Permanent bonding tapes offer an efficient and reliable solution to demanding assembly challenges in transportation applications
Permanent bonding tapes offer an efficient and reliable solution to demanding assembly challenges in transportation applications.
Constant vibration; shock loads; wide temperature fluctuations; exposure to strong sunlight, water and contaminants: component bonding in transportation applications is always challenging. In addition to these demanding performance criteria, engineering teams must address a wide range of stakeholder requirements. Design teams and customers want fastening solutions that are aesthetically pleasing and maintenance-free. Manufacturing engineers want solutions that are fast and reliable in production.
These competing demands can be difficult to balance with traditional fastening techniques. For example, screws, rivets, and other mechanical fasteners can be visually obtrusive. And every extra hole is another place for leaks, corrosion spots or cracks to develop over the life of a vehicle, for example. Liquid adhesives can be messy to apply, and slow cure times can cause unwanted delays or added complexity in production.
ALL ON TAPE
For OEMs and suppliers in the transportation industry, the tesa ACXplus line of permanent adhesive tapes offers a solution for a wide range of demanding assembly applications. Tape can be applied quickly and cleanly, and its immediate handling strength enables short cycle times and straightforward production sequences. Tape bonding creates strong and reliable sealing against dust and moisture in a single operation.
The unique construction of tesa ACXplus offers several additional benefits appreciated by users in the transportation industry and proven in application. ACXplus tapes have a core of durable acrylic foam, up to 4mm thick as standard and available to order in larger thicknesses. The high density of this foam, compared to polyethylene foams and similar materials, gives ACXplus its superior strength. The foam also has viscoelastic properties that allow the tape to conform to variations in the shape of the bonded components, ensuring a secure, sealing bond even over long splices and large components.
In service, the viscoelastic properties of acrylic foam allow tesa ACXplus tapes to accommodate movement due to differential thermal expansion. This helps maintain joint integrity during rapid temperature changes, even when the bonded components are different materials with different expansion characteristics. In addition, the foam layer provides excellent vibration absorption. This reduces sound transmission and helps protect components from the long-term effects of continuous vibration.
ROLL RANGES
The tesa ACXplus line has been designed to meet a wide range of bonding applications across a variety of industries. Tapes are available in black, grey, or white as standard colours, as well as a highly transparent variant for glazing applications. Halogen-free tesa flameXtinct 4506x is a white tape with proven flame-retardant properties. Tesa ACXplus products are weather, temperature and UV resistant, making them suitable for a wide range of industrial applications.
Tape solutions also offer a high degree of flexibility in production. They can be applied from rolls or spools up to 800m long, ideal for large parts such as interior trim or truck roof installations, or they can be die-cut for precision applications such as emblem mounting.
Based on decades of experience in tape application, tesa has developed a comprehensive range of specialised tools and production equipment designed to maximise the reliability and productivity of operations. The company’s solutions range from simple hand tools to equipment for fully automated application in high-volume production environments. The firm’s application engineers work with customers to determine the optimal system of tapes, tools, and operator training to meet their unique product and production requirements.
The tesa ACXplus line of permanent adhesive tapes provides a versatile and efficient solution to the complex demands of transportation applications. By meeting the challenges of vibration, shock loads, temperature fluctuations and environmental exposure, these tapes provide strong and reliable bonds that enhance the overall integrity and aesthetics of vehicles. Their ease of application, immediate bonding strength and compatibility with various manufacturing processes offer significant advantages over traditional fastening techniques.
With the added benefits of viscoelastic properties and excellent vibration absorption, tesa ACXplus tapes ensure durable, waterproof and visually appealing bonds. Backed by tesa’s extensive experience and special tooling solutions, ACXplus is designed to meet the diverse needs of transportation OEMs and also their suppliers.
Semjon Schluger is with tesa.
