Feature

Adhesives at the design stage: Streamlining the path to production

Adhesives are often treated as the final piece of the jigsaw puzzle. But by the end of the design stage, it may be difficult to find an adhesive that meets all the criteria, meaning the design must be amended, or even started again. Here, Simon Gibbs, Technical Sales Executive at Intertronics, explains the benefits of considering adhesives early in a project.

04/04/2022 11:32:12

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Though it may initially seem like a simple task, adhesive bonding is a vital and challenging part of product design. Every application is different and establishing what works best for your application involves detailed discussions and testing. For design
engineers without specialist adhesives experience, consulting with an adhesives supplier early on will avoid complications down the line, saving time and money.

In many cases, manufacturers contact adhesives providers once most of the design work is done – once they
have finalised and assessed bondline design, substrate selection, environmental resistance, and more. The difficulty with this approach is, with much of the design finalised, there will be a particular set of requirements the adhesive needs to meet – a
very specific gap in the jigsaw for the adhesive to fill. There may not be an adhesive that meets the criteria without major compromise, or a suitable adhesive may not be available in the specified packaging or quantities. If this
is the case, the design may need to be changed, delaying the project and increasing the costs.

It is much easier to make changes to the design earlier, while the process is fluid.

Read the full article in the April issue of DPA

Written By Sophia Bell

Sophia Bell is the Group Editor of DPA, Connectivity, and PBSI. She joined the team in 2020 as Assistant Editor after achieving a First-Class Honours BA in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. In her current role, she leads the editorial strategy, driving digital growth and ensuring each title continues to deliver trusted, relevant insight for engineering and manufacturing professionals.