Spray adhesives for industrial applications are increasing in popularity. Automotive, marine, construction, and aerospace applications are just a few where spray adhesives' performance benefits and efficiency are a significant advantage.

In the complex automotive manufacturing world, achieving a perfect balance between structural integrity, aesthetics, and durability is paramount. One often overlooked yet crucial component in this process is seam sealer. Seam sealers play a vital role in enhancing the overall performance and longevity of vehicles, particularly in the presence of pre- and post-e-coat processes.

Seam sealants are commonly used in the automotive industry to seal joints, seams, and gaps in vehicle bodies to prevent water, dust, and other elements from penetrating and causing corrosion, subsequently enhancing the overall durability of the vehicle.

Their application occurs at various stages of the manufacturing process, including both pre-electrocoat (e-coat) and post-e-coat stages.

Electrocoating, or e-coating, involves immersing the vehicle body in a tank of electrically charged paint particles. The paint adheres to the metal surfaces electrostatically. After applying the e-coat, the vehicle body goes through a bake oven, where the paint is cured. The high temperature in the oven helps the e-coat form a durable, protective layer.

It's essential to use seam sealants that are compatible with the e-coat process and can withstand the high temperatures of the bake oven. Proper surface preparation and application techniques are also crucial to ensure adhesion and effectiveness.

The pre-e-coat phase involves the application of an electrically charged coating to the vehicle's metal surfaces to prevent corrosion. However, even with the protective layer of e-coat, there are vulnerable areas where water and other environmental elements may penetrate. This is where seam sealers come into play.

Pre-e-coat seam sealers have two significant functions. They function as an added barrier against corrosion and contribute to the vehicle's structural integrity.

Silicone, Silane-modified, and Polyurethane are some of the primary polymers that make up different types of sealants and adhesives. Each brings unique properties, making each of them better suited for different applications. 

Bond strength is a comprehensive measure of an adhesive's ability to hold two substrates together. It measures the resistance to separation and is affected by various factors, including the type of adhesive used, the bonding surface preparation, and the bonding process.

To fully understand the bond strength of an adhesive, it's necessary to understand the types of stress imparted on adhesive joints. The most common stresses include shear, peel, tensile, compression, and cleavage.

All these terms relate to the integrity of adhesive joints while measuring different strength aspects of the adhesive's performance. Below is a summary of each.

Shear strength measures an adhesive's resistance to forces parallel to the bonded surfaces. It represents the adhesive's ability to withstand pull directed across the adhesive, forcing the substrates to slide over each other. It is commonly tested by subjecting the bonded materials to a force applied parallel to the adhesive joint. A strong adhesive joint should exhibit both high bond and shear strength.

In the worlds of construction, manufacturing, and DIY projects, sealants and adhesives play an essential and pivotal role in ensuring structural integrity, preventing leaks, and bonding materials together. However, navigating the sea of sealant and adhesive terminology can be daunting. Understanding the terminology related to sealants and adhesives is essential for making informed decisions. To help you through the process, we have provided a comprehensive guide to some of this field’s most common terms and concepts.

 
The choice to join metals typically depends on factors such as the type of metal(s) being joined, load-bearing capacity and durability requirements, disassembly and repair factors, and other application requirements. The common ways to join metals include welding, mechanical fasteners, or adhesives.

Sealants and Adhesives Online Tools

Applications for sealants and adhesives vary greatly. Consequently, whether you’re an OEM, repair facility, or at-home DIYer, there’s an almost limitless variety of products available. This large number of choices allows for there to be a product that perfectly fits your needs. Unfortunately, weeding through all of those choices can be challenging. 

Look no further!  

To help you make the right choice, Austin Hardware® has added an in-depth and highly detailed filtering system to the Sealants and Adhesives pages) of our website.