Why Adhesives are Replacing Fasteners in Heavy Machinery

Laurie Gibbons
Industry Applications
August 18, 2023

Machinery Adhesives vs. Fasteners

In the landscape of heavy machinery manufacturing, innovation is driving substantial changes in how components are joined. Engineers are more frequently choosing machinery adhesives vs. fasteners. Traditional fasteners, such as bolts and screws, have been the go-to choice for assembling heavy machinery for decades. However, the emergence of advanced adhesive solutions is reshaping this landscape. Let’s explore why Permabond adhesives are replacing traditional fasteners in heavy machinery applications.

Enhanced Structural Integrity:

One of the primary reasons for the shift towards adhesive solutions is their ability to provide superior structural integrity. Permabond adhesives are formulated to bond various materials with exceptional strength, including metals and composites. The adhesive distributes stress evenly across the bonded area, reducing the risk of stress concentrations that can occur around fastener holes. This ultimately leads to increased overall stability and durability of heavy machinery components.

Weight Reduction and Design Flexibility:

Heavy machinery manufacturers constantly seek ways to reduce weight while maintaining or enhancing performance. Adhesives offer a weight advantage over traditional fasteners as they distribute the load across the surface area, eliminating the need for additional heavy hardware. This weight reduction translates into increased fuel efficiency. Additionally, adhesive bonding allows for more intricate and streamlined designs, contributing to overall aesthetics and functionality.

Vibration Dampening and Noise Reduction:

Heavy machinery often operates under challenging conditions involving vibrations and impact loads. Adhesive-bonded joints exhibit excellent vibration dampening properties, minimizing the transmission of vibrations throughout the machinery. This not only reduces wear and tear on components but also contributes to a quieter operating environment, which is crucial for operator comfort and safety.

Corrosion Resistance:

Traditional fasteners are susceptible to corrosion over time, especially in harsh environments. Permabond adhesives, on the other hand, can create a barrier that protects the bonded surfaces from moisture and corrosive elements, extending the lifespan of machinery components.

Streamlined Manufacturing Process:

Adhesive bonding simplifies the manufacturing process by eliminating the need for drilling holes, aligning fasteners, and other time-consuming tasks associated with traditional fasteners. This leads to faster assembly, reduced labor costs, and improved overall production efficiency.

Often Engineers choose both Adhesives and Fasteners.

It doesn’t necessarily have to be one or the other. Most machinery has fasteners, and adhesive threadlocker on said fasteners!

In conclusion, when it comes to selecting a machinery adhesive vs. fasteners, (or both) let us help you select the best product for your needs. Permabond adhesives have the ability to provide enhanced structural integrity, weight reduction, vibration dampening, corrosion resistance, and a streamlined manufacturing process. Our adhesives offer a compelling alternative to, or addition to, mechanical fasteners.

 

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