There are some combinations of materials that are relatively easy to bond together, such as steel tube framing and aluminium panels, if you use the right type of adhesive. However, other combinations are not so simple to fix together, including oil and water or a polypropylene housing and natural rubber, but here we look at some types of adhesives that make it easier to bond these tough combinations together.
When you’re attempting to bond materials to an oily metal or a power-coated surface, it can become extremely challenging if the surface isn’t clean, but this doesn’t have to be the case. There have been a number of research studies that have examined how certain materials lose their bonding. This is enabling scientists to develop more durable materials that can be used across a range of industries.
The Problem of Bonding
Product designers often see materials like EPDM, SBR, CR, natural rubber and TPE and TPV solids as being every difficult to bond, but there is a range of metal bonding adhesives and other adhesive choices now available that will meet your requirements.
Simple Bonding of Oily Metals
In the past it would have been necessary to remove oil from a metal before bonding, but there are now products available, such as the CT1 metal bonding adhesive, that work directly on the surface and so save you both time and money. These can be used to bond a number of materials to a lightly oiled metal without the need to prepare the surface, including graphic overlays, foam cushions, metal rating plates and film labels.
Bonding of Powder-Coated Materials
In the manufacturing process, a powder coating can be applied to a metal using electrostatic energy, which is heat-cured to create an additional tough layer that is both decorative and offers protection. A metal like stainless steel or aluminium has a high surface energy initially, but the powder coating gives it a low surface energy, which can make it more difficult for bonding. A metal bonding adhesive is ideal for use in these circumstances to form a strong and long-lasting bond.
By identifying the appropriate design solution for the specific materials that you’re using, you can form an easy and strong bond for even the toughest of combinations without having to clean and prepare the surface.