In the following article, Hodgson Sealants explores how sealants and adhesives compare to mechanical fastenings.
In an age where weight optimisation, efficiency, and aesthetics are important, traditional mechanical fasteners such as bolts, screws, and rivets are no longer the default choice for joining materials. Sealants and adhesives are changing modern construction and manufacturing by redefining approaches to structural integrity and assembly.
With more than 50 years of experience, Hodgson Sealants offers sealants and adhesives to cater to a variety of applications.
Traditional Mechanical Fasteners vs. Sealants and Adhesives
Kevin Nickolay, national sales manager at Hodgson Sealants, said: “For many years, mechanical fasteners have been at the forefront of bonding techniques – and it’s easy to see why. They are trusted, easy-to-install bonding methods that require no curing time and create minimal mess, allowing for immediate use after installation. They are also simple to remove and replace, requiring little training, which makes them a popular choice across various industries.
However, innovative sealants and adhesives are entering the market, providing strong competition to traditional, mechanical methods. Therefore, it’s crucial for product designers to carefully consider the bonding system early in the new product development (NPD) process, as it can impact the project’s performance, weight, and cost. Expert guidance can be invaluable in selecting the right bonding method for optimal results.”
Sealants and Adhesives: Uniform Stress Distribution and Durability
Adhesives can distribute stress evenly across a bonded surface, where mechanical fasteners concentrate force on specific points.
Nickolay continues: “This uniform stress distribution not only extends the lifespan of bonded components but also makes structures more resilient to vibrations and dynamic loads, minimising fatigue and failure over time. This makes sealants and adhesives ideal for applications such as vehicle conversion manufacturing and marine. A good example of this is with our HS50 products, a fast-curing alternative to mechanical fixings. It can be applied to a variety of substrates, providing a strong initial bond.”
Protecting Surfaces and Reducing Noise: Benefits of Sealants and Adhesives
Both sealants and adhesives come with a variety of benefits that extend beyond holding materials together. One important feature is the ability to create airtight and watertight bonds, protecting surfaces from environmental exposure and preventing rust. By sealing joints effectively, they mitigate the risk of corrosion, extending the lifespan of structures in harsh conditions.
Furthermore, some sealants are acoustically rated, which can help reduce sound transmission, making them ideal for joints in sound-sensitive applications. These sealants form barriers that can block noise leakage through gaps and joints and absorb and dampen vibrations, making them suitable for sound-sensitive applications such as vehicles, studios, and buildings.
Efficiency and Versatility: How Sealants and Adhesives Simplify Manufacturing
Nickolay explained: “Sealants and adhesives are not only technically superior in certain respects, they also simplify manufacturing processes. Without the need for pre-drilled holes or exacting alignments required for fasteners, assembly becomes faster and less labour-intensive. Plus, they eliminate the unsightly appearance of screws or rivets, giving products a cleaner, sleeker look.
Since adhesive joints can be smaller and thinner than traditional fastenings, they contribute to lighter products, too. This streamlined approach is one of the key reasons why industries focused on weight and efficiency, such as aerospace and vehicle conversion manufacturing, have widely adopted adhesive technology.”
The Role of Sealants and Adhesives in Bonding Dissimilar Materials
Another benefit is the versatility of adhesives when it comes to bonding dissimilar materials. Whether joining metal to glass, plastic, or wood, adhesives offer solutions where mechanical fasteners can struggle.
“This ability to work across different materials opens up new design possibilities and allows performance to be prioritised without being limited by material compatibility,” Nickolay continued. “Moreover, the dual function of sealing and bonding provides additional protection against moisture, air, and contaminants, making adhesives a top choice for applications that demand both strength and durability.”
The Future of Bonding: Sealants and Adhesives Gaining Prominence
“Although there is still space for traditional fixing systems, as engineering priorities evolve, it’s clear that sealants and adhesives are taking a more prominent role. With their capacity for stress reduction, weight savings, and seamless assembly, they are quietly transforming the fastener and fixing industry.”
