Adhesives are widely used throughout an aircraft. Jet engines contain structural adhesives, threadlockers, retaining compounds and thread sealants for hydraulic components.

Medical device manufacturers often use silicone adhesives to assemble products such as catheters, pacemakers, cochlear implants, aesthetic implants and gastric balloons.

Strong and lightweight, carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) offers numerous benefits to automotive and aerospace manufacturers. Many engineers are intrigued by potential applications for the material, yet remain frustrated by joining challenges.

UV-curing adhesives are often the first choice for fast and efficient bonding of components. Able to cure within seconds, these adhesives allow high throughputs to be achieved in serial production.

For medical devices such as catheters, syringes, vials, test tubes and injector pens, many manufacturers are turning to plastics that are formulated to resist harsh chemical and environmental conditions.

Several years ago, researchers from QSS Group Inc. and the Ohio Aerospace Institute were interested in finding a commercially available adhesive that bonds titanium pipes to carbon-carbon composite (CCC) sheets. The reason: Doing so would lower the cost of assembling spacecraft heat-rejection systems made of these joined materials.

Eliminating waste is a key part of lean manufacturing initiatives. It's also important when it comes to using adhesive.

Manufacturers today are trapped in a perennial race to get products assembled and out the door in less time and at lower cost while maintaining high quality. They must also adjust to constant change in the materials they use.

Engineers at NASA recently earmarked a couple of emerging technologies that may alter the way aircraft are designed and built in the coming decades. If successful, each could lead to planes that are quieter, more energy efficient and produce fewer emissions.

As a senior research scientist at Sauder Woodworking Co. in Archbold, OH, John Beck has dealt with many surface treatment challenges.