Driving innovation in adhesive technology, SiKA provides comprehensive solutions for the automotive industry

As the penetration rate of new energy vehicles gradually exceeds that of fuel vehicles, the market size of automotive adhesives will continue to expand, and the strong market demand is also promoting the continuous research and development of innovative technologies by adhesives suppliers to support the progress of electrification, intelligence, and manufacturing processes.

On September 19-21, 2024, ASE CHINA 2024 (China International Adhesives and Sealants Exhibition) was held at Shanghai New International Expo Center. One of the giants of the global adhesive industry, Sika, headquartered in Switzerland, presented four application series products of "smart travel, advanced manufacturing, green energy and intelligent cabin" at this exhibition, demonstrating innovative and sustainable bonding solutions in the whole field.

"There is no doubt that China has become the world's largest adhesive application market, and the industrial chain has been very mature. As one of the most authoritative exhibitions in the industry, ASE CHINA provides a high-quality technology display and business docking platform for industry participants, which is of great significance to promote the development of the industry." Han Jiawei, market manager of Automotive and Industrial Asia Pacific of Sika Group, told this reporter that he also shared the company's deep layout and innovative concept in the field of automotive adhesives for us.

The demand for adhesives in the power system of traditional fuel vehicles is not large, and with the rise of new energy vehicles, adhesives play a key role in the three power system, and its market demand is being rapidly released. Due to the high requirements of power battery, motor, electric control structure enhancement, thermal conductivity, sealing, fire prevention, stability and so on, adhesives are becoming the upstream materials that Oems and parts suppliers attach great importance to.

On the other hand, new energy vehicles are more extreme in the pursuit of lightweight, the structural design of the vehicle must also be changed, and it is necessary to achieve better body strength at the same time, in terms of weight. At this time, the use of adhesives to replace the fastener connection or welding process can greatly reduce the weight.

In addition, under the trend of integration and complexity of automotive interior and exterior finishes, innovative applications such as penetration lights, smart surfaces, thermoplastic taildoors integrating various functions, and digital front faces pose new challenges to the selection of materials in terms of both appearance and functionality. The traditional connection method has been unable to fully meet the strict functional requirements of the Oems, and the advantages of using adhesives are emerging.

"The coefficient of thermal expansion of various materials inside and outside the vehicle is different, and the rigid connection method is difficult to avoid noise during the operation of the vehicle, and the durability is poor." The use of elastic bonding methods such as adhesives not only has significant advantages in optimizing NVH, but also does not increase energy consumption during the bonding process compared to mechanical processes, which is more environmentally friendly and sustainable." Han Jiawei detailed a number of core advantages of adhesives.

In addition to the increase in the amount of rubber used in bicycles, the value of adhesives is also increasing, and the adhesive enterprises with advanced technology can bring more added value to customers. Sika, as the head enterprise in this field, naturally attaches great importance to innovation. Among all Swiss companies, Sika is ranked first in the Innovation Index, which is a perfect reflection of its innovation ability. The company's vision of "Moving Industries Forward" also represents its hope to lead the development of the industry with technological innovation.

"Sika fosters and develops a global network of scientists, partners, suppliers and customers. With our strong R&D capabilities and innovative product portfolio, we focus on providing our customers with flexible and professional solutions to ensure that our products not only meet technical requirements, but also optimize their production processes." Han Jiawei introduced.

The automotive industry is becoming increasingly competitive, and the R&D and delivery cycles for suppliers are shrinking. In response, Sika has established a more flexible and responsive supply chain management system on the one hand, and is exploring deeper cooperation models with customers on the other hand. From the early design stages of a customer's vehicle, Sika can be deeply involved, offering professional advice or customized solutions rather than simply supplying them. At the same time, Sika actively promotes cutting-edge trends and technologies to its customers, helping them to lead the market in mass production products.

In addition, Sika is committed to providing additional value to customers through innovations such as two-component adhesive technology, which allows for more precise cure times, so that customers can significantly reduce the entire production process, and Sika continues to reduce the amount of adhesive used without affecting the effect through performance and process optimization, which further reduces costs and benefits.