ADHESIVES & SEALANTS
A simpler way
3M
An access panel starts to rattle. A mounted display requires servicing. A component must be removed without damaging the surface it protects. These everyday scenarios highlight a common challenge: how to achieve a strong, reliable hold while maintaining flexibility for future access.
A special range of fasteners are available, designed for applications where secure attachment and easy removability need to work together according to the manufacturer. In environments where components must be accessed, adjusted or replaced over time, fastening becomes more than just a structural decision. It also requires careful design and ongoing maintenance.
Traditional fastening methods such as screws, rivets and bolts have long been trusted for their strength. However, they often introduce additional installation steps and visible hardware that can interfere with clean finishes. And with repeated removal, materials may weaken, drilled holes will get larger or there will be surface requiring filling and repairs before screws can be replaced. In applications exposed to vibration, moisture or temperature fluctuations, ongoing maintenance may well be called for.
Designed for durability and flexibility
The innovative and solutions-driven manufacturer, says that there are solutions to provide a different approach to traditional screws, bolts and drilled holes fastening problems. Instead of hooks and loops, a special system uses strong, interlocking mushroom-shaped heads that snap together with an audible click, giving clear confirmation of engagement. The result is a firm hold offering up to five times the tensile strength of typical hook-and-loop products.
Available with pressure-sensitive adhesive options, the fastener bonds on contact to a wide range of materials without the need for drilling, screwing or specialised tools.
This simplifies installation while helping reduce risks of corrosion, surface damage and rework. A non-adhesive option is also available where mechanical attachment is preferred.
The low-profile design, approximately half the thickness of standard fasteners, allows it to remain hidden beneath the surface. This supports smooth lines, improved aesthetics and greater design freedom across various applications.
Engineered to withstand temperature changes, moisture and UV exposure, the 3M company says its range of Dual Lock™ fasteners can maintain performance through hundreds of reattachments and up to 1 000 openings and closings before losing 50 % of their original tensile strength. They also help reduce vibration, contributing to quieter and more stable assemblies.
When fastening must balance strength, speed and adaptability, simplicity becomes a strategic advantage. In demanding environments where reliability and maintenance matter equally, these Dual Lock™ Reclosable Fasteners deliver a solution that snaps securely into place and opens just as easily when required, according to the manufacturer.
70 autumn 2026 | www. tobuild. co. za