New method for inline monitoring of adhesive curing
In a newly launched research project, SKZ aims to answer the question of when an adhesive is actually cured. To this end, terahertz and radar technology is being developed to enable non-destructive in-line control.
[Translate to Englisch:] Ergebnisverlauf einer Terahertzuntersuchung. Ähnlich rheologischer Untersuchungen von Probenkleinstmengen im Labormaßstab kann die Aushärtung eines zwischen zwei Substraten applizierten Klebstoffes inline verfolgt werden. (Bild: Marcel Mayr, SKZ)
Terahertz and radar technology will be used for the investigations
With the help of terahertz and radar technology, bonded joints can be monitored inline without contact or destruction. As part of a research project, SKZ experts are demonstrating the suitability of these methods using numerous adhesives and different joining partners. Influencing factors such as adhesive quantity, ambient temperature, humidity and sample geometry are also being investigated. One focus is on using the most cost-effective measurement technology to achieve the highest possible market acceptance.
Interested companies can participate in the project steering committee free of charge and without obligation, thus gaining first-hand knowledge of pre-competitive research results. The SKZ is also happy to include the individual products of the participating companies in the test portfolio. In this way, the suitability of the newly developed process can be directly and practically assessed.
There is hardly a product in which an adhesive is not used. The flexibility of use and the potential for further development and adaptation result in an almost infinite number of applications. When bonding a component, the curing times specified by the adhesive manufacturer are often used. However, these curing times are determined in the laboratory on very small sample quantities and, due to numerous influencing factors, cannot be easily transferred to real applications of the adhesives used. As a result, unnecessarily long cure times are often accepted just to ensure that the component does not enter further processing too early.
The IGF project 22161 N of the research association Fördergemeinschaft für das SKZ is funded by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection via the AiF within the framework of the program for the promotion of joint industrial research and development based on a resolution of the German Bundestag. We would like to thank you for the financial support.
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