Adhesives and double-sided adhesive tapes provide for a firm connection between dissimilar materials. With one-part and two-part adhesives, structural bond strengths
can easily be achieved at room temperature, even on low-energy surfaces such as PE and PP. The adhesives perform tasks that previously were reserved for mechanical joining techniques, such as joining by screws, riveting or spot welding.
In time, mechanical fasteners may be replaced not only by adhesives but also by high-performance adhesive tapes that fulfill the tasks of, for example, joining by screws, riveting, clipping and spot-welding. These provide for a secure, reliable and performing joint because they allow most different materials to be joined, have excellent tack, allow immediate processing, avoid the generation of stresses when joining dissimilar materials, have excellent resistance to elevated temperature, and are able to meet a customer’s specific needs when delivered as die-cuts. Spray adhesives or reclosable fasteners can be applied where quick joining or temporary joining is essential. Screen-printed adhesives can be placed directly and exactly where they are needed. New systems are available that rapidly cure by UV-light at room temperature without harming the bonded surfaces.