Traditional techniques such as welding, riveting and screwing have some disadvantages for joining materials. With adhesives, on the other hand, both "old" and innovative new materials can be joined perfectly. However, the right adhesive must be selected for the respective purpose. The technical trade wants to help companies in this process quickly and competently.

The increasing expectations and demands on industrial products in technological, economic and ecological terms can only be met by innovative new materials. However, these can only be used in industry and trade if they can be bonded to themselves or to other materials. However, conventional joining techniques have a number of disadvantages: During welding, for example, the material changes its specific properties through the effect of heat, while mechanical processes such as riveting or screwing damage the material and thus weaken it. With modern adhesive technology, on the other hand, all possible combinations of materials can be joined in a long-term durable manner without weakening the materials. Adhesives also make it possible to use new construction methods such as lightweight construction.
Flexible due to these properties
But the same applies to adhesives: the right adhesive, not just any adhesive, is needed for the desired purpose. The choice is by no means easy. In advance, it is necessary to check what the adhesive must be able to withstand in the bonded component. This in turn depends on numerous factors, including
- The duration of the bonding: With regard to the adhesive strength, there are serious differences as to whether the adhesive is to be applied only temporarily or on a long-term basis. If long-term adhesive bonds are desired, the adhesive must be resistant to ageing.
- The type of materials and their bondability: Some surfaces can be low-energy, so that a bonding agent (primer) must be applied beforehand.
- The weather and UV resistance: In outdoor applications, weather influences reduce the adhesive strength and thus the possible applications, depending on the adhesive used.
Technical trade helps with the right choice
With adhesives, therefore, the "agony of (the right) choice" applies. It is therefore worthwhile to consult the experts of the technical trade. After all, Technical Trade not only takes care of procurement, but also advises its customers on the right product choice. Thorsten Moser, Distribution Manager Germany/Switzerland at Henkel, explains: "Choosing the right adhesive is a science in itself. After all, for the safety of the adhesive bond, it must ultimately be ensured that the stress resistance is greater than the actual load. Advice from specialist dealers is also important, as otherwise process-related or personal errors in processing are pre-programmed".
Specialist knowledge presented in an easily understandable way in the form of information graphics
The VTH specialist group "Bonding Technology" has prepared the most important aspects of the properties and processing of adhesives in new information graphics: One shows the favourable properties of adhesives for joining technology. The second graph illustrates the complex processing of adhesives.
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