For bonding dissimilar materials, adhesives can be a sticking point-or lack of it

As the auto industry adopts an increasingly wide mix of materials in its pursuit of constantly tougher weight-saving and service-longevity targets, joining mixed materials using precisely-compatible adhesives is a crucial aspect of the formula. Considering the expanding role of adhesives in the mixed-materials matrix, a new warning to design engineers comes from Peter Swanson, Managing Director of adhesives specialist Intertronics, of the need to fully appreciate through-life performance.

“Adhesives are commonly specified during product development, often based on functional requirements,” he said. “But when production is upscaled, the chosen adhesive can be less than optimal; application and curing may be difficult, unreliable, challenging to automate and demand too much time. Intended production quantities for a product should always influence adhesive choice.