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Adhesive curing usually takes either patience or, to accelerate this process, the right tools. Conventional two-component adhesives, for example can take between a day and a week to reach their final strength. In manufacturing processes, however, an adhesive’s curing time needs to be adjusted to the cycle time appropriate for its respective production setting. This implies fast and reliable curing, ideally within seconds.
Along with rapid light curing, which is only possible for translucent components, thermal acceleration is a suitable method. This is usually done by placing the bonded connection in a convection oven, but this method is often too slow as it corresponds with cycle times of 15 to 60 minutes. One reason for that is that it does not provide location- or material-specific heating. Induction curing, on the other hand, has great potential for rapid thermal curing and is an efficient solution for metal components.
During inductive heating, a metal component is exposed—either partially or completely—to an alternating electromagnetic field created by a live coil. This field generates eddy currents within the material, flowing opposite of the original current and heating the material. Induction heats up electrically conductive components at a significantly higher rate compared to ovens, substantially accelerating the curing process of heat-curing adhesives. Heating can be accelerated even further in the case of ferromagnetic substrates.
The surfaces of electrically conductive metal components heat up very quickly by induction and transfer the heat to the adhesive. In the case of non-conductive workpieces such as ceramics or plastics, suitable additives like metal powder can be added to the adhesive. With these additives conducting heat, this causes the adhesive layer to warm up internally, consequently allowing it to cure faster.
Whether on metal components or with additives within, the adhesive can cure in as little as 30–120 seconds. Unlike heat curing methods like radiation or convection, induction curing generates heat internally within the conductive workpiece as well. Since, compared to oven curing, induction curing takes less time to heat the adhesive to the same temperature, molecules in the adhesive are smaller and more mobile, thus hastening crosslinking.
If reduced curing times and targeted heat are key requirements in your application, induction curing can be an interesting option. A more sustainable option, there are also energy savings to consider due to its rapid warm-up time. Depending on your application, the inductive heating process needs to be tested with respect to the adhesive’s behavior, frequency, and power, then optimized by adequate temperature control.
Do you have an application where induction curing is an option or would you like to find out more about the different types of adhesive curing? Take advantage of our free project consultation and get in touch with our experts.
About DELO: DELO is a leading provider of high-tech adhesives, offering solutions for automotive, electronics, and semiconductor industries for over 25 years. Our innovative technologies set industry standards. Companies like Bosch, Huawei, and Siemens trust DELO for superior adhesive technologies.
We are your touchpoint for high-tech bonding. Our specialist worldwide are keen to support you. Get in touch with us now!
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![[Translate to German:] Magnets in an electric motor are being fixed using light and high-temperature adhesive, with DELO equipment visible.](/fileadmin/_processed_/e/3/csm_Automotive_light-fixation-magnet-electric-motor_production_content_1413x942_edff39efce.webp)
