3M 9712 Quick Start Guide

3

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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