Airbag Manufacturing – Use of Adhesives
Airbags are key parts of modern vehicles that cushion the driver and passengers in the event of a crash. They are soft balloons consisting of sensors and an inflation system, fitted into the steering wheel, dashboard, seats, roof or door of a vehicle.
The global airbag market is projected to reach a value of £41 billion by 2030, growing at a rate of 5.7%. This growth is accounted for by the overall growth in the automotive sector, increasing awareness of vehicle safety, and increasingly strict vehicle safety regulations.
With the increasing demand for vehicle safety, automotive airbag manufacturers are looking for innovative solutions that improve safety and reduce weight and costs. One of these solutions is the use of adhesives.
Advantages of Using Adhesives in Airbags
The use of adhesives in airbag manufacturing allows airbags to:
- Fit into increasingly small areas
- Integrate with complex parts smoothly
- Be manufactured and fitted more efficiently
- Reduce environmental impact
- Maintain driver safety
- Be aesthetically pleasing
Top Adhesives for Airbag Manufacturing
Effective adhesives for airbag manufacturing ensure driver safety by providing:
- Excellent temperature resistance and regulation
- Friction and ageing resistance
- Compatibility with plastics and lightweight materials
- Primerless adhesion, enabling cost-effective repeatability
- Odourless and non-toxic application
- Protection against water and moisture
- Sealing and protecting airbag sensors
- Extended component life
Araldite 2014-2 is a two-component epoxy adhesive that can be used for bonding motors and sensors. Due to producing very little outgassing while providing superior gap-filling, it is perfect for sensitive electronic components and printed circuit boards (PCBs), such as those within airbag systems. It also provides excellent temperature, water and chemical resistance.
Araldite CW 1312/Aradur HY 1300 is an optimally filled casting system that can be used for encapsulating motors and pressure-sensitive components, protecting intricate components from external hazards. It provides good thermal shock resistance, thermal endurance and low water absorption.
Araldite 2018 is a two-component, polyurethane adhesive for bonding thermoplastics. It is capable of bonding a wide variety of materials including thermoplastics, composites and rubber. It provides room temperature curing, good UV stability, low shrinkage and pot life of 40 minutes.
Discover our full guide on bonding & protecting vehicle sensors, encapsulation compounds and achieving lightweight vehicle doors to learn more about this topic and find the most suitable solution for your application.
