Bonding Dissimilar Material Solutions for Body-in-White

Our structural adhesive liquids allow for reinforcement and, in certain applications, replacement of mechanical fasteners. They can be applied quickly and efficiently and provide flexible working times. They are heat-cured to structural strength at variable rates, using established OEM processes, so there's usually no need to add process steps for adhesive cure. Many 3M structural adhesives are formulated for longer storage and lower cure temperatures (room temperature to induction curing at temperatures as low as 80°C), ideal for bonding materials like carbon fiber without distortion or resin degradation. 

Many of our two-part epoxy structural adhesives are available in Duo-Pak cartridge and bulk containers and can be applied with 3M application equipment that allows for precise, consistent mix ratios and minimal product waste.

The power of 3M structural adhesives in a tape format makes for added precision where clean, complete application is critical, such as in BIW areas where corrosion is a main concern. These structural adhesive tapes improve quality by reducing variability of application and can bond to a variety of metal substrates. They also expand during cure to fill gaps, which can help reduce warranty claims in some applications. The tapes allow for efficient processing and assembly, especially for bonding long, thin areas where the use of mechanical fasteners such as spot welds or rivets has traditionally required extra time and labor.