3
3MReclosable Fasteners
Design Selection Guide
1
Align Markets and Applications with
3M Products to increase your productivity
and improve your product design,
function, and appearance
forfastening
Success
M.A.P.
2
Markets and Applications
General Industrial
Attach plastic and screen enclosure panels
around automated equipment in temporary
manufacturing cells
Attach acoustic control panels to sound
containment enclosure
Hold access panels to manufacturing
equipment, control panels, HVAC units,
electrical enclosures, electronic equipment,
and elevators
Attach moveable sensors
Hold remote controls on equipment for
storage when not in use
Fasten rigid or flexible solar panels
Attach decorative panels and circulation vents
to refrigerators
Hang tools on maintenance carts for ready
access and secure transport
Furniture And more
Assemble modular office wall panels
Attach fabric-covered cushions to chair
seats, backs, and arm rests
Attach cover plate to wire and cable channels
in modular office walls
Secure window shade to header rail
Fasten institutional furniture seats and backs
to metal frames
Architectural/Construction flooring, carpeting,
lighting, and decorative panels
Marine and yacht carpeting, seat cushions, and
wall panels
Sporting goods such as securing helmet
cushions, closing tent flaps, and assembling
hunting blinds
Medical gowns and equipment such as
orthopedic braces
POP, Display, and Signage
Attach metal L-bracket edging to hold rigid
graphics panels and prevent light leaks on
internally-illuminated sign
Hang graphics and banners for trade
shows and in-store promotion
Attach repositionable shelving for
retail display and museum exhibits
Attach product samples to trade show backwalls
and retail display cases
Attach literature dispensers
Secure carpet to trade show floors, walls, and
counter facings
Attach flexible retail signage for products that
change frequently with the season, holiday,
popularity, or promotional focus
Specialty Vehicle and Transportation
Fasten headliners and ceiling panels in
over-the-road truck cabs, buses, ambulances,
and recreational vehicles
Hang ceiling light diffusion panels in light rail
cars and buses
Hang equipment on ambulance walls
Secure removable seat covers and cushions
in ambulances
Attach door and wall panels in truck cabs
Suspend privacy curtains in truck cabs
Attach air bag cover in trucks and cars
Attach decorative liner to interior SUV cargo areas
Attach ceiling, wall and cushioning panels in
cargo and horse trailers
Invisibly attach fascia
to painted metal valence.
Attach cushioning to
horse trailer divider.
Attach access panels
to industrial, electronic,
and electrical equipment.
M.A.P. for Fastening Success...
simple 4-step process
Think 3M First for smooth, clean surfaces to improve appearance
1-800-362-3550
www.3M.com/fasteners
Hidden beneath the surface for greater
design flexibility
No nail or screw heads, snap caps, weld marks,
or breakable teeth
Maintain surface integrity with no holes to
invite moisture, corrosion, or dirt
Sleek appearance for competitive advantage
With this step-by-step guide you can more easily
align Markets and Applications with a 3M
reclosable fastener Product to help improve your
product and process.
Step 1: Challenge traditional thinking
Lose the screws. Consider 3MReclosable
Fasteners to replace screws, bolts, nails, rivets,
welds, and other traditional fastening methods in
many applications involving repeated opening
and closing, attaching and detaching.
Consider even converting a permanent closure
to reclosable one.
Step 2: Select closure strength
Based on the specific construction of each 3M
Reclosable Fastener, select from a wide range
of holding strength to match the weight of
surfaces and stresses of use.
Step 3: Select adhesive performance
Select from multiple adhesive backings to best
match different substrates and environmental
conditions. Or, select plain-backed versions.
Step 4: Combine, test, and evaluate
Combine closure strength and adhesive
performance to determine the right fastener(s)
for testing and evaluation. See charts on pages 5-8.
