Metal Bonding Applications are on the rise
Bonding metal to metal has long been an important part of many manufacturing processes using welding or screwing, and now metal bonding adhesive is also a real option that is on the rise.
Advantages
There is no corrosion when two different metals are joined together, and no deformation of either material occurs because no grinding is required. This in turn leads to the added benefit of reducing manufacturing costs.
The benefits for the product itself are also significant, opening up a greater flexibility to designers and engineers whilst increasing the resistance to fatigue and impact, which in turn can mean a longer product life.
The manufacturing process itself can also be more straightforward because of less noise and vibration and the need for fewer components such as nuts, washers, and screws. Glues are likely to weigh less than other traditional bonds. This can be advantageous in the case of vehicles because weight reduction might equate to reduced energy consumption and fewer emissions, which continues to be a hot topic.
Companies such as CT1, which can be found at https://www.ct1.com/product-applications/ct1-the-ultimate-roof-sealant/, manufacture very versatile metal adhesive that might be appropriate for your manufacturing process.
Disadvantages
Of course, there are some disadvantages. Metal adhesive will not always be the best way of bonding. Being polymer-based, glues and adhesives will not be as resistant to the temperatures required by some products. There is also time required for the final bond strength to be achieved – a “curing” time – that is not appropriate for some products and might cost manufacturers time and money.
Similarly, additional time is sometimes required to prepare the surfaces of the metal, although that will vary depending on the type of metal being used. Moreover, if metals have been bonded with adhesives rather than bolts or screws, it can be much more difficult to disassemble the pieces if required.
Depending on the chemical makeup of the adhesive, there might be restrictions surrounding waste disposal, recycling, or even human exposure to the compounds, so it is necessary to do some proper research before committing.
More information about the use of metal adhesives is available on the Adhesive and Glue website.
Ultimately, the best way to bond metals will depend on the product and indeed the metals involved, but it is definitely worth looking into the viability of adhesives.
