3M has introduced its latest technology in structural
adhesives—3M Scotch-Weld Toughened Epoxy Adhesive
DP920—designed for metal-to-metal bonding in agricultural equipment, appliances, elevator panels, construction equipment, specialty vehicles, trailers and a number
of other applications. New 3M Scotch-Weld Toughened
Epoxy Adhesive DP920 has been developed with a combination of oil-absorb and oil displacement technology.
“This 3M patented technology greatly reduces the time-consuming cleaning process that is commonly required
for oily metal surfaces,” said Meehan. “Upon application,
the adhesive cuts through surface oil and cures at room
temperature, saving both cleaning and energy costs while
helping increase assembly operation efficiency.
Also, as a result of 3M’s acquisition of EMFI S.A, a manufacturer of polyurethane-based structural adhesives and
sealants headquartered in Haguenau, France, 3M intro-
duced a full line of polyurethane sealants to the industrial market earlier in 2009. The products are ideally suited
for industrial accounts who prefer polyurethane performance in bonding and sealing applications. Polyurethanes
provide durability and flexibility in many harsh environments that can be found in construction, marine, transportation, energy and many other industrial applications.
On the DIY side, DAP has recently launched DAP 3.0
Advanced Sealants, a new family of sealants providing
superior weather barrier protection, according to the
company. Formulated with Kwik Dry Technology, DAP
3.0 can be exposed to water in three hours and won’t
wash out, versus the 24 hours some brands require. “Not
only do they provide washout resistance and worry-free
performance, DAP 3.0 also provides the benefits expected
of a premium sealant to bring you the best of the best in
sealant quality,” said Fuller. CW
U.S. DEMAND FOR ADHESIVES
TO REACH $3 BILLION IN 2013
According to “Specialty Adhesives,”
a recently published study from The
Freedonia Group, U.S. demand for
specialty adhesives is projected to
expand 4.4% annually to $3 billion
in 2013, with volume reaching 705
million pounds. Overall demand will
benefit from growth in durable
goods output following a period of
decline between 1998 and 2008. In
terms of market volume, specialty
adhesives are a small component of
the overall adhesive industry, representing approximately five percent
of U.S. adhesive demand in 2008.
However, specialty adhesives are
more significant with respect to
market value, accounting for 28%
of overall adhesive demand due to
their relatively high prices. Among
specialty adhesive product types,
cyanoacrylates are expected to
achieve the fastest gains in market
value through 2013, due primarily
to rapid growth in the medical
field.
Manufacturing and assembly
operations represent the largest
major market for specialty adhesives, accounting for four-fifths of
demand in 2008. Advances will be
fueled by continued strong growth
in the medical product market,
where specialty adhesives find use
in the manufacture of medical
devices, transdermal patches and
medical tape.
The automotive market will also
drive gains as motor vehicle output
rebounds from the significant
declines of the 2003-2008 period.
The on-site construction market
is forecast to increase rapidly
through 2013, supported by accelerating construction activity.
Specialty adhesives are used in
both building and nonbuilding
construction applications. Growth
will be fueled by new housing
advance at an above-average rate
through 2013. These applications
encompass the use of specialty adhesives in automotive repair, construction repair and remodeling, and miscellaneous uses. The repair and
remodeling segment will expand at a
healthy rate, aided by an acceleration in home improvement and
repair activity. However, growth in
the automotive aftermarket will be
limited by the improved outlook for
motor vehicle sales, which will
restrain automotive repair activity.
Among miscellaneous uses,
activity, which is forecast to
achieve double-digit annual gains
as it rebounds from the significant
declines of the 2003-2008 period.
Demand for specialty adhesives in
other markets is expected to
advances will be led by tissue
adhesives, which will benefit from
greater use in place of traditional
wound closure methods.
For further details visit the web
at www.freedoniagroup.com.