1. Challenge
traditional
thinking
Think 3M First for expanded options to improve design and function
Range of closure strengths and thicknesses
Hold together even dissimilar substrates, then
attach and detach multiple times easily
Choice of plain-backed or pressure sensitive
adhesive-backed to bond to many surfaces
even LSE plastics
Reliable performance in hot, cold, wet, sunny,
and other difficult environments
Colors to accent or clear to blend for aesthetics
Save the weight of metal fasteners
Think 3M First for faster, easier application to save time and labor
Pressure sensitive adhesive options stick on
contact as quickly and easily as tape for quick
installation without special tools
No drilling, screwing, tightening, sewing, or
complex process
Quickly and easily adjust or reattach until
precisely aligned
Lose the screws...
as wells as
the nuts and
bolts, snaps,
latches,
nails, zippers,
clasps,
wingnuts,
and welds.
3
4
Liner
Adhesive
Interlocking stems
Adhesive
Liner
21
Release
liner
Loop with
pressure
sensitive
adhesive
Hook with
pressure
sensitive
adhesive
Release liner
Weight-bearing and
engagement holding strength
increases as you move up
from 3MHook and Loop
through 3MDual Lock
Fasteners.
Strength
Increase
FPO
3MDual
Lock
Fastener
Type 250
3M
Dual Lock
Fastener
Type 170
3MHook
and Loop
Standard
thickness
3MDual
Lock
Fastener
Low profile
3MHook
and Loop
Low
profile
3M
Dual Lock
Fastener
Type 400
Effective combinations; strength increasing left to right
170/250 250/250 170/400 250/400
2. Select closure strength
based on fastener construction
3MHook and Loop Fasteners
3MDual LockReclosable Fasteners
* Non-adhesive versions available.
Stiff hooks on one side of the fastener mesh
with pliable loops on the other side for secure
closure; peel one side away for opening
Pressure sensitive adhesive-backed versions*
bond on contact to a variety of flexible and rigid
materials; variety of adhesive properties
The larger the fastener area, the greater the
strength for holding weight and resisting
shear and peel
Low profile option for applications where
thickness is more critical than number of
closures; 75% thinner than standard product
with fewer openings and closings
Mushroom-shaped stems on one side of the
fastener interlock with identically shaped stems
on the other side for 5X greater closure strength
than hook and loop; peel apart for opening
Pressure sensitive adhesive-backed versions*
bond on contact to a variety of flexible and rigid
materials; choice of specialized adhesive
properties (see charts on pages 5-8)
Choice of stems per square inch:170, 250,
400 (higher the combined number, greater
the closure strength–see chart at right)
Larger the fastener area, greater the strength
for holding weight and resisting shear and peel
Low profile option for a snug fit with about
half the thickness of the standard products
3. Select adhesive performance
Rubber, Acrylic, or Non-adhesive
Rolling down the fastener on a clean and dry substrate increases adhesive flow and contact for more
secure bonding. Contact and adhesion will build over time until reaching ultimate strength.
Surface Contact
Surface Energy
HSE High Surface
Energy Substrates
LSE Low Surface
Energy Substrates
Adhesive "wets out" the surface.
Higher the surface energy, better
the bond performance.
Metal
Copper
Aluminum
Tin
Stainless Steel
Glass
Plastics
Phenolic
Nylon
Alkyd Enamel
Polyester
Epoxy Paint
Polyurethane Paint
ABS
Polycarbonate
PVC Rigid
Acrylic
Considered “hard-to-bond” since
the adhesive “beads up” and does
not readily “wet” the surface.
Powder coated metal is also LSE.
Plastics
PVA
Polystyrene
Acetal
EVA
Polyethylene
Polypropylene
Polyvinyl Fluoride Film
Rubber Adhesives
High initial adhesion upon contact
Quick stick adhesion
• Good shear strength
Narrow operating temperature range
Fair moisture resistance in end use
Some solvent resistance in end use
Fair UV resistance for indoor use
Moderate aging performance
Bonds well to a variety of LSE materials
including plastics and powder coated surfaces
Acrylic Adhesives
Fair initial adhesion upon contact
Build-up over 72 hours to strong adhesion
• High shear strength
Wide operating temperature range
Excellent moisture resistance in end use
Excellent solvent resistance in end use
Excellent UV resistance for indoor and
outdoor use
Excellent aging performance
Bonds well to HSE materials
including metals and HSE plastics
Non-adhesive versions
3MDual LockFasteners are also available as non-adhesive or non-woven backed rolls, or rigid-backed
circles or strips.
