3M™ Electroplating Adhesive Tapes

3M™ Electroplating Adhesive Tapes

All of the following adhesive tapes are optimized for metal coating processes, such as electroplating (deposition of metals such as nickel, chrome or zinc) and anodizing (especially on aluminum to create protective oxide layers).

They are also used in related processes, such as chemical milling, etching and surface cleaning, where selective protection is required.

Which adhesive tape to use for electroplating or anodizing processes?

3M™ Vinyl Tape 470

Masks specific areas in metallic coatings such as nickel, chrome or zinc, using flat or overlapping masks. Example: Protection of uncoated areas on electrical connectors.

Protects aluminum surfaces during type II (sulfuric acid) or type III (hard anodizing) anodizing. Example: Masking of aerospace parts.

Recommendation: for general electroplating/anodizing applications with robust surfaces or abrasive processes.

3M™ Vinyl Tape 484

Masks delicate surfaces, such as electronic connectors or decorative parts, during metallic coatings. Example: Protection of electronic components with fine finishes.

Ideal for decorative anodizing on aluminum, where it is required to avoid damage to polished finishes. Example: Electronic device housings.

Recommendation: for delicate or decorative parts where the integrity of the finish is a priority.

3M™ Lead Foil Tape 420

Masks areas in metallic coatings, especially in electronic applications where conductivity is required. Example: Protection of printed circuit boards during copper electroplating.

Protects metal surfaces in anodizing processes, particularly in environments with higher temperatures or post heat treatments. Example: Hard anodized aerospace parts.

Recommendation: in processes with higher temperatures, conductivity requirements or radiation exposure.

Similarities between 3M™ Electroplating Adhesive Tapes

Advanced chemical resistance

All three tapes are designed to withstand aggressive chemical environments, such as sulfuric acid baths, chromic acid, chlorides and other solvents used in electroplating and anodizing. This includes resistance to extreme pH solutions (acidic or alkaline) and corrosive chemicals such as nickel, chromium or phosphates.
Example: The three tapes can protect metal surfaces during hard chrome plating or aluminum anodizing processes without degrading.

Conformability to complex surfaces

Each tape is highly adaptable to irregular geometries, such as curved edges, corners or textured surfaces, making them ideal for masking complex parts (e.g., aerospace components or automotive parts).
Each tape is highly adaptable to irregular geometries, such as curved edges, corners or textured surfaces, making them ideal for masking complex parts (e.g., aerospace components or automotive parts).

Clean removal

All three are removed without leaving adhesive residues on most metal substrates (aluminum, steel, copper), plastics or coatings, which reduces cleaning time and prevents damage to treated surfaces.
Example: In electroplating, tapes prevent contamination of exposed surfaces when removed without leaving traces that affect subsequent finishes such as painting or sealing.

Personalization or branding

All three allow writing or printing on their surface (with markers or by thermal transfer), facilitating part identification, marking of masked areas or traceability in production lines.
Example: On an electroplating line, specific areas of a part can be labeled to indicate uncoated areas.

Industrial durability

All three allow writing or printing on their surface (with markers or by thermal transfer), facilitating part identification, marking of masked areas or traceability in production lines.
Example: On an electroplating line, specific areas of a part can be labeled to indicate uncoated areas.

Easy application

All are applied manually or with automated systems, with pressure-sensitive adhesives that do not require additional activation (heat or solvents), improving efficiency in industrial environments.

Differences between 3M™ Electroplating Adhesive Tapes

Support material

470: Light brown flexible vinyl backing with high tensile strength and moderate elongation (approximately 130%), ideal for conforming to complex surfaces without tearing.
484: Bronze-colored flexible vinyl backing, specifically designed for less aggressive adhesion, minimizing the risk of damaging sensitive substrates such as polished aluminum or thin coatings.
420: Malleable lead support, with high density and electrical/thermal conductivity, ideal for applications where protection against radiation or electrical contact is required (e.g. in electroplating of electronic circuits).

Adhesive

470: Synthetic rubber adhesive, with high initial tack and holding strength, optimized for a wide range of metal and plastic surfaces in electroplating.
484: Modified rubber adhesive, with lower aggressiveness to protect delicate surfaces, such as anodized aluminum parts with decorative finishes.
420: Green rubber adhesive, formulated for high durability in extreme environments, including exposure to radiation, UV rays and higher temperatures.

Temperature resistance

470: Withstands up to 76 °C (170 °F) for extended periods, sufficient for most standard electroplating and anodizing processes (e.g. nickel electroplating or type II anodizing).
484: Also withstands up to 76 °C, with a focus on maintaining performance on delicate surfaces under these thermal conditions.
420: Withstands up to 107 °C (225 °F), making it suitable for processes involving additional heating, such as certain high temperature electroplating baths or anodizing with heat post-treatments.

Colour

470: Light brown, facilitates identification on production lines and allows customization by thermal transfer printing or permanent markers.
484: Bronze color, similar to the brown of 470, but with a more metallic tone that can improve visibility in certain industrial environments.
420: Dark silver (typical of lead), less common in masking, but useful for applications where conductivity or radiation resistance needs to be identified.

Specific Purpose

470: Versatile tape for electroplating, anodizing, milling, etching and shot blasting, with emphasis on conformability and general chemical resistance.
484: Optimized for electroplating and anodizing on delicate surfaces, such as decorative parts or substrates with fine finishes, where removal must be especially clean.
420: Designed for electroplating and anodizing, but with unique applications in environments requiring electrical conductivity, radiation resistance or increased thermal tolerance.

Additional properties

470: High abrasion resistance, ideal for processes with exposure to particles or friction (e.g. shot blasting).
484: Soft adhesion to minimize damage to sensitive substrates, such as polished surfaces or pre-coatings.
420: Electrical/thermal conductivity, UV, weather and flame resistance (UL 746C listed, class L), and ability to act as a radiation barrier.

Summary and practical considerations

3M™ 470: The most versatile option, with robust vinyl backing (7.1 mil) and rubber adhesive, ideal for electroplating and anodizing on a wide range of surfaces, from metals to plastics. Its abrasion resistance and customization make it suitable for intensive production lines. Limitation: Does not withstand temperatures above 76 °C.
3M™ 484: Similar to 470, but specialized for delicate surfaces, with a less aggressive adhesive that protects sensitive finishes (e.g., polished aluminum or decorative coatings). Ideal for applications where aesthetics are critical, but may be less resistant to intense abrasion. Limitation: Thickness likely to be less, which could limit its use in very aggressive processes.
3M™ 420: Notable for its lead backing, which offers electrical/thermal conductivity, radiation resistance and superior thermal range (up to 107 °C). It is ideal for electronic applications or environments with specialized requirements, but its lead backing can be less flexible than vinyl and more expensive. Limitation: Lower conformability on very complex surfaces.

3M™ Masking Tapes for Electroplating or Anodizing