AFTC 5389
AFTC 5389 is a double sided, closed cell acrylic foam tape with a permanent Acrylic Coating 40 adhesive system on both faces, available at 0.078″ thickness. It is designed for bonding high and medium energy substrates — including plastics, glass, steel, aluminum, and ceramics — and delivers a 90° peel adhesion of 24 lb/in with very high initial tack and very good plasticizer resistance. The tape maintains high impact resistance below 0°C and is rated for long-term service up to 212°F and short-term exposure up to 320°F.
Key Properties
- 90° Peel Adhesion: 24 lb/in (ASTM D3330)
- Dynamic Shear Strength: 66 lb/in² (ASTM D1002)
- Tensile Strength: 73 lb/in² (ASTM D897)
- Long-Term Temperature Resistance: 212°F
- Liner / Carrier: Bordeaux PE liner; Acrylic Adhesive Foam Core
Total Tape Thickness: 0.078″ ±10%
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- Specifications
- Applications
- General Info
- FAQs
Physical Properties
| Property | Value | Test Method |
| Thickness | 0.078″ ±10% | — |
| Color | White | — |
| Material / Substrate | Coated Acrylic Foam | — |
| Core | Acrylic Adhesive Foam Core | — |
| Adhesive Type | Acrylic Coating 40 | — |
| Adhesive System | Permanent Adhesive | — |
| Adhesive Side | Double Sided Adhesive | — |
| Liner | Bordeaux PE liner | — |
| Density | 52 lb/ft³ | — |
| Cell Structure | Closed Cell | — |
Adhesion Properties
| Property | Value | Test Method |
| 90° Peel Adhesion | 24 lb/in | ASTM D3330 |
| Dynamic Shear Strength | 66 lb/in² | ASTM D1002 |
| Tensile Strength | 73 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 |
| Solvent Resistance | Excellent | — |
| UV 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 | — |
- Structural bonding of high and medium surface energy plastic components where a white tape appearance is required
- Attachment of glass elements to metal or composite frames in architectural or display assemblies
- Bonding of aluminum and steel substrates where differential thermal expansion between dissimilar materials must be accommodated
- Full-surface bonding of thin or textured substrates, including ceramics, where conformability and a tension-free bond are required
- Replacement of mechanical fasteners — including rivets, screws, spot welds, and liquid adhesives — in fabricated assemblies
Common industries: general manufacturing, glazing and fenestration, signage and display, transportation, consumer products.
AFTC 5389 is a general purpose double sided acrylic foam tape in the 53-series line, constructed with a closed cell acrylic adhesive foam core coated on both sides with Acrylic Coating 40 permanent adhesive. Available at 0.078″ — thicker than the 0.062″ grades in this series — it is engineered for structural bonding of high and medium surface energy substrates and accommodates differential thermal expansion between dissimilar materials.
The tape’s excellent adaptability allows full-surface bonding of thin or textured surfaces in a tension-free bond, and it carries the distinctive Bordeaux PE liner.
The tape demonstrates excellent resistance to solvents and UV exposure and retains high impact resistance at sub-zero temperatures. As a pressure sensitive adhesive, a minimum bond line pressure of 14.5 psi applied by hand roller or mechanical presser is required for full adhesion.
For low surface energy substrates — including certain polymers, powder coated metals, and porous materials — primer use is recommended; without primer the AFTC line requires up to 72 hours to reach end-strength, while a compatible primer reduces this to approximately 20 minutes. Shelf life is 18 months when stored in original packaging in a dry environment between 39.2°F and 100.4°F.
What differentiates AFTC 5389 from thinner grades such as AFTC 5355 and AFTC 5357?
AFTC 5389 is 0.078" thick — 26% thicker than the 0.062" grades in the 53-series — providing greater gap-filling capability and increased compliance for bonding substrates with surface irregularities or larger bond-line gaps. It is available in White with a Bordeaux PE liner, and its peel adhesion of 24 lb/in is slightly higher than the 23 lb/in of the 0.062" grades.
Why is peel adhesion important when selecting an acrylic foam tape?
Peel adhesion — measured here at 24 lb/in per ASTM D3330 — determines how effectively the tape resists being peeled or lifted from a bonded substrate under service loading. For assemblies subject to vibration, thermal cycling, or environmental exposure, adequate peel adhesion ensures the bond line remains intact throughout the intended service life of the joint.
What is the operating temperature range for AFTC 5389?
AFTC 5389 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.
Is AFTC 5389 suitable for outdoor or UV-exposed environments?
The TDS rates AFTC 5389 as having excellent UV resistance and excellent solvent resistance, and notes that it maintains high impact resistance below 0°C. No specific regulatory compliance standards are listed on the TDS.
How should AFTC 5389 be specified?
Specify grade (AFTC 5389), thickness (0.078"), color (White), liner type (Bordeaux PE), dimensional tolerances, and finished format. Note any primer requirements for low surface energy substrates and confirm minimum application temperature of 59°F can be met at time of bonding.
