FASTENERS & SEALING
BETTER BONDS C
reating a permanent bond between components is a fundamental engineering challenge, yet conventional
methods often force designers to make diff icult trade-off s. For example, screws, rivets and
other mechanical fasteners can be visually intrusive. Localised stresses can distort panels and each additional hole is another point of leakage, corrosion or cracking over the life of the product. Welding or bonding with liquid adhesives both provide strong, continuous joints, but each presents manufacturing challenges. Many of these problems are
exacerbated by industry trends. In
the transport sector, for example, the drive for greater eff iciency is driving demand for lighter structures and components. This often means thinner panels and more diff icult materials. Across all sectors, customers prefer products that have a clean, aesthetically pleasing appearance.
ROLL CALL One approach that overcomes many of the limitations of older joining methods is the use of adhesive tapes. The new generation of high- performance, permanent adhesive tapes – such as the tesa ACXplus range – are now being used in a wide range of demanding assembly
Tape bonding
creates a strong and reliable seal against dust and moisture in a single operation
From motorsport to metal fabrication, permanent adhesive tapes are solving design engineers’ toughest fastening problems
applications across many industries. Tape can be applied quickly and
cleanly, and its immediate handling strength enables short cycle times and straightforward production processes. Tape bonding creates a strong and reliable seal against dust and moisture in a single operation. The unique construction of tesa ACXplus off ers several additional benefi ts. ACXplus tapes have a core of durable acrylic foam, up to 4mm thick as standard. The high density of this foam, compared to polyethylene foam and similar materials, gives ACXplus its superior strength. The foam also has viscoelastic properties that allow the tape to conform to
tesa ACXplus has been used in place of screws and rivets to secure roof panels in HGVs
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