Posted to News on 19th Oct 2016, 16:14
Henkel to present bonding products at K 2016
Henkel's fast-curing and reliable adhesives and matrix resins answer the increasing call from the auto industry for high-performance continuous fibre-reinforced composites in integrated structural assemblies. At K 2016 in Dsseldorf, Germany, from October 19 to 26, the company will be on the KraussMaffei booth B27/C24/C27/D24 in Hall 15 showing various assembly offerings for new lightweight materials from its broad materials portfolio.
Adhesive bonding is replacing more conventional assembly methods involving welding, riveting and screwing. Not only is it highly effective, but it is also safer and simplifies many processes. Now, developments from Henkel make it possible to produce assemblies cost effectively in volumes that may exceed 10,000 parts per year.
During the show, Henkel will turn the spotlight on an adhesive for joining a carbon fibre-reinforced composite roof to a frame carrier made of thermoplastic. The adhesive, Loctite EA 9065, provides the high shear strength required for joining such important roof parts. It also bonds effectively to many different substrates, including steel and aluminium, as well as fibre-reinforced plastics or thermoplastic composites based on polyamides.
Loctite EA 9065 provides high crash durability, and it can be formulated for fast curing. Thus it is suitable for the automated application in large automotive series. Erich Fries, head of the Composites/Surfaces business unit at KraussMaffei explains: "With Henkel offering high performance adhesives, we have the right partner for the integration of different composite substrates as thermoplastic and thermosets."
Apart from composite adhesives that can be tailored to specific resins, Henkel also produces matrix resins for various types of fibre and textile-reinforced composites, as well as binders and release agents. It backs up its product offering with in-depth technical service that includes process know-how and engineering as well as in-house testing capabilities for composites production.
Frank Kerstan, Global Program Manager, Automotive Composites says: "Henkel is taking a strategic approach to large-series automotive composites production. We position ourselves as a solution provider of composites materials for structural parts across different automotive segments and tailored adhesives for the assembly of multi-substrate components. Henkel is particularly strong when it comes to providing process and application know-how in Resin Transfer Molding, RTM."
Kerstan also highlights other strengths at Henkel, including a capability for flexible and specialised options for specific customer requests; access to automotive industry via its global automotive OEM/Tier 1 customer base; a global footprint through technical testing centres around the globe; and a strong focus on R&D and innovation. Henkel can also call on a broad partner network covering machines, tools and engineering.
More information about Henkel's adhesives and matrix resins can be found at www.henkel.com.
