3M SJ3560 Dual Lock 25 mm x 45.7 m

What Is 3M™ Dual Lock™ SJ3560?

3M™ Dual Lock™ SJ3560 is a transparent, reclosable mechanical fastening system designed for applications that require a secure connection with the option to separate and reattach components. Unlike conventional hook-and-loop tape, Dual Lock uses interlocking mushroom-shaped stems that engage when two compatible strips are pressed together.

SJ3560 features a Type 250 fastening surface, with approximately 250 stems per square inch, and a clear acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive from the 3M VHB adhesive family. The transparent construction is especially useful where the fastening system should be less visible, such as on glass, acrylic and polycarbonate components.

The adhesive-backed strip can provide an alternative to screws, clips, rivets and other conventional fixings in suitable applications. This version is supplied in a 25 mm wide, 45.7 m roll for industrial assembly and removable fastening applications.

Why Choose Transparent 3M Dual Lock SJ3560?

Unlike black Dual Lock products such as 3M SJ3550, SJ3560 has a clear fastening surface and clear adhesive. This makes it a useful option when appearance is important or when a dark fastening strip would be visually distracting.

The transparent design is particularly relevant to applications involving glass, acrylic sheet, polycarbonate and selected transparent or translucent components. It can also be used on compatible metals, plastics and painted surfaces when the substrate and adhesive requirements have been checked.

Its Type 250 mushroom-shaped stems form a mechanical connection when engaged with a compatible Dual Lock strip. The adhesive bonds the fastening strip to the substrate, while the interlocking stems provide the reclosable connection between the two fastening surfaces.

How Does the 3M Dual Lock Reclosable Fastener Work?

Dual Lock fasteners use flexible stems with mushroom-shaped heads. When compatible strips are pressed together, the heads interlock to create a secure mechanical connection. The components can subsequently be separated by pulling the strips apart, allowing access for inspection, cleaning, maintenance or replacement.

The connection produces an audible snap when the strips engage. SJ3560 is Type 250 and can mate with compatible Type 170, Type 250 or Type 400 Dual Lock fasteners. The selected combination affects the engagement and disengagement forces, so the correct mating strip should be selected according to the application requirements.

Key Industrial Advantages of 3M SJ3560

• Transparent fastening: Helps create a less visible attachment on compatible transparent or translucent surfaces.
• Type 250 stems: Approximately 250 mushroom-shaped stems per square inch provide a reclosable mechanical connection.
• Clear acrylic adhesive: The adhesive-backed strip can be bonded to suitable substrates without drilling holes or installing conventional fixings.
• Reusable connection: Components can be opened and reattached for access, inspection or maintenance.
• Multiple mating options: Type 250 can be combined with compatible Type 170, Type 250 or Type 400 Dual Lock fasteners to achieve different fastening characteristics.
• Industrial roll format: The 25 mm width and 45.7 m length support longer strips and multiple fastening points.
• Potential indoor and outdoor use: Suitability depends on the substrate, temperature, moisture, UV exposure, chemicals and other service conditions.

3M describes Dual Lock products as providing up to five times the tensile strength of typical hook-and-loop fasteners. Actual performance depends on the mating combination, engaged area, substrate, installation and loading conditions.

Which Materials Can 3M Dual Lock SJ3560 Be Used On?

SJ3560 uses a clear acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive designed to bond to a range of medium- and high-surface-energy materials. The suitability of the adhesive must be checked for the exact substrate, finish and operating environment.

• Glass: Where a less visible attachment is required.
• Plastics: Acrylic sheet (PMMA), Polycarbonate, ABS
• Metals: Such as alluminum, stainless steel

Adhesion depends on surface energy, cleanliness, roughness, coating condition, application pressure and dwell time. Low-surface-energy plastics such as polyethylene and polypropylene may require a different fastening solution or additional surface treatment. Always check the current 3M technical data sheet and test the complete assembly before production use.

Typical Industrial Applications of 3M Dual Lock SJ3560

Glass and Transparent Panels

The clear fastening strip can be considered for compatible glass or transparent panel assemblies where a less visible, removable connection is preferred.

Displays, Signage and Exhibition Fixtures

SJ3560 can provide a reclosable fastening option for selected displays, signs, fixtures and presentation equipment where components need to be removed or repositioned.

Removable Equipment Covers

Use Dual Lock in suitable designs where covers or access panels must remain attached during normal use but need to be removed for inspection or maintenance.

Industrial and Electronic Assemblies

The system can be evaluated for selected equipment components and enclosures where a concealed, reclosable connection is useful. Check vibration, load, temperature and substrate compatibility before specifying it.

Vehicle Accessories

SJ3560 can be considered for selected interior accessories or removable components where its transparent appearance is beneficial. Validate the complete assembly against the vehicle's operating conditions.

How to Apply 3M Dual Lock SJ3560

1. Prepare the surface: Remove dust, oil, grease and other contaminants using a cleaning method compatible with the substrate.
2. Confirm compatibility: Check the adhesive against the exact material, coating and operating environment, especially when bonding to transparent plastics.
3. Cut the required length: Cut the 25 mm roll to suit the fastening area and assembly design.
4. Apply the adhesive-backed strip: Remove the release liner, position the strip accurately and apply firm, even pressure in accordance with 3M's instructions.
5. Allow the adhesive to develop bond strength: Follow the current technical data sheet for the recommended dwell time before loading the assembly.
6. Engage the compatible strip: Align the mating Dual Lock fastener and press the two surfaces together until the stems engage.
7. Test the assembly: Verify the fastening under representative service conditions before putting it into operation.

The adhesive does not necessarily reach its full bond strength immediately after application. Surface preparation, pressure, temperature and dwell time all affect the result. Validate safety-critical or load-bearing applications through appropriate engineering assessment and testing.

Technical Specifications of 3M Dual Lock SJ3560

Frequently Asked Questions About 3M Dual Lock SJ3560

What is the difference between SJ3560 and SJ3550?

SJ3560 is transparent and uses a clear acrylic adhesive, while SJ3550 is black. Both are Type 250 Dual Lock products, but the clear version is often preferred where appearance on glass, acrylic or polycarbonate is important.

What does Type 250 mean?

Type 250 refers to an approximate density of 250 mushroom-shaped stems per square inch. Dual Lock products with different stem densities can be combined to obtain different engagement and disengagement characteristics.

Which Dual Lock types can SJ3560 connect to?

SJ3560 is Type 250 and can mate with compatible Type 170, Type 250 or Type 400 Dual Lock fasteners. The combination affects the fastening force, so select it according to the assembly requirements.

Can SJ3560 replace screws or rivets?

It can be an alternative to conventional fixings in suitable applications where a removable connection is required. The suitability depends on load, joint design, substrate and operating conditions. Do not replace safety-critical mechanical fixings without engineering validation.

Can the product be used on acrylic and polycarbonate?

Yes, these are among the materials for which 3M identifies suitable applications. However, adhesion varies with the exact material grade, surface finish and conditions. Test the complete assembly before production use.

Is SJ3560 suitable for outdoor applications?

It can be considered for suitable indoor and outdoor applications. Confirm the effect of temperature, moisture, UV exposure, chemicals and other environmental factors on the complete assembly.