When it comes to construction, manufacturing, and maintenance, the choice of materials and bonding techniques can significantly impact the durability and performance of a project. With over 50 years of experience, UK sealant manufacturer Hodgson Sealants offers a comprehensive range of sealants and adhesives as superior alternatives to traditional fastening methods.
In an age where efficiency, weight optimisation and aesthetics are paramount in engineering and design, traditional mechanical fasteners such as screws, bolts and rivets are no longer the automatic choice for joining materials. Sealants and adhesives are highly versatile, innovative solutions that are transforming modern construction and manufacturing by redefining approaches to structural integrity and assembly.
“For many years, mechanical fasteners have been at the forefront of bonding techniques – and it’s easy to see why. They are trusted, easy to install bonding methods, which require no curing time and create minimal mess. They are also simple to remove and replace, requiring little training, which makes them a popular choice across various industries,” outlines Kevin Nickolay, national sales manager at Hodgson Sealants.
Hodgson Sealants offers a wide range of high performance sealants and adhesives tailored for construction and industrial applications. Its silicone and hybrid sealants provide weatherproofing for windows, doors, roofing and façades, while its industrial grade products create durable, flexible bonds in sectors such as vehicle conversion, automotive, marine and leisure.
Fire rated sealants are also a key part of Hodgson’s portfolio, protecting the integrity of fire compartments in buildings and offering critical safety during emergencies. The company’s acrylic and hybrid sealants are ideal for sealing cracks, joints and gaps in residential and commercial properties, with the added benefit of paintability for maintenance projects.
Kevin explains: “With innovative sealants and adhesives entering the market – providing strong competition to traditional, mechanical methods – it’s crucial for product designers to carefully consider the bonding system early in the new product development process, as it can impact the project’s performance, weight and cost. Expert guidance can be invaluable in selecting the right bonding method for optimal results.”
He adds: “One of the key strengths of adhesives lies in their ability to distribute stress evenly across a bonded surface, where mechanical fasteners concentrate force on specific points. This uniform stress distribution not only extends the lifespan of bonded components, but also makes structures more resilient to vibrations and dynamic loads, minimising fatigue and failure over time.”
Kevin continues: “Sealants and adhesives offer a range of benefits that go far beyond simply holding materials together. One of their most valuable features is the ability to create airtight and watertight bonds, protecting surfaces from environmental exposure and preventing rust – critical in high moisture or outdoor environments. By sealing joints effectively, they mitigate the risk of corrosion, extending the lifespan of structures in harsh conditions.”
Additionally, some sealants are acoustically rated, which can help reduce sound transmission, making them a smart choice for joints in sound sensitive applications. These sealants form airtight, flexible barriers that block noise leakage through gaps and joints, and absorb and dampen vibrations, making them ideal for sound sensitive applications, such as buildings, studios and vehicles.
“Sealants and adhesives are not only technically superior in certain respects, they also simplify manufacturing processes. Without the need for pre-drilled holes or exacting alignments required for fasteners, assembly becomes faster and less labour intensive. Plus, they eliminate the unsightly appearance of screws or rivets, giving products a cleaner, sleeker look,” comments Kevin. “Since adhesive joints can be smaller and thinner than traditional fastenings, they contribute to lighter products, too. This streamlined approach is one of the key reasons why industries focused on weight and efficiency have widely adopted adhesive technology.”
Another critical advantage is the versatility of adhesives when it comes to bonding dissimilar materials. Whether joining metal to plastic, glass to composites or even wood, adhesives offer solutions where mechanical fasteners often struggle. “This ability to work across different materials opens up new design possibilities and enables performance to be prioritised without being limited by material compatibility. Moreover, the dual function of sealing and bonding provides additional protection against moisture, air and contaminants, making adhesives a top choice for applications that demand both strength and durability,” highlights Kevin.
He concludes: “Although there is still space for traditional fixing systems, as engineering priorities evolve, it’s clear that sealants and adhesives are taking a more prominent role. With their capacity for stress reduction, weight savings, and seamless assembly, they are quietly transforming the fastener and fixing industry.”
Having spent a decade in the fastener industry experiencing every facet – from steel mills, fastener manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, as well as machinery builders and plating + coating companies, Claire has developed an in-depth knowledge of all things fasteners.
Alongside visiting numerous companies, exhibitions and conferences around the world, Claire has also interviewed high profile figures – focusing on key topics impacting the sector and making sure readers stay up to date with the latest developments within the industry.
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