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Application
Ideas
3M™ Dual Lock™ Reclosable Fasteners SJ3540, SJ3541 and SJ3542 can replace
conventional mechanical fasteners in a wide range of assembly and attachment applications
where reclosability is desired. They provide a firm adhesive bond to a wide variety of
surfaces, including, but not limited to those listed below. Because product performance will
depend on actual conditions within any specific application, it is essential that the user
evaluate the 3M product to determine whether it is fit for a particular material purpose and
suitable for the user’s method of application.
Plastics
Paper Cardboard Acrylic Rigid Vinyl
Glass Sealed Wood Polycarbonate Polystyrene
Fabrics Bare and Painted Metal Polyethylene Polypropylene
Powder Coated Paints
Dual Lock SJ3540, SJ3541 and SJ3542 have shown to be useful for:
Access panels on exercise equipment Attaching accessories to computer monitors
Interior signage Decorative trim attachment
Kick plates on office partitions Window valences
Attachment
Techniques
(continued)
Pressure Sensitive Adhesive attachment: The fasteners and substrate surfaces should have
equilibrated for a minimum of 1 hour at temperatures of 68°F (20°C) or greater before
application. Generally these adhesive backed fasteners should be applied to surfaces that are
smooth, dry and free of oils, mold release agents or other surface contaminants.
The substrate surface should be cleaned to remove any surface contaminants with an appropriate
cleaning method for the customer’s substrate, type and quantity of surface contaminants that
need to be removed. Note: Be sure to follow all government regulations and the manufacturer’s
precautions and directions for use when using solvents or other cleaning methods.
After the substrate has been cleaned and dried, the liner is removed from the fastener’s adhesive
and without touching the adhesive, the fastener’s adhesive is applied to the surface using light
finger pressure. The fastener can then be rolled down, to increase contact of the adhesive with
the substrate’s surface, by one of two methods. Extra care must be exercised when rolling
down 3M™ Dual Lock™ Reclosable Fasteners to prevent bending of the stems which can
compromise the closure strength. The following methods allow adequate pressure to be
applied to the Dual Lock without damaging the stems.
The first method uses a hand roller, with the roller wheel covered with a Type 170 Dual Lock
reclosable fastener such as 3M™ Dual Lock™ Reclosable Fastener SJ3542. The Dual Lock
covered roller is rolled over the Dual Lock applied to the substrate, engaging and disengaging
the two Dual Lock pieces while being rolled down.
The second method consists of engaging a strip of plainback Dual Lock Type 170, such as
3M™ Dual Lock™ Reclosable Fasteners SJ3442 or SJ3742 to the previously attached
adhesive backed Dual Lock. The backside of the plainback material can now be rolled down
using a rubber roller, with no Dual Lock on the roller. This will fully engage the Dual Lock.
After rolling down three times in each direction, the strip of plainback Dual Lock can be
removed and used to roll down the next piece of Dual Lock in a similar manner.
The pressure-sensitive adhesive bonds to the substrate on contact and parts can be handled
immediately. Adhesive bond strength increases with time, pressure and temperature.
A minimum of one hour dwell is recommended before applying a load or disengaging
assembled parts. Recommended time to achieve maximum bond strength is 24 hours.
Dual Lock
TM
Reclosable Fasteners
SJ3540(Type 250) • SJ3541(Type 400) • SJ3542(Type 170)
