AUTOMOTIVE DESIGN
Replacing mechanical fixings with tape offers several benefits
tape can be used for cladding, whereas wheel arch and trim attachment adhesive tape offers a durable and reliable bond that can be used with a variety of different substrates. For applications without the use of primers or adhesion promoters, such as nameplate attachment and sensor attachment, primer-less bonding tapes are an option and can be applied quickly and easily. To address the issues previously discussed with drilling holes, attachment tapes, such as those formulated to EPDM/TPE, neoprene and PVC offer a particularly durable sealant solution for doors and headlamps. And, when it comes to permanently attaching emblems or nameplates, there is also a wide range of adhesive tapes that offer a peel-and-stick application to a wide range of surfaces without punching unsightly holes. In terms of fastening solutions, adhesive tapes also offer an alternative application for headliners and sunroofs, to name but
Brammer Buck & Hickman is a distributor for 3M’s
popular range of abrasives, tapes and adhesives
a few. Many fastening issues also address bonding and NVH challenges in many areas inside the vehicle.
Another issue to bear in mind when choosing a bonding technique is thermal expansion capability. It is a well-known fact that materials can expand or contract according to the ambient temperature. Tis could potentially lead to a variety of problems, such as unwanted moving between parts and letting in moisture or air, which could, in turn, result in product failure. To combat this problem many manufacturers now offer tape that can bond a range of surfaces with different coefficients of expansion and contraction, without compromising on design or performance.
THE FUTURE LOOKS LIGHTER As car owners demand better mileage, and governments push for fuel efficiency and
better air quality from lower emissions, design and process engineers in the transportation industry are faced with a big challenge that will include addressing weight components inside and outside the vehicle.
As the type of material used can make a huge difference in the weight of each component and the overall weight of the car, the practice of light weighting can only continue to grow as engineers try to remove as much unnecessary weight as possible. Subsequently, the importance of choosing the best possible bonding technique will increasingly play a central role.
Adam Ward is with Brammer, Buck & Hickman.
https://uk.rubix.com/
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