#AdhesiveBonding #Dispensing #Potting #Electronics

Adhesive bonding for electronics – how does it work?

3 minute(s) to read June 02, 2025

How does adhesive bonding work? How does adhesive bonding work?
Planning & component design Planning & component design
Dispensing systems for reliable connections Dispensing systems for reliable connections

What do we need for a long-term bond?

Modern joining technology for bonding sensitive components

The rules of joining two materials are being rewritten by modern processes for dispensing industrial adhesives, opening up completely new possibilities. Especially when it comes to connecting both small and large components cost-effectively and without any mechanical impairment. But what exactly do we have to bear in mind if we want the bond to be permanent?

Dispensing solutions for adhesive bonding in Automotive and Electronics

Adhesive bonding does not affect or damage the materials and is lightweight, which is an important factor in the automotive industry, for example. Vehicles need to become lighter so they consume less fuel and less electrical power. Bonding is a crucial aspect in electric vehicles (EVs), with approximately 30 kilograms of adhesives used per vehicle. In comparison, traditional combustion engine vehicles typically use between 15 and 18 kilograms of adhesives. These adhesives are essential for potting and bonding chips and sensors, stiffening the chassis, and securing the interior linings.

“Adhesive bonding opens up new possibilities: many lightweight structures would not be possible without industrial adhesive bonding. Adhesive bonding not only saves on weight but preserves the structure of the components without damaging them. However, it is good to know that experienced partners are on hand to ensure that durable adhesive joints can be made, especially in safety-relevant applications. ”

Sebastian Schmitt Sales expert productline Scheugenpflug

How does adhesive bonding work?

Bonding is a technique for joining two or more parts using an adhesive substance. Hybrid processes, in which bonding is supplemented by a further operation such as sealing or heat dissipation, are becoming increasingly important in addition to standard bonding applications. They offer many advantages including simpler component handling and weight savings, as mentioned above, which is why they are supplementing or replacing more and more classic joining techniques such as welding and bolting in the industrial sector.

Display bonding with Scheugenpflug dispensing technology

In industrial applications, the dots or lines of adhesive often have to be applied at precisely defined locations on or in the components to be joined. For this reason, highly viscous 1K or 2K adhesives based on polyurethane, silicone or epoxides are usually used as they will not run. Depending on the application and the bonding properties to be achieved, low-viscosity adhesives may also be the materials of choice.

The three rules for successful bonding can be summed up as follows: apply evenly – match – bond. The adhesive should be applied as evenly as possible, and the dispensed bead diameter and length should be matched to the adhesive joint. The parts that are to be bonded with adhesives and cross-linked under the influence of moisture must be combined before the adhesive has formed a skin. What’s more, the pressure must be as uniform as possible.

Factors for a durable bond: Load types and environmental effects on materials over time

The adhesive and the parts bonded can be affected by a wide variety of factors during use. Mechanical influences, such as tensile, shear and peeling forces, can have a sudden, continuous, static or dynamic effect. Environmental influences, notable temperature, media and radiation, can also play a role. The challenge for the joining is in particular the interaction of these influences, so it is crucially important to conduct an in-depth analysis in advance. What do we need for components to be permanently joined?

Good planning is key – and starts with the design

The quality of the surfaces to be bonded has a major influence on the bonding function in addition to the factors shown in the diagram and the materials involved. Is the material strong enough? Should the surfaces be precleaned and are the materials to be dispensed even suitable? The keyword here is adhesion. The surface tension is also important. For example, polyamides, glass-fiber-reinforced plastic and polycarbonates have much better adhesion than rubber, polyethylene or polyoxymethylene.

Unfavorable shapes and design optimization

The geometric shape of the surfaces is very important for the success of the bond. Surface tension needs to be as evenly distributed as possible. The graphic shows unfavorable shapes and suggests ways in which the design can be optimized.

Dispensing systems for reliable connections

Applying adhesive to an electronic component

If the geometry of the materials to be joined is correct, all that remains is to select the appropriate dispensing system technology. Suitable material preparation, feed and dispensing systems are required to ensure that the bonds are durable, especially in safety-relevant applications. The plant must be adapted to suit the properties of the adhesive, such as its reactivity, and appropriate health & safety measures must be taken.

At the same time, the requirements of the components in terms of their variants and geometries must be taken into consideration. It is also important to take into account factors from the production environment, such as the cycle time and the location of the plant. Well planned adhesive processes can be reliably integrated in series production.

If you’re looking for the perfect solution for your specific problem simply ask our experts. Here’s a tip: Laboratory tests during the tendering phase ensure that the solution is ideally adapted to the customer’s specific requirements. To sum up, bonding is one of the most efficient and productive joining techniques.

What are the top three benefits of adhesive bonding in production?

Adhesive bonding is:

Highly functional: Highly functional industrial adhesives lead to a significant reduction in weight
Unchanging: Both the surface and the structure of sensitive components remain unchanged
Hybrid: Combined joining techniques in industrial production fulfill several functions: permanent adhesive bonding with simultaneous sealing of the joint or additional heat dissipation when using thermal interface materials (TIM).

See adhesive bonding in action – visit our Innovation Centers