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Bonding instead of welding, screwing, or riveting – Your advantages

Technology Spotlights
1 min read

Metal is one of the materials that are relatively well suited for bonding. Nevertheless, it is important to find the right product for the corresponding application. The choice of adhesive, a load analysis as well as potential surface treatment are decisive factors that lead to a good bond. Then bonding can increasingly replace welding, screwing, or riveting. These are advantages that are used today in mechanical engineering, vehicle construction, architecture, or the electrical industry.

Joining with Mechanical Fasteners vs. Adhesive Bonding

Mechanical fasteners have been an integral part of metalworking for many years, and they’re a popular solution for joining metal. While metal fasteners are often the most well-known choice, they might not be the best for your needs. Industrial adhesives provide six key benefits over other industrial assembly methods:

  • Eliminate the need to drill holes – Drilling is time-consuming, while holes can weaken the substrate and be more easily affected by corrosion
  • Distribute stress evenly across the bond – rather than concentrated stress across several fastener points, the substrate is evenly stressed over the area of the bond
  • Use thinner, lightweight materials – even stress distribution means the substrate doesn’t need to be as thick to accommodate fastener stress points
  • Bond and isolate dissimilar materials – Industrial adhesives can bond to a range of metal and non-metal substrates as well as reducing the chance of galvanic corrosion
  • Bond and seal simultaneously – adhesives form strong bonds while keeping fluids out or in
  • Reduce vibration – resilient adhesives can help dissipate energy rather than transmit it

Welding / Brazing / Soldering (Thermal Bonding) vs. Adhesive Bonding

Thermal bonding applications like welding are popular due to their value for money and quick turnaround time. Like adhesive bonds, thermal bonds are durable and seal when applied properly. However, adhesives offer several benefits which thermal bonding does not:

  • Enable the use of dissimilar metals – the adhesive isolates different metals against galvanic corrosion
  • Rework the bond – the bond is easier to disassemble, rework and repair
  • Reduce labour costs – fast and easy application that contributes to reducing the total cost
  • Improve aesthetics – the bonding process does not distort or discolour the substrates
  • Enable the use of thinner substrates – because the metal is not distorted a thinner substrate can be just as strong
  • Lower energy costs – less energy-intensive than thermal bonding
  • Improve worker comfort and safety – most adhesives can be applied at room temperature without the need for intense heat
  • Faster finishing – without the risk of oxidisation or deformation finishing is quicker and easier

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