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FEATURE
FASTENINGS & ADHESIVES STicking To The deSign
Dr. Karl Bitzer, head of product management, DELO, looks into why liquid pressure-sensitive adhesives, which combine the advantages of a liquid adhesive with the properties of adhesive tape, are a good option for industrial applications
Liquid pressure-sensitive adhesives can be used for blind hole geometries that are difficult to access, such as those seen with automotive sensors
P
ressure-sensitive adhesives – usually in the form of adhesive tapes – are used frequently within the automotive and
consumer industries. These are ready to use and designed to stick to surfaces immediately, needing only quick contact pressure to connect two components. Further processing can then continue immediately. Conventional adhesive tapes are well-suited
for large, flat, surfaces. As automation is complex and expensive, taping processes are usually done manually or partially automated. However, the continuing trend towards creating even smaller and more complex structures means considerable limitations are often encountered when using tapes, including processing and economic efficiency. But, the limitations of conventional tapes can be overcome using liquid pressure- sensitive adhesives (liquid PSAs).
liquid pSaS
Liquid pressure-sensitive adhesives combine the advantages of a liquid adhesive with the properties of adhesive tapes.
Liquid PSAs are just as easy to
dispense as other liquid adhesives. When it comes to small details, corners and complex three- dimensional geometries, a liquid adhesive has considerable advantages over an adhesive tape, including complete design freedom. Furthermore, the application of a liquid adhesive bead can be interrupted numerous times, whereas with solid adhesive tapes a new piece must be applied for each interruption. Liquid PSAs can be dispensed in
Liquid PSAs can be precisely dispensed even in the smallest amounts so can be used, for
example, for the production of smartphone speakers
a variety of ways. After dispensing, they are irradiated, allowing them to reach the so-called ‘tape phase’ within seconds. They now have the characteristic tacky surface of a classic adhesive tape, which easily adheres to a second substrate when moderate pressure is applied. Following irradiation, liquid PSAs cure at room temperature without any additional processing steps. As heat is not required for final curing, the process is also suitable for applications where thermal stress must be kept to a minimum. Another benefit of liquid PSAs is that they offer
a more positive energy balance in comparison to adhesive tapes. By eliminating the complex and
energy-intensive process of coating a carrier material, liquid PSAs have a significantly lower carbon footprint than tapes. There are also no offcuts from punching out or protective film waste. This makes the entire production process much more environmentally friendly.
The righT liquid Tape for each applicaTion
DELO has developed a range of liquid pressure- sensitive adhesives for different requirements.
Processing liquid pressure-sensitive adhesives 2 DESIGN SOLUTIONS MAY 2022 2
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