Plain-backed 3MHook and Loop Fasteners are
available for sewing to the fabric and leather of
jackets and gloves.
Back-to-back 3MHook and Loop Fastener
SJ3000 meshes with itself as a replacement for
string, tapes, rubber bands, wire, and strapping.
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For the application ease of a PSA tape, a variety of adhesive backings are available to meet
production and end use criteria (see charts starting next page). Consider rubber or acrylic.
O
Product Stem Color Liner Engaged Temperature Features/Application Ideas
Density Thickness Resistance
Inches (mm) (F/C)
Rubber Adhesive
SJ3540 250 Black A 0.23 (5.7) 120/49 Low temperature performance. Bonds well to plastics (acrylic, poly carbonate, ABS),
SJ3541 400 Black A 0.23 (5.7) 120/49 powder coated paints and low surface energy materials (polypropylene, polyethylene).
SJ3542 170 Black A 0.23 (5.7) 120/49 Indoor and limited outdoor use.
SJ3550 250 Black D 0.23 (5.7) 200/93 High temperature performance. Bonds well to metals (aluminum, stainless steel),
SJ3551 400 Black D 0.23 (5.7) 200/93 glass, plastics (acrylic, polycarbonate, ABS) and paints. Indoor and outdoor use.
SJ3552 170 Black D 0.23 (5.7) 200/93
SJ3557 170 White* D 0.23 (5.7) 200/93
SJ3558 250 White* D 0.23 (5.7) 200/93 * Note: This is a clear fastener with white adhesive giving the product a
SJ3559 400 White* D 0.23 (5.7) 200/93 white appearance.
SJ3560 250 Clear D 0.23 (5.7) 220/104 Highest temperature performance. Bonds well to metals (aluminum, stainless steel),
SJ3561 400 Clear D 0.23 (5.7) 220/104 glass and plastics (acrylic, polycarbonate, ABS). Indoor and outdoor use.
SJ3562 170 Clear D 0.23 (5.7) 220/104
SJ3550CF 250 Black D 0.23 (5.7) 220/104
SJ3551CF 400 Black D 0.23 (5.7) 220/104
SJ3552CF 170 Black D 0.23 (5.7) 220/104
SJ3244 170 Black E 0.24 (6.1) 120/49 Low temperature performance. Bonds well to low surface energy
SJ3245 250 Black E 0.24 (6.1) 120/49 materials. Indoor and outdoor use.
SJ3246 400 Black E 0.24 (6.1) 120/49
SJ3870 250 Black C 0.24 (6.1) 180/82 Medium temperature performance. Bonds well to plastics (acrylic, polycarbonate,
SJ3871 400 Black C 0.24 (6.1) 180/82 ABS), powder coated paints and medium to low surface energy materials.
SJ3872 170 Black C 0.24 (6.1) 180/82 Indoor and outdoor use. Available in 45 yard rolls only.
SJ3773 170 Black F 0.16(4.1) 120/49 Low to medium temperature performance. Bonds well to metals (aluminum,
SJ3782 250 Black F 0.16(4.1) 120/49 stainless steel), glass, many plastics (polypropylene, polyethylene, polycarbonate,
ABS) powder coated paints and medium to low surface energy materials.
Thinner adhesive than standard. Indoor and outdoor use.
SJ3443 400 Black N/A 0.28 (7.1) 200/93 Backed with a unique felt-like non-woven polypropylene fabric, this product is for
SJ3444 170 Black N/A 0.28 (7.1) 200/93 use with a variety of hot melt or liquid adhesives. Can be bonded to wood, foam,
SJ3445 250 Black N/A 0.28 (7.1) 200/93 fabric or similar materials. Good temperature performance.
SJ3463 400 Black None 0.20 (5.1)* 200/93 Thicker than standard. Designed for mechanical attachment, such as riveting, or
sliding into retention brackets. Round 13/16 inches diameter with 0.16 inch hole.
SJ3481 400 Black None 0.20 (5.1)* 200/93 Thicker than standard. Designed for mechanical attachment, such as riveting, or
sliding into retention brackets. Available in 48 inch strips.
