3M 9712 Quick Start Guide

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XYZ- Axis Electri call y
Co nd u ctive Ta pe

9712

Product Description

3M™ XYZ-Axis Electrically Conductive Tape 9712 is an isotropically conductive
pressure sensitive tape. 3M tape 9712 conducts electricity through the thickness (Z­axis) and in the plane of the adhesive (X, Y planes) and is ideal for EMI/RFI shield
and EMI/RFI gasket attachment to metal surfaces. The tape consists of a 3M adhesive
loaded with conductive f ibers. The result is a double-sided tape pro viding both good
adhesion and good electrical performance. The conductive fibers in 3M tape 9712
also provide improved handling characteristics.

3M tape 9712 is ideal for attaching EMI shields to electronic and electrical devices.
3M tape 9712 may be used with many types of foil laminate shields, such as
aluminum/PVC or copper/PVC laminates, to provide a customized shielding
solution. This tape may also be used to attach conductive fabric/foam core EMI
gaskets to electronic cabinetry. 3M tape 9712 may be applied in strips or die cut to
specific shapes and sizes. Compared to screws or other mechanical connectors, 3M
tape 9712 provides reduced assembly time and a solid bond line with no gaps which
might result in EMI emission.

Technical Data August, 2001

Construction

Product Tape 9712

Adhesive Type: Filled Acrylic
Filler Type: Conductive Fibers
Release Liner: Silicone-Treated Polycoated Kraft Paper
Approximate Thickness:

Tape Only: .005 in. (0.127 mm)
Release Liner: .004 in. (0.10 mm)

3MTMXYZ-Axis Electrically Conducti ve Tape

97 12

Typical Physical
Properties and
Performance
Characteristics

Note: The following technical information and data is based upon limited 3M testing

conditions and should not be used for specification purposes.

Electrical Properties

Contact Resistance: Substrate Tested (Foil/Rigid Plate)

Aluminum/ Aluminum/ Copper/ Copper/

Aluminum Stainless Steel Aluminum Copper

< 24 Ω < 21.5 Ω < 16 Ω < .66 Ω

Based upon four wire (Kelvin probe) resistance measurements made with
crossed pieces of Foil/9712/Rigid plate construction using a 1.0 in x 1.0 in
square piece of 3M tape 9712. The rigid metal surface was prepared
with a Scotch-Brite™ pad to roughen the surface and cleaned with
isopropyl alcohol.

Minimum Overlap Length: 1/4 in. (6 mm)
Minimum Overlap Width: 1/8 inch (3 mm)

Adhesion Properties

Adhesion in oz/in (g/cm)

20 min. at 24 hours at 20 min. at 24 hours at

Substrate 72°F (22°C) 72°F (22°C) 158°F (70°C) 158°F (70°C)
Stainless Steel > 41 (457) > 42 (468) > 43 (479) > 53 (590)
Aluminum > 35 (390) > 33 (367) > 36 (401) > 43 (479)
Copper > 37 (412) > 39 (434) > 43 (479) > 55 (613)

Based upon a 90 degree peel sample, following ASTM D3330 test method. Aluminum foil (2 mil thick)
was used as the flexible backing to the tape 9712. The substrates listed are all rigid metal plates. The
158°F (70°C) aged peel samples are indicative of the typical long term adhesion build expected at room
temperature.

Operative Temperature Range and Shelf Life

Short T erm Exposure (minutes, hours) Long Term (days, weeks)

250°F (121°C) 158°F (70°C)

Shelf Life of Tape in Roll Form: 24 months from date of manufacture when stored in original

cartons at 70°F (21°C) and 50% relative humidity.

Available Sizes

Availab le Widths: Standard Length Maximum Length*

1/4 inch - 14 inch 36 yd 108 yd
(5 mm - 356 mm) (32.9 m) (98.8 m)

Nominal Slitting Tolerance: 1/32 in (0.8 mm)

*Special requirements for long lengths should be discussed with 3M Customer Service personnel.

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3MTMXYZ-Axis Electrically Conducti ve Tape

97 12

General Information

3M tape 9712 provides good adhesion to metal surfaces and provides low electrical
resistance that is stable over time. The pressure sensitive nature and fiber
reinforcement of 3M tape 9712 makes this product convenient to use and 3M tape
9712 also has very good handling properties. 3M tape 9712 also has good liner
release.

Application Ideas

• Attac

hing Foil Laminate EMI Shields
3M tape 9712 is ideal for attaching foil laminate EMI shields to electronic and
electrical devices. These shields typically consist of either copper or aluminum
foils laminated to PVC. 3M tape 9712 provides good adhesion (initial and
ultimate) as well as low electrical resistance. 3M tape 9712 may be applied in
strips or die cut to specific shapes and sizes. Compared to screws or other
mechanical connector, 3M tape 9712 provides reduced assembly time and a solid
bond line with no gaps for EMI emission.

