Our Partnership with 3M Strengthens Our Commitment to Customer Value

At Sur-Seal, we believe that strong relationships are the foundation of success. Whether it's with our customers, suppliers, or partners, we rely on collaboration, clear communication, and a shared dedication to quality.

One of our most valuable partnerships is with 3M’s Electrical Materials Division (EMD). This long-standing relationship has helped us deliver innovative solutions in sectors like automotive and electric vehicles. Curtis Frye from 3M and Jay Wolfenbarger from Sur-Seal share insights into how this partnership continues to grow and evolve.

3M Electrical Materials Division: Expertise in Electrical Tape Solutions

“The Electrical Materials Division at 3M provides a wide range of solutions for traditional transformers, motors, appliances, EVs, automotive applications, and some electronics,” explains Curtis. “We specialize in flexible insulation and heat shrink tubing, such as covering lead wires on devices or appliances. We also offer liquid or powder resins for stack coverage and various electronic specialty products.”

Insulating tapes form the core of 3M EMD’s product line, playing a critical role in motors, transformers, and electronics.

“We have a variety of electrical or insulating tapes, with many customization options—most commonly, our customers choose between discreet, solid, or flexible paper. We focus on enhancing or modifying materials to meet specific application needs,” adds Curtis.

3M Insulating and Conductive Tapes Guide

3M Electrical Tapes Product Guide

Three Key Factors to Consider When Selecting Electrical Tape

Selecting the right tape involves balancing the adhesive system, the backing material, and thermal performance. The goal is to find the best fit for your application’s function, design, and process requirements.

1. Adhesive System: Silicone, acrylic, and rubber offer different benefits, such as temperature resistance and tackiness.
2. Backing Material: The choice of backing affects durability and suitability for specific applications.
3. Thermal Value: Tapes must withstand varying thermal environments, as defined by UL standards.

It's important to note that the properties of a tape often trade off against each other. One feature may enhance one aspect while reducing another. Therefore, understanding your application’s priorities is crucial when selecting the right product.

At 3M, our EMD experts are here to guide you through this decision-making process.

You can start by exploring our product catalog, which includes questions to help determine your ideal solution.

How to Choose the Right Electrical Tape for Your Needs

We recommend starting the selection process early, but it's essential to take a multi-layered approach that considers several factors:

• Application type
• Operating temperature
• Mechanical challenges
• Agency approvals required

We always suggest involving your 3M and Sur-Seal experts early in the process. By doing so, we can ensure that design considerations, material properties, and application compatibility are all addressed upfront, saving you time and costs.

Questions to Ask During the Tape Selection Process:

• What is the material or substrate the tape will be applied to?
• Who will apply the tape? How will it be applied?
• What are the functional requirements?
• What are the operating temperatures?
• Is flexibility required? If so, to what extent?
• Will secondary cooling be needed?
• Is there a risk of exposure? Is it continuous, submerged, or occasional?
• Does the product require a resin, powder, or coating to bond?
• Is the surface smooth or rough with burrs?
• Does it need chemical resistance?

Another important factor is the lifespan of the unit. In an era of increasing power demands and more connected devices, managing heat generation becomes a top priority. Thermal conductivity and moisture content of materials play key roles in this context.

In transformers, for example, the right material can increase load capacity without raising the temperature. Standards like UL and transformer 1446 define major and minor insulation requirements, focusing on thermal stability, aging, shock, vibration, and humidity resistance.

3M’s brochures and selection guides are excellent resources, offering guidance based on application and mechanical needs. “Our tapes are designed with higher stretch while maintaining their hold,” Curtis says, highlighting their use in specialized applications such as military, aviation, electronics, shielding, and motor products.

To aid in the selection process, 3M offers testing services.

Testing as a Way to Determine the Best Insulation Materials

“Understanding specifications is crucial for holding, insulating, or mechanical applications. We can provide samples for you to test,” Curtis explains. This testing phase often reveals higher priority needs, allowing for adjustments based on initial feedback. Curtis emphasizes the importance of understanding the specific demands of each application.

Key factors to consider include:

• The effect of heat or temperature – how intense and for how long?
• What voltage levels are involved, and what are the ramp-up time frames?
• Mechanical or winding stresses, such as folds, sharp edges, and burrs
• How will the material be integrated into your equipment?
• Is the material under compression? Is it sealed, encapsulated, or saturated?
• How does it respond to thermal stresses?

“Test methods are a critical component for your consideration,” Curtis notes, suggesting that clients consult their 3M or Sur-Seal expert for more detailed understanding.

Thorough testing allows us to consider aspects like heat effect, voltage, and mechanical stress. The goal of testing is to find the ideal product based on the desired lifespan of the unit and by balancing various properties.

Sur-Seal & 3M: A Strong and Strategic Partnership

The partnership between 3M and Sur-Seal is central to our success. These kinds of relationships add significant value to both us and our customers.

As a distributor and converter, Sur-Seal ensures added value through flexible terms, inventory management, and scheduling, especially for smaller orders. We also pass on benefits like special terms, stock management, and value-added fabrication services such as cutting to length, packaging, kitting, and applying tape to cards for optimal utilization and minimal waste.

Beyond Electrical Materials: Sur-Seal & 3M as Strategic Partners

The advantages of working with distributors and converters like Sur-Seal go beyond logistics. While we offer a range of customizable options, our engineering and consulting services are integral to your project. We conduct thorough walk-through evaluations of processes, providing recommendations for improvement.

This approach is particularly beneficial for emerging electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers who seek access to major original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Our network of contacts enables us to offer services like die-cutting and managing engagement terms.

LEARN MORE: Explore Sur-Seal’s Engineering and Design Capabilities

Jay Wolfenbarger of Sur-Seal highlights the strength of this partnership:

“With our partnership, being able to get materials quickly, then add value through services like slitting, die-cutting, kitting, and fabricating, creates a great synergy between the material itself and the function and fit of the part we provide.”

Sur-Seal’s approach is characterized by responsiveness and agility, especially evident in our engineering solutions team in Cincinnati. Our team works closely with 3M to rapidly prototype solutions, demonstrating our commitment to meeting customer needs efficiently.

3M, with its strong technology development and applications groups across the US, Europe, and Asia, stays ahead of global industry trends. Their experts in global product development are well-equipped with knowledge and resources, making them an invaluable partner. They encourage early engagement in projects to offer a broader range of options and better-fit solutions for clients.

This relationship exemplifies the importance of strategic partnerships in manufacturing. These collaborations combine expertise, technology, and customer-centric approaches to deliver superior solutions and services.

Jay Wolfenbarger: “Our partnership allows us to swiftly provide solutions through slitting, die-cutting, and kitting, making the most of 3M’s superior materials.”

Curtis adds, “Sur-Seal’s responsive approach perfectly complements our global insights and technical expertise.”

LEARN MORE: Explore Sur-Seal’s Die-Cutting Capabilities

Next Steps in Tape Selection & Additional Resources

We recommend using 3M’s product selection guides as a starting point to begin selecting project materials, followed by engaging their technical team for more nuanced solutions.

The guides provide step-by-step instructions for asking the necessary questions to narrow your selection to the ideal choices.

3M Insulating and Conductive Tapes Guide

Jay emphasizes using 3M’s ‘Protect and Insulate’ guide to make informed choices in insulating and conductive tapes.

As always, your 3M and Sur-Seal team members are ready to engage with you early on, ensuring you get the best results and the most cost-effective solutions.

Contact Sur-Seal today to get started.

You may also be interested in:

• Electrical Enclosure Gaskets: A Sur-Seal Case Study
• Choosing the Right Materials for Electronic Products