3MDual LockReclosable Fasteners
General Purpose Acrylic Adhesive
Clear Acrylic Adhesive
Modified Acrylic Adhesive
Low Surface Energy Acrylic Adhesive
Note: The technical information and data should be considered representative only and should not be used for specification purposes.
* Single thickness; not engaged.
Fasten flexible solar panels to roofing membrane
with strength to resist wind.
Secure plastic sign to window glass. Hold plastic air vent to base of refrigerator with
strength to resist vibration
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Specialty Products: No Adhesive, Non-Woven, and Rigid Back/Piece Parts
4. Combine, test, and evaluate
3MHook and Loop Fasteners
Note: The technical information and data should be considered representative only and should not be used for specification purposes.
High Performance Rubber Adhesive
Product Hook/ Closure Product Liner Engaged Temperature Features/Application Ideas
Loop Life Material Thickness Resistance
Inches (mm) (F/C)
SJ3526N Hook 5,000 Nylon A 0.14 (3.6) 120/49 Medium temperature performance. Bonds well to a variety of plastics,
SJ3527N Loop 5,000 Nylon A 0.14 (3.6) 120/49 bare and powder coated metal, glass, sealed wood, paper and card
board. Indoor use.
SJ3532N Hook 5,000 Nylon C 0.14 (3.6) 100/38 Medium temperature performance. Bonds well to a variety of plastics,
SJ3533N Loop 5,000 Nylon C 0.14 (3.6) 100/38 paint, bare and powder coated metal, glass, sealed wood, fabrics,
paper and cardboard. Indoor use.
SJ3530 Hook 5,000 Nylon C 0.14 (3.6) 90/32 Low temperature performance. Bonds well to a variety of plastics,
SJ3531 Loop 5,000 Nylon C 0.14 (3.6) 90/32 paint, bare and powder coated metal, glass, sealed wood, fabrics,
paper and cardboard. Indoor use.
SJ3571 Loop 5,000 Nylon D 0.14 (3.6) 200/93 High temperature performance. Bonds well to bare and painted
SJ3572 Hook 5,000 Nylon D 0.14 (3.6) 200/93 (non-powder coated) metal,glass, sealed wood, paint and many plastics.
Indoor and outdoor use.
SJ3576 Hook 1,000 Polyester D 0.14 (3.6) 200/93 High temperature performance. Bonds well to bare and painted
SJ3577 Loop 1,000 Polyester D 0.14 (3.6) 200/93 (non-powder coated) metal, glass, sealed wood, paint and many plastics.
Excellent for humid outdoor conditions. Improved water resistance over
nylon product. Indoor and outdoor use.
SJ3546 Hook 5,000 Nylon G 0.14 (3.6) 180/82 Medium temperature performance. Bonds well to some low surface
SJ3547 Loop 5,000 Nylon G 0.14 (3.6) 180/82 energy materials. Indoor and outdoor use.
SJ3596 Hook 5,000 Nylon G 0.14 (3.6) 180/82 Made in USA. Medium temperature performance. Bonds well to some
SJ3597 Loop 5,000 Nylon G 0.14 (3.6) 180/82 low surface energy materials. Indoor and outdoor use.
SJ3522 Hook 5,000 Nylon B 0.14 (3.6) 158/70 Medium temperature performance. Bonds well to flexible vinyl, bare and
SJ3523 Loop 5,000 Nylon B 0.14 (3.6) 158/70 painted metal, glass, sealed wood and many plastics. Resists many
different plasticized vinyls. Indoor use.
SJ3518FR Loop 5,000 FR Nylon A 0.14 (3.6) 100/38 Medium temperature performance. Bonds wells to bare and painted
SJ3519FR Hook 5,000 FR Nylon A 0.14 (3.6) 100/38 metal, paint, glass, sealed wood, paper and cardboard and many plastics.
SJ3586FR Hook 1,000 FR A 0.17 (4.3) 100/38 Medium temperature performance. Bonds wells to bare and painted
Polyester metal, paint, glass, sealed wood, paper and cardboard and many
SJ3587FR Loop 1,000 FR A 0.17 (4.3) 100/38 plastics. Excellent for humid outdoor conditions. Improved water
Polyester resistance over nylon product.
