Bonding of composite parts: advantages and benefits of Structural Adhesives and Self-adhesive Tapes

Abstract

The bonding process of composite materials is a challenging method in growing markets like Transportation and Construction. Differents methods exist today for the assembly of composite materials: mechanical fixing, ultrasonic welding, structural adhesives and acrylic foam tapes. Each method has its own advantages and drawbacks, but bonding with structural adhesives or acrylic foam tapes offer important benefits compared to mechanical assemblies. Adhesives and tapes allow to bond dissimilar substrates while keeping mechanical performance and improving aesthetics of composite materials. The Transportation market is leading the increasing demand of composite materials and design engineers look for detailed information on bonding methods and the performance of adhesives for the designed vehicles: mechanical and vibrations resistance, tenacity and elasticity, durability and capability to withstand extreme conditions. Design engineers require more than a bonding solution, they need technology partners like 3M providing technical support for project development, materials and adhesives testing, and process consultants for the optimization and automation of bonding processes. Los ingenieros quieren algo más que una solución adhesiva, y buscan socios tecnológicos como 3M. The purpose of this article is to create awareness on 3M new adhesive and tape technologies for multi-material bonding integrating a composite material. Assembly types and solutions allow to find the best adhesive technology for optimal bond design and manufacturing process.