15-03-2021 | Intertronics | Subs & Systems
Intertronics has announced Born2Bond Light Lock, a unique low-odour, low bloom, dual-curing cyanoacrylate adhesive (CA). Intended for an extensive range of bonding applications that need fast fixture, coating or surface cure, the adhesive’s dual-cure formulation comprises both instant (surface) cure and light cure. It is offered in high viscosity and gel formulations for bonding, repair, coating or infilling applications.
The adhesive provides typical instant CA adhesive bonding (typically by exposure to surface moisture) for fast interfacial curing. At the same time, its UV and visible light reactivity provides rapid curing of exposed fillets or areas, as well as through transparent parts. This indicates it can solve the typical CA bonding challenge of curing outside of the bond line.
Without light exposure, the adhesive’s fixture time is around 60 seconds, while with low power visible or long-wave UV light, it is curable in less than five seconds. UV wavelength is not critical — the useful range is from 365nm to 430nm, and low-cost LED-based curing technology is effective.
“Cyanoacrylate adhesives are strong and fast products for interfacial bonds,” explained Ben Swanson, sales Manager of Intertronics. “However, they don’t tend to cure quite so well if not between two surfaces. The addition of light-curing of any exposed adhesive brings process improvements and decreases the risk of contamination. Light Lock is a simple solution for exposed bond lines while offering all the benefits of CAs — it is a single part, fast curing and adheres to multiple surfaces.
“It does not offer the shortcomings of traditional CAs, like blooming, an aesthetically undesirable residue on the surface of a part — a side effect of CA’s volatility and fast cure,” continued Swanson. “Manufacturers can, therefore realise the benefits of both CA and UV technology in one easy to use adhesive product.”
Common applications in electronics manufacturing include ruggedising, wire tacking, encapsulating, insulation and coating. In medical device manufacturing, it is suitable for plastic and metal bonding, including needle and hearing aid bonding. It has applications in glass to metal bonding for jewellery, watches, perfume and liquor bottles.