Flame Resistant Adhesive
Plasticizer Resistant Acrylic Adhesive
General Performance Acrylic Adhesive
High Performance Acrylic
General Performance Rubber Adhesive
Modified Rubber Adhesive
3MDual LockReclosable Fasteners – Low Profile/Thin
Liners:
A - White 5.0 mil (0.13 mm) thick polyolefin with silicone
release coating
B - Brown 83# polykraft liner printed with "3M™" in green.
Good for diecutting directly against liner.
C - Red 4.5 mil (0.11 mm) thick polyolefin with no
silicone release coating
D - Clear 4.0 mil (0.10 mm) thick polyolefin with silicone
release coating
E - White 5.0 mil (0.13 mm) thick polyethylene with
silicone release coating
F - Brown 83# polykraft liner printed with "3MDual Lock"
in green. Good for diecutting directly against liner.
Footnotes: 1) Type 400 is not recommended to be engaged to other type 400 fasteners. As well, type 170 should
not be engaged with type 170. 2) Acrylic PSAs are best suited for outdoor or high humidity applications for
medium to high energy surfaces. 3) Engaged thickness is for products with the same backcoating. You can mix
products with different backcoatings to obtain an even greater variety of engaged thicknesses. Any of these 3M
Dual LockReclosable Fasteners can be engaged with 3MLoop Reclosable Fasteners providing a quick grab
closure with high strength and limited cycle life.
Notes: Suggest 4 square inches of fastener per pound of load as a starting point for evaluation of long term
performance. Suggest type 250 engaged to type 250 as a starting point for evaluations. Tensile strength
increases in the following order: 170/250 < 250/250 < 170/400 < 250/400. Maximum widths are 6" except 3M
Dual LockReclosable Fasteners SJ3443, SJ3444, and SJ3445 which are 4" maximum widths.. All products
available on 50 yard rolls except 3MDual LockReclosable Fasteners SJ3870, SJ3871, and SJ3872 which are
45 yards and SJ3481 which comes in four foot strips. This information should be considered representative
only, for help in narrowing the list of possible fasteners for further and more detailed evaluation, and should not
be used for specification purposes. User is responsible for determining whether the 3M product is fit for the
desired end use. Refer to specific product technical data sheets for more detailed product performance information.
Continued on back
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Acrylic Adhesive
Product Stem Color Liner Engaged Temperature Features/Application Ideas
Density Thickness Resistance
Inches (mm) (F/C)
SJ4570 Low Profile/ Clear F 0.098 (2.489) 158/70 Low to medium temperature performance. Bonds well to metals, glass, many plastics
SJ4575 Thin Black (polypropylene, polyethylene, polycarbonate, ABS) powder coated paints and medium
to low surface energy materials. Half standard thickness. Indoor and limited outdoor use.
SJ4580 Low Profile/ Clear C 0.12 (3.0) 200/93 High temperature performance. Bonds well to CARC and enamel paint, bare metal,
Thin glass, wood (painted or sealed) and many plastics (acrylic, polystyrene, polycarbonate,
ABS). Half standard thickness. Indoor and outdoor use.
3M and Dual Lock are
trademarks of 3M Company
© 2011, 3M. All rights reserved.
70-0709-4070-8
Product Use: Many factors beyond 3M’s control and uniquely within user’s knowledge and control can affect the use and performance of a 3M product in a particular application. Given the variety of factors
that can affect the use and performance of a 3M product, user is solely responsible for evaluating the 3M product and determining whether it is fit for a particular purpose and suitable for user’s method of
application. Warranty, Limited Remedy, and Disclaimer: Unless an additional warranty is specifically stated on the applicable 3M product packaging or product literature, 3M warrants that each 3M
product meets the applicable 3M product specification at the time 3M ships the product. 3M MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO,
ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OR CONDITION OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OR CONDITION ARISING OUT OF A COURSE OF DEALING,
CUSTOM OR USAGE OF TRADE. If the 3M product does not conform to this warranty, then the sole and exclusive remedy is, at 3M’s option, replacement of the 3M product or refund of the purchase price.