Application Techniques

• To obtain maximum adhesion, the bonding surfaces must be clean and dry.
Isopropyl alcohol is recommended as a cleaning solvent.*

• Bond strength is dependent upon the amount of adhesive-to-surface contact
developed. This wetted area can be increased by applying 3M™ XYZ-Axis
Electrically Conductive Tape 9712 firmly with a roller or finger pressure to
exclude air entrapment. Adhesion is optimized when the substrates are flat or
conformable substrates. Adhesion increases after application, up to 24 hours later,
due to increased wetting by the tape.

• Electrical performance is dependent upon the nature of the metal and its surface.
Most metal surfaces give enhanced electrical performance with 3M tape 9712 when
the surface has been lightly abraded. Scotch-Brite™ pads are recommended for
preparing the metal surface.

• 3M tape 9712 should be applied between 60°F - 100°F (15°C - 38°C). Tape
application below 50°F (10°C) is not recommended because the adhesiv e will be
too firm to wet the substrates, resulting in low adhesion. Warming the substrates to
100°F (38°C) facilitates adhesion. Once properly applied, low temperature holding
power is generally satisfactory.

• 3M tape 9712 can be removed by separating the parts using torque for rigid parts or
peel for flexible ones. Remove the adhesi v e by pulling off as much as possible by
hand. Residual adhesive may be remov ed by rubbing with your f inger or by
application of 3M™ Packaging Tape over the residual adhesive followed by
removal of the packaging tape. The surfaces should be cleaned again before
applying a new piece of 3M tape 9712. The force required to separate the parts
and/or remove the adhesiv e can be reduced by softening the adhesive by heating to
158°F -212°F (70°C - 100°C) or using solvents such as acetone.*

*Note: Carefully read and follow the manufacturer’s precautions and directions for

use when handling cleaning solvents.

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3MTMXYZ-Axis Electrically Conducti ve Tape

97 12

Printed in U.S.A.
©3M 2001 70-0709-3911-4 (8/9/01)

Recycled Paper
40% pre-consumer
10% post-consumer

Application Ideas

(continued)

• Attac

hing EMI Gaskets

3M™ XYZ-Axis Electrically Conductive Tape 9712 may also be used for attaching
EMI gaskets to electronic cabinets, such as server cabinets or disk driv e array
cabinets. These gaskets typically consist of conductive fabric over a foam core,
and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. 3M tape 9712 may be cut into strips as
narrow as 1/8 inch to provide adhesion for e v en the narrowest of gaskets. 3M tape
9712 may also be pre-applied to the gasket for reduced final cabinet assembly time.

•Gr

ounding Computer Antistatic and Glare Reduction Screens
Computer antistatic and glare reduction screens need to be electrically attached to
the grounding mechanism. 3M tape 9712 penetrates through anti-smudge coatings
over the conductive layer to make an electrical connection. Placing 3M tape 9712
along the edges of such a screen provides many connection points to the antistatic
coating resulting in good electrical performance.

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To request additional product information or to arrange for sales assistance, call toll free 1-800-362-3550
or visit www.3M.com/adhesives. Address correspondence to: 3M Engineered Adhesives Division, 3M
Center, Building 220-7E-01, St. Paul, MN 55144-1000. Our fax number is 651-733-9175. In Canada,
phone: [phone]. In Puerto Rico, phone: [phone]. In Mexico, phone: [phone].

For Additional
Information

3M MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY

IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. User is
responsible for determining whether the 3M product is fit for a particular purpose and suitable for user’s
method of application. Please remember that many factors can affect the use and performance of a 3M
product in a particular application. The materials to be bonded with the product, the surface preparation
of those materials, the product selected for use, the conditions in which the product is used, and the time
and environmental conditions in which the product is expected to perform are among the many factors
that can affect the use and performance of a 3M product. Given the variety of factors that can affect the
use and performance of a 3M product, some of which are uniquely within the user’s knowledge and
control, it is essential that the user evaluate the 3M product to determine whether it is fit for a particular
purpose and suitable for the user’s method of application.

Important Notice

If the 3M product is proved to be defective, THE EXCLUSIVE REMEDY, AT 3M’S OPTION, SHALL BE TO
REFUND THE PURCHASE PRICE OF OR TO REPAIR OR REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE 3M PRODUCT.

3M shall not otherwise be liable for loss or damages, whether direct, indirect, special, incidental, or

consequential, regardless of the legal theory asserted, including, but not limited to, contract, negligence,
warranty, or strict liability.

Limitation of Remedies
and Liability

This Engineered Adhesives Division product was manufactured under a 3M quality system registered to ISO9002 standards.

ISO 9002

MSDS: 3M has not prepared a MSDS for this product which is not subject to the MSDS requirements of
the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Hazard Communication Standard, 29 C.F.R.

1910.1200(b)(6)(v). When used under reasonable conditions or in accordance with the 3M directions
for use, the product should not present a health and safety hazard. However, use or processing of the
product in a manner not in accordance with the directions for use may affect its performance and present
potential health and safety hazards.

TSCA: This product is defined as an article under the Toxic Substances Control Act and therefore, it is
exempt from inventory listing requirements.

Recognition/
Certification

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Electronic Adhesives and Specialties Department
Engineered Adhesives Division

3M Center, Building 220-7E-01
St. Paul, MN 55144-1000