Washing machines

Acrylic Foam Tapes in Washing Machines

1. Housing

• Sealing: Acrylic foam tapes are used to seal the outer housing of washing machines, preventing water and dust ingress.
• Bonding: They provide a strong, durable bond between different housing materials, including metals and plastics.
• Weather Resistance: The tapes offer excellent resistance to moisture, temperature changes, and UV light, ensuring long-term performance.
• Aesthetic Finish: They allow for smooth, clean lines without visible fasteners, improving the overall aesthetic of the washing machine.
• Typical substrates and suggested AFTC SilverTape products
  • Metals (e.g., Steel, Aluminum): Acrylic foam tapes adhere strongly to both ferrous and non-ferrous metals, providing a secure bond that resists environmental stresses.
    • AFTC SilverTape 50xx and 53xx
  • Plastics (e.g., ABS, Polycarbonate): They bond effectively with a wide range of plastics, ensuring compatibility with various housing materials used in washing machines.
    • AFTC SilverTape 64xx and 66xx
  • Coated Surfaces: The tapes can adhere to painted or powder-coated surfaces without compromising the coating, maintaining the machine's aesthetic and protective finishes.
    • AFTC SilverTape 53xx, 64xx and Primerless series

2. Control Panels

• Attachment: Used to securely attach control panels to the washing machine housing.
• Vibration Reduction: Helps in dampening vibrations that could affect the delicate electronics of the control panel.
• Waterproofing: Provides an additional layer of protection against water ingress, essential for the longevity of electronic components.
• Ease of Assembly: Facilitates quick and efficient assembly without the need for screws or other mechanical fasteners.
• Typical substrates and suggested AFTC SilverTape products
  • Glass: Excellent adhesion to glass surfaces, making them suitable for touch-sensitive and display panels.
    • AFTC SilverTape 50xx, 53xx, 8502 and 8402
  • Polycarbonate and Acrylics: Compatible with transparent and semi-transparent plastics commonly used in control panels, ensuring clarity and durability.
    • AFTC SilverTape 53xx, 8402, 64xx and 66xx
  • Metallic Finishes: Provides a strong bond to metallic control panels, whether brushed or polished, without the need for mechanical fasteners.
    • AFTC SilverTape 50xx, 8302 and 53xx

3. Vibration Dampening

• Shock Absorption: Acrylic foam tapes are effective in absorbing shocks and vibrations generated during the washing cycle.
• Noise Reduction: They help in reducing operational noise by dampening the vibrations that cause rattling sounds.
• Component Protection: By minimizing vibrations, they protect internal components from wear and tear, enhancing the machine's lifespan.
• Consistency: Maintains performance across a wide range of temperatures and environmental conditions, ensuring reliable vibration dampening.
• Typical substrates and suggested AFTC SilverTape products
  • Rubber and Elastomers: Acrylic foam tapes adhere well to rubber and elastomer materials, which are often used for gaskets and other vibration-dampening components.
    • AFTC SilverTape 64xx, 66xx and Primerless series
  • Metal Components: Strong adhesion to metal parts, ensuring that vibration-dampening elements remain securely in place.
    • AFTC SilverTape 50xx and 53xx
  • Plastic Components: Compatible with various plastic parts, allowing for effective integration of vibration-dampening materials within the washing machine.
    • AFTC SilverTape 53xx, 64xx and Primerless series

4. Other Internal Parts

• Component Bonding: Used to bond various internal parts such as insulation materials, brackets, and sensors.
• Thermal Management: Some acrylic foam tapes have thermal conductivity properties, aiding in heat dissipation from electronic components.
• Flexibility: The tapes can conform to irregular surfaces and tight spaces, providing a secure bond even in complex assemblies.
• Insulation Bonding: Helps in attaching insulating materials within the washing machine to maintain temperature control and energy efficiency.
• Sensors and Electronics: Provides secure attachment for various sensors and electronic components, including those with plastic, metal, or ceramic housings.

Summary

Acrylic foam tapes offer versatile and reliable bonding solutions for various materials used in washing machines. They provide strong adhesion to metals, plastics, glass, rubber, elastomers, and insulation materials, ensuring that each component remains securely in place, regardless of the operational conditions. Their compatibility with different surfaces, including coated and irregular ones, makes them an ideal choice for assembly and maintenance in washing machines. For more information regarding these applications, please contact your local AFTC Representative.