AFTC AM9304
AFTC AM9304 is a 0.016″ thick, double-sided closed cell acrylic foam tape designed for structural bonding of steel, aluminum, and select plastics in vehicle manufacturing applications. It delivers 90° peel adhesion of 15 lb/in, dynamic shear strength of 102 lb/in², and tensile strength of 105 lb/in², and operates across a temperature range of -40°F to 248°F long-term and 374°F short-term. The tape is formulated to absorb differential thermal expansion between dissimilar bonded materials and provides good plasticizer resistance when used in combination with a primer.
Key Properties
- 90° Peel Adhesion: 15 lb/in (ASTM D3330)
- Dynamic Shear Strength: 102 lb/in² (ASTM D1002)
- Tensile Strength: 105 lb/in² (ASTM D897)
- Temperature Resistance: -40°F min / 248°F long-term / 374°F short-term
- Carrier / Liner: Uncoated acrylic foam core / Red PE liner
- Total Tape Thickness: 0.016″ ±15%
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- Specifications
- Applications
- General Info
- FAQs
Physical Properties
| Property | Value | Test Method |
| Thickness | 0.016″ ±15% | — |
| Color | Gray | — |
| 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 | 52 lb/ft³ | — |
| Cell Structure | Closed Cell | — |
Adhesion Properties
| Property | Value | Test Method |
| 90° Peel Adhesion | 15 lb/in | ASTM D3330 |
| Dynamic Shear Strength | 102 lb/in² | ASTM D1002 |
| Tensile Strength | 105 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 | 374°F | — |
| Long-Term Temperature Resistance | 248°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 | — |
- Structural bonding of dissimilar metals in automotive body assembly where differential thermal expansion must be accommodated
- Attachment of glass and glass/epoxy panels to steel or aluminum vehicle structures
- Bonding of anodized and coated aluminum components to vehicle frames and attachment points
- Joining of galvanized or stainless steel parts in vehicle manufacturing assemblies requiring tight bondline clearances
- Thin-profile structural tape bonding on precision-fit vehicle components where conventional fasteners are not suitable
Common industries: Automotive manufacturing, transportation, specialty vehicle assembly.
AFTC AM9304 is the thinnest grade in the AM93 series of high-performance double-sided acrylic foam tapes, designed specifically for bonding dissimilar materials — including steel, aluminum, glass, glass/epoxy, and coated or anodized metals — in modern vehicle manufacturing. At 0.016″ thick, it is suited for tight-clearance assemblies where bondline thickness must be minimized while maintaining structural integrity. 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 excellent UV resistance and excellent solvent resistance per the TDS. 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.
Surface preparation is critical: substrates should be cleaned with IPA for light to moderate contamination, or MEK, Heptane, or Acetone for heavy contamination followed by an IPA wipe. Raw aluminum must be abraded prior to bonding. A minimum bond-line pressure of 14.5 psi must be applied. 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 AM9304 from thicker grades in the AM93 series?
AFTC AM9304 is the thinnest grade in the AM93 series at 0.016", delivering the highest tensile strength (105 lb/in²) and dynamic shear strength (102 lb/in²) of the series. It is the preferred choice for precision assemblies where bondline thickness is tightly constrained and maximum structural strength per unit thickness is required.
Why is peel adhesion important when selecting a structural bonding tape for automotive applications?
Peel adhesion determines whether the tape maintains bond integrity when the assembly is subjected to flexing, vibration, or peeling forces — all common in vehicle structures. A tape with insufficient peel adhesion can initiate delamination at joints, particularly at substrate edges and contours. AFTC AM9304 delivers 15 lb/in at 90° peel, providing reliable edge retention across the range of substrates used in vehicle manufacturing.
What is the operating temperature range for AFTC AM9304?
AFTC AM9304 has a minimum temperature resistance of -40°F, a long-term temperature resistance of 248°F, and a short-term temperature resistance of 374°F, as listed on the TDS.
Is AFTC AM9304 suitable for automotive manufacturing environments?
Yes. AFTC AM9304 is specifically designed for bonding steel, aluminum, and select plastics in modern vehicle manufacturing. It provides good plasticizer resistance in combination with a primer and maintains high impact resistance at sub-zero temperatures. No additional regulatory compliance standards are stated on the TDS.
How should AFTC AM9304 be specified?
Specify grade (AFTC AM9304), thickness (0.016"), compliance requirements, dimensional tolerances, adhesive side (double), liner type (red PE liner), and finished format.
