Advice

Keep adhesion under control and avoid costly surprises in your production process

In verhicle manufacturing, we see that there are many different materials that need to be bonded, and that the bonding process varies from company to company. Sometimes there is reluctance to switch to a new adhesive or sealant for fear that the production process will be jeopardized. That is why SABA always offers help with the implementation of new adhesives and sealants. On top of that, SABA also conducts customized adhesion tests to find the best solution for your application.

Customized adhesion tests at SABA

Each year, SABA performs many comprehensive adhesion tests. With decades of experience, we have built an extensive database that shows exactly how our adhesives perform on various substrates – with or without primer. We know which products ensure optimal bonding on different surfaces. If the substrate is unknown, we are happy to perform adhesion tests. These tests enable us to provide tailored advice to our customers while continuously expanding our knowledge base.

Process of an adhesion test

Customer Inquiry: The inquiry often comes in through our technical sales representatives, accompanied by materials from the customer's production to ensure realistic test results. In some cases, customers involve us as early as the design phase, allowing us to advise on the most suitable solutions from the very beginning.
Test Selection: In collaboration with product management, it is determined which sealants, adhesives, and pretreatments will be tested for the specific application.
Execution: The tests are conducted by SABA's Research & Development department located in Dinxperlo, the Netherlands.
Results: The customer receives an official research report with test results and a personal consultation, free of charge.

Test methods and standards

The chosen test method depends on the load the adhesive bond will be subjected to. For heavy conditions, such as bonding windows in high-speed trains, more rigorous test conditions are necessary. For less extreme applications, such as sealing the interior of a horse trailer, lighter tests are sufficient. Specific standards such as , DIN 6701, and DIN 2304 also play a role.

3 Tips for choosing the right adhesive or sealant Here we share three valuable tips that can help you choose the right adhesive or sealant for your production process. These tips are based on years of experience and extensive adhesion tests at SABA.

Tip 1: Consider the correct dimensions of the adhesive layer

A crucial factor for a durable adhesive bond is the correct dimension of the adhesive layer. For MS polymer adhesives, a minimum layer thickness of 2 to 3 mm is necessary to optimally utilize the elasticity. This ensures that the adhesive bond remains flexible and resistant to movements and vibrations.

When designing your construction, it is important to consider this layer thickness so that the adhesive can perform its function well. A layer that is too thin can lead to premature failure of the bond, while a layer that is too thick can result in unnecessary material use and costs.

Tip 2: Ensure consistent quality of materials

The quality of the material to be bonded plays a significant role in the success of the bonding process. Use materials that are consistent in quality to ensure a safe and reliable bonding process. Switching to cheaper, alternative materials without prior testing can result in unexpected costs or claims.

SABA regularly conducts tests for customers who want to apply new materials in their production or as periodic control. These tests ensure that the new materials bond well and do not cause problems in your production process.

Tip 3: Always seek advice for coating and paint finishes

A (powder) coating or paint can significantly affect the adhesion of the adhesive. Despite years of experience, we regularly encounters surprises with materials that have a coating or paint. These finishes can alter the chemical interaction between the adhesive and the substrate, leading to reduced adhesion. Therefore, it is essential to always contact SABA for targeted advice when working with materials that have a coating or paint.

Contact our specialists for tailored advice

By seeking advice in advance, you can prevent problems and ensure optimal adhesion. Fill in the form below, and our team will get in touch with you shortly.

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