Automotive applications anaerobic adhesives

Fig. 1. Applications for anaerobic adhesives in an automotive final drive...

Figure 1 shows a series of uses for anaerobic adhesives in the final drive of an automobile as examples of application areas (see also Automotive applications). 

In the Automotive industry there is a trend towards complete automation of production lines. In the application of adhesives/sealants for gasketing, the principles of dispensing have normally been to use a pressure-time system, or alternatively a cartridge system with a robotic head. However, a faster system is to screen print an anaerobic on to the surface of a component. 

Initially anaerobic adhesives were used mainly for threadlocking of screws, nuts, and bolts. Since 1975, consumption increased 3.5 times but as the main applications have matured, future growth potential is not as great. Automotive is the largest outlet for anaerobics other uses include machine assembly, electrical product assembly, maintenance, repair, etc. (Table 11). 

In recent years, the range of adhesive materials used in automotive manufacture has expanded to include polyurethanes, plastisols, phenolics, hot melts, anaerobics, cyanoacrylates, toughened acrylics and epoxies (see Structural and Hot melt adhesives). Selection criteria are based principally upon the nature of the adherends, the mechanical properties required under service conditions and application and curing characteristics. 

---