Small but strong body builders
A recent development in Böllhoff's ONSERT® T-studs concept has seen the innovative fasteners used to secure very thin gauge aluminium roof panels affixed to the vehicle side pressings. The roof and side panels align along a U-channel in the pressings to give both an accurate fit and increased rigidity. The specially developed T-studs are bonded to the roof panels using a photoinitiated-curing acrylate adhesive, which is a one-component reaction resin that cures at room temperature when exposed to UV or visible light. The studs protrude through the joined seam to enable the ditch trim to be clipped on.
Because of the nature of the bonding method, body panels can be assembled after painting, reducing costs in the process. The development has enabled the car manufacturer to consider using the ONSERT® T-studs in other vehicles, thereby providing greater production flexibility and allowing for derivative models to be accommodated easily.
