FEATURE


FASTENINGS & ADHESIVES


system helps customers make informed choices that align with their own environmental goals. Threadlockers and adhesives inherently


contribute to sustainability by improving the lifespan and efficiency of equipment. For instance, by preventing vibration or component loosening, they help machinery run more efficiently and reduce energy consumption. This not only extends the life of the product but also minimises the carbon footprint associated with rework, spare parts and maintenance. LOCTITE has also made major advances


in product formulation. One significant achievement has been the removal of Hydroquinone (HQ), a stabiliser once used in trace amounts to maintain shelf life. By developing a novel stabiliser package, LOCTITE has eliminated HQ from its most popular products, proving that performance and sustainability can coexist without compromise. For manufacturers like Faction Bike Studio,


that commitment translates into real-world benefits. By choosing adhesives designed with sustainability in mind, they’re not only improving product performance, they’re helping reduce the environmental impact of their manufacturing process. Adhesive bonding consumes less energy than welding, produces no metal waste and contributes to longer lasting end products that resist fatigue and corrosion.


INNOVATION THAT STICKS The collaboration between LOCTITE and Faction


Bike Studio represents a powerful example of innovation through partnership. By combining deep expertise in adhesive technology with Faction’s drive for performance excellence, the project demonstrates how modern adhesives can unlock new design possibilities while advancing the principles of responsible manufacturing. From an engineering standpoint, adhesives


enable greater freedom of design. They allow engineers to join dissimilar materials, distribute stress more evenly and avoid the heat distortion inherent in welding. From a business perspective, they support faster production cycles, lower maintenance costs and fewer rejected parts. From an environmental perspective, they align with the global shift towards lower energy, cleaner and safer production methods.


THE ROAD AHEAD As industries continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible, the importance of adhesive technologies will only grow. In cycling, aerospace, electronics and beyond, manufacturers are discovering that bonding is not merely an alternative to welding. It’s a superior method for building the next generation of lightweight, sustainable, high- performance products. At LOCTITE, our mission is to help customers


STREAMLINING PANEL MANUFACTURING


Gilcrest Manufacturing of Bristol specialises in high-quality, custom-engineered composite panels tailored to a wide range of industries. As the panels are renowned for meeting stringent performance requirements, selecting the optimal adhesive was essential to achieving superior panel lamination quality and maintaining the rigorous standards. The company needed a reliable panel bonding solution capable of delivering a strong, long-lasting performance, even when exposed to harsh chemicals and


fluctuating temperatures. This solution also had to support efficient, high-volume panel production, comply with industry-specific standards, and offer cost savings without compromising on quality. To meet demands, Chemique Adhesives provided a custom bonding solution from its


Solfre 2 range of two-component polyurethane adhesives, known for their exceptional strength and excellent resistance in demanding applications. Polyurethane adhesives are widely regarded as the premium choice for panel lamination, delivering high-strength, reliable bonds that endure diverse environmental conditions. Solfre 3290, a two-part PU adhesive, was selected for its flexibility, controlled cure time, and high-performance bonding in the most demanding conditions, making it ideal for cleanroom-grade panels. The advanced formula is developed using a controlled and accurate mix of polyol and isocyanate to form an exceptionally strong bond, crucial to panel manufacturing. To optimise application and production efficiency, Chemique installed two new bead dispensing systems, tailored to Gilcrest’s production facility. This not only reduced adhesive waste but also improved application precision and boosted throughput, contributing to faster manufacturing cycles and greater production output. Phil Carter, business development manager at Chemique Adhesives, commented: “During the initial testing, it was clear that this two-part polyurethane adhesive was the ideal solution for Gilcrest’s requirements, highlighting its excellent bond to the laminated material. We were able to fine-tune the open and cure times to perfectly match the application requirements, resulting in a successful final product.”


Chemique Adhesives www.chemiqueadhesives.com 48 DESIGN SOLUTIONS NOVEMBER 2025


stick to sustainability – literally and figuratively. By combining decades of materials science expertise with a relentless focus on safety and environmental responsibility, we’re helping manufacturers like Faction Bike Studio prove that better adhesion can also mean better design, better performance and a better planet.


Henkel www.henkel.com


LIGHTWEIGHT PEEK FASTENERS SUIT EXTREME ENVIRONMENTS


A new range of PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone) fasteners has been launched by Essentra Components. Suitable for extreme environments, these are said to offer exceptional levels of chemical resistance, thermal stability, and mechanical properties. PEEK fasteners are typically used for applications that


require higher performance plastics, thermal and electrical resistance and low outgassing for harsh environments, such as components in fuel systems or in an ultra-high vacuum, reducing the risk of containment and thermal instability. Essentra’s PEEK range has been specifically designed to offer a more lightweight and versatile alternative to the more traditional metal fasteners. PEEK is able to securely bridge the gap between nylon and metal fasteners, the company explains. The PEEK material also provides a higher degree of


resistance within extreme temperatures, and aggressive chemical and high-stress applications. These capabilities make them a superior alternative in specialised applications such as within the aerospace, automotive, electronics and medical industries. The range includes cap head screws, hexagon bolts,


spacers, set screws, ultra-low head machine screws and countersunk screws. It is manufactured in-house by Essentra and is available from the Wixroyd sub-brand.


Essentra www.essentracomponents.com/en-gb


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