Dow Automotive Structural Adhesives Strengthen Audi A8 Aluminium Body
Dow Automotive bonding technology is experiencing an increased range of applications this year, and is supporting original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in both improving safety and achieving overall weight reduction. The safety aspect is achieved due to improved stiffness by the continuous bond line that adhesives enable. Lightweight design is enabled by the use of weight-saving materials like high-strength steel or aluminium, as with the Audi A8.
For the innovative A8, Audi selected BETAMATE™ crash durable adhesive from Dow Automotive for several important reasons. In addition to the safety and weight reduction properties, BETAMATE provides improved humidity resistance and advanced corrosion protection properties. Audi's advanced testing included a two-year outdoor weathering test which validated the reliability of the adhesive.
In addition to the technical benefits offered by BETAMATE crash durable adhesives, production benefits like jet stream application, which allows a variable distance between spray nozzle and part to be more flexible, increased application speed and 3D applications are also achieved. Due to its low viscosity, there is no need to pre-heat the adhesives tubes and follower plate during application and fewer application stations are required when using longer tubes of adhesive.
In addition to the epoxy-based crash durable adhesive, the Audi A8 also uses Dow Automotive adhesives for hem flanges in doors because of their proven quality in this application area.
About Dow Automotive
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Dow Automotive is a leading global provider of technology-driven solutions that meet consumer demand for vehicles that are safer, stronger, quieter, lighter, cleaner, comfortable and stylish. The organization provides plastics, adhesives, glass bonding systems, sealants, emissions control technology, films, fluids and structural enhancement and acoustical management solutions to OEM, tier and aftermarket customers around the world. For additional information about Dow Automotive products, services, and application development centres, visit www.dowautomotive.com.
