The solution enables a significant reduction of the ecological and production footprint by decreasing physical production space and energy consumption. It also offers an optimal combination of structure and softness, delivering lasting durability even when exposed to high pressure water spray, automotive fluids or the high temperatures of the under-hood environment.

The new adhesive has been designed for applications including electronic-control unit (ECU) module housings, battery packs, engine and transmission control modules, fuse boxes, actuators, sensing systems, ADAS control Modules, as well as other electronic components. It provides excellent adhesion to metals and most plastics.

As the sophistication and complexity of electronics constantly increases in modern vehicles, protecting electronic components from the rigors of automotive applications becomes even more critical.

This is especially important as electronic systems account for greater degree of safety critical systems, with a study by Roland Berger assuming that the cost share of electronic components in relation to the total cost of a car will constantly grow further to 35% by 2025.

“With the proliferation of mission-critical electrical systems, automotive customers are seeking ways to minimize the costs of manufacturing while also delivering greater lifetime performance and reliability,” said Jeff Koehler, business development manager at Henkel. “For example, one of our customers was experiencing unacceptable levels of seal failures, deflection and deformation in the past. We worked with him to develop a tailored solution that provided a softer seal capable of meeting his seal force goals.”

Koehler added: “This challenge was met by Henkel chemists with Loctite AA 5885, which also fulfils all necessary automotive reliability requirements.”

Loctite AA 5885 is a one-part polyacrylate gasket that can be cured within 30 seconds and compressed in assembly immediately after application to help minimize manufacturer cycle times. The uncured liquid has unique flow properties that permit efficient and repeatable pump-ability onto parts with complex shapes and geometries.

Once dispensed, its rapid viscoelastic recovery permits high aspect ratio beads to be preserved through curing. Thanks to its UV-active chemistry, curing can be accomplished within seconds in a continuous mode without the high energy consumption of ovens required by other solutions on the market for similar applications.

Furthermore, parts can be assembled immediately after cooling. Critically, compressive forces are maintained over a broad deflection range, maintaining seal performance at extreme temperatures (-40 to 150° C), while the material is soft enough to increase tooling tolerances without over-stressing the part in any environment.

Automakers strive to keep up with the demand for new and more efficient transport systems across the world. Delivering new technologies at a competitive cost is a determining challenge faced by every manufacturer.

The advent of Loctite AA 5885 helps alleviate these challenges by allowing manufactures to minimize floor space, reduce cycle times, and not compromise on product quality and safety.