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.

Happy New Year! We hope you and your family had a joyous and rejuvenating holiday season.  

The new year is a time when many commit to resolutions. We’re no exception at Austin Hardware®. So here are our five resolutions for 2024. 

#1 More New Solutions for You 

Our engineers will continue to work with customers to understand their needs and goals and design or reinvent products to help meet them. Our Austin Guaranteed Engineered Solutions™ portfolio stands as a testament to that commitment. With several new products in the pipeline, we’re excited about what the new year will bring. 

#2 Redesigned Website 

We’re revamping our website to make doing business with us online faster and easier than ever. The project is in an early stage, but we expect to launch later in the year, so stay tuned. 

#3 Getting the Basics Right 

While many companies get caught up in their revenue goals, they lose sight of doing the basics right. To borrow a sports metaphor, the “blocking and tackling” of their business. At Austin, we strive to get those basics right. Things like having the right stock on the shelves. Packing and shipping your orders with care and on time. Fair pricing for challenging economic times. We’ve never lost sight of that and resolve that we never will.  

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. 

While 2023 is winding down, at Austin Hardware, we’re working on some exciting new solutions for our customers that we will be presenting at trade shows in early 2024. Here’s a look at where we’ll be after the new year and the innovative products we look forward to sharing with you.   

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.

Take control of your cleaning. Clean Faster. Clean Better. Clean Safer. 

Austin Hardware & Supply, Inc. is proud to announce the launch of our 4TH GEN Industrial Cleaners. We remain committed to securing solutions for your business, and the 4TH GEN line-up features four professional-grade, uniquely formulated cleaners to meet the requirements of business, commercial, and industrial applications. 

Made in the USA, the product line includes a Multi-Surface All-Purpose Cleaner, Glass Cleaner, Industrial Strength Cleaner & Degreaser, and Adhesive Remover in a variety of sizes in Ready-to-Use and Concentrate options with a dilution control dispenser.

4TH GEN cleaners are made with natural or plant-based ingredients to be eco-friendly and safe as well as highly effective. To learn more about the 4TH GEN Industrial Cleaners, visit https://info.austinhardware.com/cleaners.   

Welcome to the 8th Annual Austin Hardware Charity Football Pool UPDATES Page

Check back here every week during the season for a recap of the week's action and to see how many of our players advanced.

Updates are usually posted on Tuesday.

Q & A with Connor Arney, Austin Hardware and Supply National Sales Manager for VMI 

CA: Vendor-managed inventory is an arrangement between the customer and supplier in which the vendor takes responsibility for managing and replenishing stock levels of agreed-upon parts and products at the customer's customer's location.

Registration is now open for the 8th annual Austin Hardware Charity Football Pool.

Whether you're going off-road, off the grid, or off to work, you want to be sure your vehicle has the right gear for the day's adventure. We know how important it is to have a reliable, safe ride and one well-equipped for the day's journey- whatever that may be. You work hard, and your truck should work equally as hard for you.

With the costs of fuel and products rising – you want to be sure your truck is in it for the long haul. Protecting your vehicle with the right products not only preserves the life of your truck but it gives you peace of mind. There are several easy ways to ensure your truck is in top shape. Most manufacturers have a recommended list of maintenance items at mileage intervals to help make sure your vehicle is working correctly and has a long life span.

One of the best ways to take care of your vehicle is to stay up to date on routine maintenance – Staying up to date on recommended factory maintenance is crucial to the longevity of your vehicle. A preventative maintenance schedule keeps you from dealing with costly repairs down the line.

A simple maintenance checklist will help you stay on track for repairs and maintenance for commercial vehicles, trucks, and vans, or your adventure vehicle or pickup truck. Below is a list of five easy things you can do to take care of your vehicle.