AWS WHC-3.10:2008

Adhesive Bonding
Scope : Adhesive bonding is a materials joining process in which a nonmetallic bonding material (an adhesive) is placed between the faying surfaces of the materials to be joined, (the adherends). The interposed adhesive hardens or solidifies by physical or chemical property changes to produce a bonded joint with useful strength.1, 2 During some stage of processing, the adhesive must become sufficiently fluid to wet the faying surfaces of the adherends. Although adhesive bonding is used to join many nonmetallic materials, only the bonding of metals to metals or to nonmetallic structural materials is covered in this chapter. The types of adhesives and the methods of applying them are discussed. A section on the advantages, limitations, and performance of adhesive-bonded joints will help the design engineer, fabricator or manufacturer determine whether the benefits of the process can be applied to a prospective joining project. This chapter includes details of surface preparation for adhesive bonding, assembling and curing procedures, equipment, types of adhesives, joint design, process control, quality assurance, testing and inspection, economics, and safe practices. Continuing research and the ongoing development of improved adhesives and materials have contributed to the dramatic advances in the properties of adhesives the types of materials bonded, and the bonding techniques and applications discussed in this chapter.