Hook and Loop Fasteners Information
Last revised: February 20, 2025
Hook and loop fasteners consist of two layers of fabric. The first layer is covered with tiny hooks. The second layer is covered with tiny loops. Resins on the hook and loop fastener provide a secure, but easily removable connection.
Hook and loop fasteners are used in many applications. Some products are used in industrial, aircraft, and automotive applications. Others are used in clothing materials and supplies, or consumer products.
Types of Hook and Loop Fasteners
Hook and loop fasteners are commonly known as Velcro, a registered trademark of Velcro industries. Examples of hook and loop fasteners include:
- Standard Velcro hook and loop fasteners — A Velcro hook and loop fastener consists of small plastic hooks and even smaller plastic loops.
- Velcro sew-on hook and loop fasteners — A Velcro sew-on hook and loop fastener is designed to be sewed onto clothing materials and supplies. A Velcro loop fastener is made of brushed polyamide and contains tiny hairs.
- Hook and loop fastener tapes — Hook and loop fastener tape is made of adhesives that attach quickly to nonporous surfaces such as cabinets and walls.
Specifications
Hook and loop fasteners vary in terms of specifications including:
- Operating temperature — A specialty hook and loop fastener can withstand temperatures up to 100º C.
- Strength —The strength of a Velcro hook and loop fastener depends on the area of the surface remains in contact with the hooks.
- Width — Hook and loop fastener tapes come in different shapes and widths such as 5/8 in. A Velcro hook loop fastener has a tape width of 20 mm to 50 mm and a roll length of approximately 25 m.
Standards
Hook and loop fasteners are covered by American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards.
A-A-55126 — Fastener tapes, hook and loop, synthetic
DELPHI DX520003 — Pressure sensitive adhesive coated hook and loop fasteners
Hook and Loop Fasteners FAQs
What are the common applications of hook and loop fasteners?
Hook and loop fasteners are versatile and used in a wide range of applications across various industries. Here are some common applications:
Transportation Industry
Interior panel attachments in passenger rail cars, buses, ambulances, marine vessels, and elevators.
Aerospace Industry
Used in aircraft interiors due to their compliance with FAA flame resistance requirements and flame-smoke-toxicity (FST) performance.
General Industrial Applications
Used for bonding and fastening in construction, sign and display, and general industrial sectors.
Appliances and Electronics
Fastening decorative trim to TV stands and other appliances.
How do hook and loop fasteners comply with safety regulations in the aerospace industry?
Hook and loop fasteners comply with safety regulations in the aerospace industry by meeting specific requirements set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Here are the key points regarding their compliance:
Hook and loop fasteners used in aircraft interiors comply with FAA flame resistance requirements. This ensures that the materials used do not contribute to the spread of fire within the aircraft cabin, enhancing passenger safety.
These fasteners also meet FAA requirements for flame-smoke-toxicity performance. This means they are tested to ensure that, in the event of a fire, they do not emit harmful levels of smoke or toxic gases, which is crucial for maintaining air quality and visibility in emergency situations.
The fasteners are designed to work effectively with common aircraft construction materials, such as metals, composites, and honeycomb panels. This compatibility ensures that they can be reliably used in various parts of the aircraft without compromising structural integrity or safety.
What are the differences between traditional hook and loop fasteners and 3M Dual Lock?
When comparing traditional hook and loop fasteners with 3M Dual Lock, there are several key differences to consider:
Engagement and Alignment
Traditional Hook and Loop: These fasteners create immediate engagement, which can be beneficial for quick applications. However, this can lead to misalignment in industrial applications where precise alignment is crucial.
3M Dual Lock: This system allows for sliding the components into the correct position before engagement, ensuring precise alignment. The unique mushroom-shaped heads of Dual Lock™ provide a mechanical connection that locks into place with an audible snap, indicating full engagement.
Strength and Durability
Traditional Hook and Loop: These fasteners can sag under weight, potentially shifting up to an eighth of an inch, which might not be suitable for applications requiring a secure and stable attachment.
3M Dual Lock: Offers up to five times the tensile strength of typical hook and loop fasteners. It can be reclosed up to 1,000 times, although it loses about 50% of its original tensile strength after that.
Customization and Versatility
3M™ Dual Lock™: Allows for customization of closure strength by mixing and matching stem densities (e.g., 250:250, 250:400). This flexibility helps in achieving the desired engagement strength for specific applications.
Application Suitability
Traditional Hook and Loop: Suitable for general applications where quick and easy fastening is needed without stringent alignment requirements.
3M Dual Lock: Ideal for industrial applications where precise alignment and strong, reliable fastening are necessary. It also offers different adhesive and color options to meet specific application needs and withstand environmental exposure.
How do hook and loop fasteners comply with safety regulations in different industries?
Hook and loop fasteners comply with safety regulations in different industries by adhering to specific standards and requirements relevant to each sector. Here's how they comply in some key industries:
Aerospace Industry
Flame Resistance: Hook and loop fasteners used in aircraft interiors comply with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) flame resistance requirements. This ensures that the materials do not contribute to the spread of fire within the aircraft cabin, enhancing passenger safety.
Flame-Smoke-Toxicity (FST) Performance: These fasteners also meet FAA requirements for flame-smoke-toxicity performance. This means they are tested to ensure that, in the event of a fire, they do not emit harmful levels of smoke or toxic gases, which is crucial for maintaining air quality and visibility in emergency situations.
Compatibility with Aircraft Materials: The fasteners are designed to work effectively with common aircraft construction materials, such as metals, composites, and honeycomb panels, ensuring reliable use without compromising structural integrity or safety.
How do different types of hook and loop fasteners vary in terms of strength and durability?
When comparing different types of hook and loop fasteners, such as traditional hook and loop fasteners and 3M Dual Lock, there are notable differences in terms of strength and durability:
Engagement and Alignment
Traditional Hook and Loop: These fasteners provide immediate engagement, which can be beneficial for quick applications. However, this can lead to misalignment in industrial applications where precise alignment is crucial.
3M Dual Lock: This system allows for sliding the components into the correct position before engagement, ensuring precise alignment. The unique mushroom-shaped heads of Dual Lock™ provide a mechanical connection that locks into place with an audible snap, indicating full engagement.
Strength and Durability
Traditional Hook and Loop: These fasteners can sag under weight, potentially shifting up to an eighth of an inch, which might not be suitable for applications requiring a secure and stable attachment.
3M Dual Lock: Offers up to five times the tensile strength of typical hook and loop fasteners. It can be reclosed up to 1,000 times, although it loses about 50% of its original tensile strength after that.
Customization and Versatility
3M Dual Lock: Allows for customization of closure strength by mixing and matching stem densities (e.g., 250:250, 250:400). This flexibility helps in achieving the desired engagement strength for specific applications.
Hook and Loop Fasteners Media Gallery
References
GlobalSpec—3M™ VHB™ Tapes – Strength of Rivets, Simplicity of Tape
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