ACTIVATION ON THE FLOW Process, device, and adhesive

Activation on the flow Innovative process technology for high-tech adhesives In addition to mechanical and adhesive properties, a particular focus is placed on process issues when choosing the adhesive for a specific application. With activation on the flow, DELO has developed a technology that combines for the first time the process steps of dispensing and preactivation. This opens up a wide range of new possibilities for product and process design. As an efficient and resource-saving technology, activation on the flow is an ideal alternative for heat curing, dual curing, and two-component curing...

Your benefits at a glance: > 50 % process cost savings

Activation on the flow is a further development of preactivation known in the industry. What is different from previous process designs, however, is the moment of irradiation. With this process technology, irradiation takes place not after, but during dispensing, creating new scope for innovation. 1 Dispensing and irradiation in one step Already during the dispensing process, the entire adhesive volume is irradiated at a wavelength of 400 or 460 nm. The light activates the process of adhesive curing, converting the adhesive into a specific state, from which the so-called open time begins. 2 Joining...

Dual-initiator adhesives For the process of activation on the flow, DELO has developed special adhesives based on epoxy resin. The patented DELO KATIOBOND FA products are provided with so-called “dual initiators”Their distinctive feature is that they react . to different wavelengths so that the adhesive cures more slowly or more quickly. It is only thanks to this mechanism that activation on the flow and optional light fixation are possible. The process design can be adapted to optimally satisfy the requirements. The one-component adhesives are available with different mechanical properties and...

Advantages of activation on the flow Maximum design freedom Activation on the flow pushes the limits of design and creates maximum space for product innovation. This process technology is just as suitable for opaque components as it is for complex geometries with undercuts and shadowed areas. The adhesive already being activated, it cures reliably in all areas. Such freedom of design is not given with conventional lightcuring processes, in which the adhesive is irradiated only after dispensing. This is because the entire adhesive volume must be reached by light for complete curing. Reduction...

Activation on the flow vs. conventional light curing: activation on the flow guarantees reliable curing in shadowed areas. Activation on the flow is a resource-saving and efficient process. It contributes significantly to reduced energy consumption and CO2 emissions. This is particularly evident when compared to heat curing processes, such as those typical in the automotive industry. For large-scale production lines with oven stations and a production rate of 500,000 components per year, annual carbon dioxide emissions can be reduced by 98 %. This is roughly equivalent to the amount of CO2 emissions...

Activation on the flow made possible by a special device DELO-ACTIVIS 600, which enables the process of activation on the flow, consists of two main components: a dispensing unit and a curing unit. Dispensing is done on a volumetric basis using cartridges or bulk containers, at a precisely defined flow rate. The core of the curing unit is a translucent standard mixing tube and four integrated and individually controllable DELOLUX 503 lamp heads, operating at a wavelength of 400 or 460 nm. The mixing coil in the mixing tube ensures uniform irradiation of the adhesive during dispensing. The dispensing...

DELO-DIV VD600 volume dispenser Standard mixing tube 4× DELOLUX 503 LED lamp head Viewing window Dispensing needle

Application examples Activation on the flow is a versatile technology that enables fast and efficient light-curing processes for opaque components and complex geometries. It is particularly suitable for bonding temperature-sensitive components in a gentle way without heat input and with low stress. The process technology is also ideal for sensor potting and connector pin sealing. The optional light fixation step, which can be integrated into the overall process thanks to the special dual-initiator adhesives, additionally enables fast handling and production processes that involve inline inspection,...

Sensor potting Pins and connector sealing

DELO Industrial Adhesives China | Germany HQ | France | Italy | Japan | Korea Malaysia | Singapore | Thailand | Czech Republic | USA The data and information provided are based on tests performed under laboratory conditions. Reliable information about the behavior of the product under practical conditions and its suitability for a specific purpose cannot be concluded from this. It is the customer’s responsibility to test the suitability of a product for the intended purpose by considering all specific requirements and by applying standards the customer deems suitable (e. g. DIN 2304-1). Type,...