Known for its innovative approach to adhesive solutions, Huntsman Advanced Materials is always looking to meet the growing requirements of the manufacturing sector, as well as the further need to address faster processing and reduced production cycles, with focus on the role high-performance chemistries are playing in enabling more efficient manufacturing techniques.
While mechanical fasteners such as screws, rivets and spot welds have their place in industrial assembly, engineers are increasingly choosing to utilise adhesive bonding as a proven and capable approach of replacing or supplementing mechanical fastening methods and with significant advantages, many of which translate into measurable cost benefits, such as high lap shear and peel strength and improved product performance and durability. Bonding can also reduce component count and cut assembly costs, providing greater design freedom and less finishing operations.
Industrial adhesives form extremely strong and durable bonds with a multitude of surfaces, such as, plastics, metals, glass, rubber plus many more besides. In order to get the best performance from such an adhesive bond, Huntsman recognises that it is important to design the component for bonding rather than simply taking a design made for mechanical fastening.
Ideally, methods of application of the adhesive and the assembly of the components should be considered at the design stage. Together with the operating conditions, these determine the choice of adhesive to be used and Huntsman has identified that a quality bond is best delivered when considered at all stages of the design and production process.
Adhesives in automotive
As a strategic partner to the automotive industry, Huntsman Advanced Materials tailors its products and services to the evolving needs of this market. Based on state-of-the-art epoxy, polyurethane, methyl methacrylate and phenolic technologies, its adhesives have specific characteristics that help end-users improve their manufacturing processes, secure long-term performance and safety of assemblies, and use materials that enable car light weighting. This also results in higher productivity rates, increased design freedoms and a better energy efficiency of the cars.
All of its products are tested in-house in certified mechanical and electrical testing laboratories to ensure they provide the desired properties. Moreover Huntsman's global manufacturing footprint, local technical support and commercial teams ensure close proximity with customers.
Whilst the level of global business competition in automotive is high, manufacturers need solutions to help sustain their competitive edge and secure long-term growth. Production process improvement, innovation in design, weight savings, compliance to stringent safety and environmental standards, and low process costs has become vital to success.
In this context, adhesives can play an even greater role, providing well-established solutions as well as more advanced and innovative developments for all kinds of bonding applications.
This principle was recently put to the test, when Huntsman was selected by Norma Auto Concept Engineering to bond the components of a rear wing for a prototype sports car.
Founded in 1984 by Norbert Santos and Marc Doucet, whose names make up the brand name 'Norma' Auto Concept Engineering, the French-based business manufactures prototype vehicles for a range of racing, endurance and hill climb sports.The company has designed prototypes that have participated in a range of international automotive racing fixtures such as the 24 Hours of Daytona, 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Pike's Peak International Hill Climb.
Providing a complete solution to effectively assemble the different substrates that form the wing structure, Araldite 2048 was used to join the aluminium pieces together and Araldite 2031 joined the composites together and to the aluminium parts.
Norbert Santos, manager of Norma Auto Concept Engineering commented: "The Araldite adhesives we selected provide high strength with easy handling and minimal to no surface preparation, streamlining the structure and manufacturing process as a whole."
It's projects such as these that show that where strength, low weight and versatility are required for wide ranging industrial applications and multiple material types, Araldite provides 'a perfect alternative' to mechanical fastening and with such marked success so far, Huntsman is set to continue with its quest to innovate and be an international leader in the market.
