Advances in adhesive technology have dramatically expanded the scope of potential metal bonding applications. Until recently, most structural acrylic adhesives would lose strength over time on galvanized steel. However, the latest adhesive formulas provide long-term durability on galvanized substrates. Structural acrylic adhesives are also excellent alternatives for bonding metal to plastic, metal to composites and metal to metal, as has been shown in the light-gauge-steel construction industry, where structural adhesives for metal bonding were first introduced 2 years ago.
In this sector, adhesives have been used in combination with metal pins to replace expensive sheet metal screws. Structural adhesives have also been formulated to bond trusses, joists, walls, headers, studs and cantilevered beams, where their use can reduce overall component costs by 60 percent, thanks to savings found in assembly time. Obviously, because they are being used in both residential and nonresidential structures, these adhesives absolutely must maintain their strength through varying temperatures and weather conditions without corroding or failing for the life of a building.