers 18 lb/in peel adhesion — higher than 5305 (17 lb/in) — and 80 lb/in² dynamic shear and 91 lb/in² tensile — higher than 5310 (75/85 lb/in²). AFTC 5308 also uses a red PE liner, in contrast to the paper liner of 5305. It is the preferred choice where a 0.03" bondline with balanced peel, shear, and tensile performance is required.
Why is peel adhesion important when selecting a low-temperature acrylic foam tape?
In low-temperature bonding applications, the adhesive must wet out and engage the substrate quickly at reduced temperatures where molecular mobility is lower. Very high initial tack — a key characteristic of the 53xx series — ensures the bond engages on first contact before temperature-driven adhesive stiffening can reduce wetting. Sustained peel adhesion (18 lb/in for AFTC 5308) then ensures the bond maintains edge integrity through the thermal cycling the assembly will experience in service, including the sub-zero impact loads for which the tape is rated.
What is the operating temperature range for AFTC 5308?
AFTC 5308 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 5308 suitable for assemblies exposed to plasticizers or outdoor weathering?
Yes. The TDS states that AFTC 5308 has very good plasticizer resistance and very good resistance to weathering, aging, UV/yellowing, and chemicals, resulting in excellent long-term stability. No specific regulatory compliance standards are stated on the TDS.
How should AFTC 5308 be specified?
Specify grade (AFTC 5308), thickness (0.03"), color (clear), compliance requirements, dimensional tolerances, adhesive side (double), liner type (red PE liner), and finished format.
