Already for the 16th time took place from 10 until 11 November 2022, the OFI International Adhesive Bonding Conference will be held. For the first time, about 60 participants had 1 ½ days to get the latest input from the world of bonding, discuss future challenges together and make new contacts. Martin Tonnhofer, OFI expert for bonding technology, has again ensured a balanced program this year.
No less than thirteen speakers were invited to the Adhesive Bonding Conference 2022 and, in 1 ½ days, provided participants with a broad spectrum of topics relevant to the high-quality execution of bonded joints. Whether you wanted to learn more about new adhesives on the market, innovative technologies in development or current regulations, there was something for everyone at the Adhesive Bonding Conference 2022.
New products and application examples
For many years, adhesive technology has also been used for fastening curtain walls. In his opening presentation, OFI expert Martin Tonnhofer explained how adhesives on curtain walling have become established in Austria in terms of quality and safety.
Focusing on improving adhesion conditions on difficult surfaces, Kevin Braun (Molecular Plasma Group SA) presented a new technology that uses atmospheric plasma to contribute to sustainable surface functionalization.
The advantages of UV-LUX technology were explained by Michael Schwarzott (Lohmann Klebebandsysteme) in his presentation. In terms of application, this first UV light-activated adhesive tape technology also offers many options for demanding applications.
What role can adhesives and coatings play in fire protection? This question was addressed by Markus Läpple (Nolax AG), who used various application scenarios to demonstrate the possibilities of high-temperature-resistant products, e.g. in use for fire protection curtains.
Kai Palme (Ruderer Klebetechnik GmbH) also gave an application-oriented presentation. Using explicit application examples, he worked out together with the participants which aspects need to be taken into account when selecting the right adhesive.
Carina Kern (voestalpine Stahl GmbH) was able to demonstrate in her presentation the contribution that surface analysis methods can make to clarifying complex adhesive bonding issues. Using the example of a strip-galvanized steel sheet for automotive construction, she made it clear how important it is to bear in mind that even slight changes to surfaces can trigger (undesirable) effects during bonding.
Markus Willemeit (Delo Industrie Klebstoffe) showed in his presentation how dosing and pre-activation of an adhesive can be done in one step. Flow activation, a new process technology for high-tech adhesives, is used.
The first day of the Adhesive Bonding Conference 2022 was concluded by Gabriele Eder, OFI expert for material analysis. She provided insight into the use of conductive adhesives as an alternative to solder joints for photovoltaic modules.
From standards and test methods
The Adhesive Bonding Conference 2022 started day 2 with an update on the recently published EN 17460, which is dedicated to the bonding of rail vehicles and their components. In addition to an overview of the current status, Peter Pázmándy (ABC – Adhesive Bonding Consultant) highlighted the most relevant differences to DIN 6701 in his presentation. Jan Sommer (Clean-Lasersysteme GmbH) then provided insight into the possibilities of surface pretreatment with the laser, and demonstrated the advantages of this process-integrated surface modification for the bonding process.
Peter Kraushofer (Bostik GmbH) revealed what innovations there are in cyanoacrylates and acrylates. He not only introduced two new products, but also CIPG – Cure In Place Gasket, an innovative technology for sealing.
Stepan Broz (Permabond Engineering Adhesives) discussed what needs to be taken into account when bonding “difficult” plastics, such as polyolefin and polyamide, and when using fire-retardant adhesives, and which products are particularly suitable for this purpose.
Finally, Paul Grillberger (ÖGUS) gave an overview of environmental simulation tests that are used to determine the resistance of adhesives and coatings to environmental influences, thus enabling estimates of the service life of joints.
Personal exchange at the “Stick-together”
As an industry event, the Adhesive Bonding Conference offers not only a technical update, but also the opportunity to deepen existing contacts and establish new connections. The basis for this is personal exchange.
“Exchange is a central point for professional development. At the Adhesive Bonding Conference, you are not only presented with new products and technologies, you also have the opportunity to discuss issues together and critically question approaches to solutions,” says Martin Tonnhofer, who organizes the OFI Adhesive Bonding Conference and, in addition to a diverse program of presentations, also attaches great importance to personal exchange.
A good opportunity for this is the so-called “Stick-together”, the networking event associated with the Adhesive Bonding Conference. Also this year, many of the participants took the opportunity to attend the stick-together on the evening of the first day of the congress, where they deepened the conversations from the day and expanded their network. In an informal setting, people chatted over food and drink directly at the venue, the Hotel Rainers21.
