The concept of cross-linking polymers with UV light attained full commercial acceptance in the coatings and ink industries in the late 1970s, extending UV technology to joining smooth, nonporous substrates. These initial efforts proved disappointing as resins tended to give low-strength bonds to surfaces that were difficult to adhere to, including metals and other nonporous surfaces. The presence of oils, dirt, and grease was particularly harmful,
Sealing
Wire Tacking
Ferrite Magnet
Bearing Mount
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Figure 7 Motor constructed using a combination of aerobic adhesives, press bits, and swagging.
as well. Plastics, which have low-energy surfaces, and glass were also difficult to bond structurally. Early attempts at formulating structural adhesives reflected these limitations. Consequently, in the 1970s and early 1980s, the use of UV adhesives gained little acceptance.
In the early 1980s, UV curing grades of aerobic acrylic adhesives, however, were developed to provide structural bonds within seconds at room temperature on a wide variety of substrates. Parts may be precisely positioned and then structurally joined ‘‘on demand’’ at both a place and time convenient to the assembly process.