Limitation of Liability: Except where prohibited by law, 3M will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from the 3M product, whether direct, indirect, special, incidental or consequential, regardless of
the legal theory asserted, including warranty, contract, negligence or strict liability.
3
Industrial Adhesives and Tapes Division
3M Center, Building 225-3S-06
St. Paul, MN 55144-1000
800-362-3550 . 877-369-2923 (Fax)
www.3M.com/fasteners
3MHook and Loop Fasteners - Low Profile/Thin
Liners:
A - White 3 mil polyethylene film printed with "3MHook and Loop" in red.
B - Clear 3.5 mil polyolefin film with no printing.
C - Yellow 3.0 mil polyethylene film with no printing.
D - Clear 4.0 mil polypropylene film with white embossed 3M logo.
E - Brown 83# PCK liner printed with "3M" in green. Good for diecutting
directly against liner.
F - Brown 83# PCK liner with no printing. Good for die-cutting directly against liner.
G - Silicone-treated polyolefin with 3M logo embossed.
Footnotes: Engaged thickness is for hook and loop with the same backcoating engaged
to each other. Any of these 3MLoop Reclosable Fasteners can also be engaged
with 3MDual LockReclosable Fasteners providing a quick grab closure with high strength
and limited cycle life.
Note: This information should be considered representative only, for help in narrowing
the list of possible fasteners for further and more detailed evaluation, and should not be
used for specification purposes. User is responsible for determining whether the 3M
product is fit for the desired end use. Refer to specific product technical data sheets for
more detailed product performance information.
3MHook and Loop Fasteners (cont.)
Plain-Back, Non-Adhesive, Sew On
Product Hook/ Closure Product Liner Engaged Temperature Features/Application Ideas
Loop Life Material Thickness Resistance
Inches (mm) (F/C)
SJ3401 Loop 5,000 Nylon None 0.12 (3.0) 200/93 Plain-backed fastener designed for sew on applications. Ideal
SJ3402 Hook 5,000 Nylon None 0.12 (3.0) 200/93 replacement for zippers, buttons, snaps and laces. Indoor and outdoor use.
SJ3476 Hook 1,000 Polyester None 0.13 (3.3) 200/93 Plain-backed fastener designed for sew on applications. Ideal
SJ3477 Loop 1,000 Polyester None 0.13 (3.3) 200/93 replacement for zippers, buttons, snaps and laces. Excellent for humid
outdoor conditions. Improved water resistance over nylon product.
Indoor and outdoor use.
SJ3418FR Loop 5,000 FR Nylon None 0.12 (3.0) 200/93 Flame resistant plain backed fastener designed for sew on applications.
SJ3419FR Hook 5,000 FR Nylon None 0.12 (3.0) 200/93 Ideal replacement for zippers, buttons, snaps and laces.
Indoor and outdoor use.
SJ3486FR Hook 1,000 FR Polyester None 0.13 (3.3) 200/93 Same as above with improved water resistance over nylon product.
SJ3487FR Loop 1,000 FR Polyester None 0.13 (3.3) 200/93
Acrylic Adhesive
SJ3506 Hook 25 Polypropylene E 0.034 (0.84) 158/70 This product is 75% thinner than standard Hook and Loop. Medium
SJ3507 Loop 25 Polyester E 0.034 (0.84) 158/70 temperature performance. Bonds well to medium surface energy
plastics such as polycarbonate, ABS, acrylic and polystyrene. Also
bonds well to a variety of other surfaces.
No Adhesive
SJ3000 Back-to- 10 Polypropylene None 0.053 (1.3) 200/93 No stick. No mess. Simply wrap, unwrap and wrap up to 10 times
Back (Hook) without the hassles of adhesive, knotted strings, waste and cutting.
Hook Nylon Convenient and secure bundling replacement for tape, string, rubber
and Loop (Loop) bands, plastic wire and strapping. High temperature performance.
Available in black, red and white.
3MHook and Loop Fasteners SJ3000
From attaching chair cushions to adjusting orthopedic
braces, when your product requires thousands of
easy openings and secure closings, 3MHook and
Loop Fasteners give you choices to improve your
product and production time.
Standard colors: Nylon–black, white and beige; Polyester–black and white. Custom colors available upon request.