DS-MAY26-PG20+21_Layout 1 11/05/2026 10:02 Page 2
FASTENINGS & ADHESIVES
FEATURE S mechanical faSteningS
adhesives generally have bond strengths in the order of 2,500 to 7,500 psi, and tolerate temperature swings up to 170˚C. Adhesives are polymers and therefore not as strong as metals, although this is offset by the increased surface contact area of a bonded joint. A downside is that adhesives may be affected by increased temperature, which can reduce the bond strength and chemical resistance. Where traditional mechanical joints offer
instant strength, adhesives reach full strength once the curing reaction is complete. This can happen in seconds, to hours, to days, and the assembled joint must be fixtured for at least part of the time the part is curing. Prior to cure, the adhesive must wet the substrate in order to create a successful bond. Surface treatment may be required if bonding a substrate with low surface energy, which adds an additional process.
chooSing a material There is a growing number of structural adhesives on the market and, without a universal adhesive, manufacturers will have to select which candidates are the best to evaluate for their applications. This involves considering the design, production, and processing considerations, and
disadvantages, and a structural adhesive selector guide can help manufacturers and designers to weigh these up effectively.
Setting up for SucceSS Design engineers must create bonded assemblies with adhesive bonding in mind. This involves considering bond line geometry, adhesive selection, stress in the joint, mechanical properties of the adhesive and substrates, and the manufacturing process requirements. Adhesive applications are complex, and it’s
important to build a full picture of both the technical and process requirements to ensure an optimal assembly process. It can help to consider storing, handling, dispensing, and curing the adhesive from the get go. If you’re considering replacing mechanical
developing a specification based on the necessary properties and allowable compromises. There are multiple structural adhesive
chemistries, the most common being polyurethanes (PUs), epoxies, and methyl methacrylates (MMAs), but some cyanoacrylate and single part UV curing acrylic materials are in the mix of candidates to evaluate too. Each chemistry has distinct advantages and
joints in your application with adhesive, we recommend working with a reliable adhesives partner. It can help design your joint for a successful adhesive bond, specify an appropriate material, and build a process that is reliable.
Intertronics T: 01865 842842
www.intertronics.co.uk
www.designsolutionsmag.co.uk
MAY 2026 DESIGN SOLUTIONS 21
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52
