Whether you need a UV-cure adhesive to assemble a medical device or a two-part epoxy to encapsulate electronics, you’ll find it at The ASSEMBLY Show, which will take place Oct. 21-23 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL. Some 14 suppliers of adhesives, dispensing and curing technology will be displaying their wares. Here’s a look at some of what you’ll see.

Structural Adhesive Has Long Open Time

Photo courtesy of Dopag and Bostik Inc.

Born2Bond Structural is a high-strength hybrid adhesive that provides a fast fixture time at room temperature while maintaining good processability and the ability to bond gaps up to 5 millimeters. The adhesive bonds well to a variety of substrates, including aluminum, plastics, elastomers, and porous substrates, such as woods, chipboard and leather. The adhesive is formulated for applications that require mechanical and in-use environment resistance.

Bostik Inc.
www.bostik.com
Booth 242

Volumetric Spray Valves Apply Lubricants

Photo courtesy of Dopag and Meter Mix US

Volumetric spray valves apply small quantities of lubricants over surfaces accurately and repeatably. They are suitable for all applications where lubricants must be sprayed precisely, even in hard-to-reach places. The valves are available in two versions: a needle metering valve with a metering volume of 0.003 to 0.2 milliliter, or a chamber metering valve with a metering volume of 0.05 to 3 milliliters. Metering accuracy is less than ±1 percent of the set volume.

The valves have integrated material throttling, so the spray pattern can be individually adjusted and splashes are avoided. A wide selection of nozzle extensions is available to enable accessibility for all shapes and geometries. Depending on the requirements, Dopag can also develop special extensions according to customer specifications.

Dopag and Meter Mix US
www.dopag.com
Booth 540

UV-Cure Epoxy for Potting

Photo courtesy of Crosslink Technology Inc.

UV-cured epoxy potting compound provides great clarity, superior adhesion, and a long shelf life (up to one year at room temperature). When exposed to the correct wavelength of UV light, a half-inch thickness of epoxy will cure in 30 to 60 seconds. The epoxy has a low viscosity of less than 400 centipoise. When cured, the epoxy is not brittle and provides good chemical resistance.

Crosslink Technology Inc.
https://crosslinktech.com
Booth 1601

Adhesives for Thermal Management

Photo courtesy of EpoxySet Inc.

A wide range of products have been specifically formulated for thermal management. The line includes one- and two-part epoxies; epoxy, silicone and urethane potting compounds; silicone and non-silicone thermal greases; and thermal silicone gap fillers. In addition to thermal conductivity, many of these products have high glass transition temperatures and can withstand elevated temperatures. 

For example, EB-486-ALAN is a highly thermally conductive, high-strength, structural epoxy adhesive. This tough adhesive has an excellent combination of shear and peel strength. It also has excellent impact and vibration resistance and low-temperature flexibility. This high-performance epoxy exhibits very good physical, thermal and electrical insulation properties. It is recommended for bonding aluminum, steel, copper, brass, wood, porcelain and engineering thermoplastics.

EpoxySet Inc.
www.epoxyset.com
Booth 1244

UV Spot Curing System

Photo courtesy of Excelitas

The OmniCure S2000 Elite UV curing system is equipped with closed-loop feedback and Intelli-lamp technologies to automatically monitor and maintain radiation output for highest process quality. Over time, the output of all mercury lamps decreases, which left uncorrected can adversely affect curing efficiency. With closed-loop feedback, an internal optical sensor monitors lamp output in real time and adjusts the iris to automatically maintain the irradiance level to within ±5 percent of the set point, ensuring repeatable and measurable doses of curing energy for increased yields and quality. An on-screen indicator, a light ring and an audible alarm that indicate when the lamp can no longer generate the set irradiance level.

The system features a high-speed mechanical shutter with a 30-millisecond response time to ensure a precise dose for any application, every time. The system is equipped with advanced communication capabilities, so manufacturers can manage and monitor it remotely. When combined with an OmniCure R2000 radiometer, the system can be calibrated to maintain exposures set in peak irradiance (watts per square centimeter) or optical power (watts). The system features a 200-watt UV lamp, with outputs up to 30 watts per square centimeter.

Excelitas
www.excelitas.com
Booth 645

Accurate Dispensing Starts With Good Material Preparation

Photo courtesy of Marco Systems

Air-free dispensing starts with the right material preparation. Using vacuum degassing tanks, media is conditioned before it ever reaches the valve. This ensures bubble-free applications for even the most sensitive adhesives and sealants. 

Two tank sizes are available: 3 liters or 25 liters. Both are modular and easy to clean. The 3-liter tank consists of a milled steel block. The built-in Venturi nozzle generates a vacuum of up to 300 millibar. This can be increased by connecting an external vacuum pump to the lid. The 25-litre tank consists of a steel tube welded to a base. A propeller inside the tank extends processing time. An integrated heating element ensures the correct processing temperature. The tank can be filled without opening the lid or stopping the degassing process. A pump produces a vacuum of up to 50 millibars.

The PushMembrane system delivers continuous, pulsation-free media flow—ideal for high-viscosity or shear-sensitive materials. Combined with precision valves, it guarantees stable volumes and repeatable dosing and dispensing. The system creates constant pressure conditions in the media supply. It is often problematic to set the pressure of the media pump exactly and to keep it constant during production. The PushMembrane ensures that the same pressure is always applied to the valve or dispensing head. 

Marco Systems
www.marco-systems.com
Booth 1605

Sealant for Photovoltaic Assemblies

Photo courtesy of Novagard

500-PV is a two-component, alkoxy condensation cure silicone thixotropic paste. It has a moderate curing speed at room temperature, allowing sufficient time for large components and complex assemblies to come together during solar panel manufacturing, while providing significantly greater throughput than single-component condensation cure products. It adheres well to many materials, including glass, aluminum and composites.

It has excellent long-term durability and adhesion performance. This silicone thixotropic paste is for use in applications where long-term temperature cycle resistance, UV exposure, and other harsh exposure conditions exist. With a 10-to-1 variable mix ratio, this low-odor, noncorrosive material is designed to be used with automated dispensing equipment. The cure time is adjustable based on manufacturing requirements.

Novagard
https://novagard.com
Booth 1613

Flexible Urethane Produced From Plant-Based Materials

Photo courtesy of Threebond International

ThreeBond 1539 is a one-component, fast-curing elastic urethane adhesive for bonding, sealing and potting various materials. The adhesive can be cured by heating at a relatively low temperature (60 C) for a short time and does not require a long-time curing process. It uses a plant-derived polymer as the main component. The cured material is an elastic body, which is resistant to vibration and impact and excels in relaxation of stress caused by expansion and contraction of parts. It is elastic over a wide temperature range (-35 to 100 C). 

It has excellent adhesion to various materials, including aluminum, steel, stainless steel, copper, phenolic resin, epoxy, acryl, ABS, polycarbonate, nylon, PET, PBT, PPS, PVC and glass.

Threebond International
https://threebond.com
Booth 944

For more information on adhesives and dispensing, read these articles:

Structural Adhesives for Automotive Assembly
How to Error-Proof the Dispensing Process
Dispensing Thermally Conductive Fillers