Henkel opens composite lab in Heidelberg
29 August 2016
Henkel AG & Co KG aA, has opened a new composite test centre in Heidelberg, Germany, where automotive customers can team up with Henkel experts to develop and test composite parts and to figure out the best production process condition to make their ideas market ready.
As a global leader in adhesives, sealants and functional coatings for the automotive industry, Henkel is always striving to create a competitive advantage for its customers along the entire value chain of car
manufacturing. It works closely with its industrial customers to create tailor-made, integrated solutions for automotive OEMs and suppliers, particularly related to cost-efficiency and suitability for high volume production. Henkel’s products make vehicles quieter, lighter and more durable, while providing comfort, strength and safety.
Automotive OEMs and tier 1 suppliers are constantly seeking cost-effective processes suitable for production of more than 10,000 parts per year. They also want custom formulated, fast curing resins for use in short production cycles. This magnifies the importance of having reliable partners with in-house test capabilities, which are close to series production conditions. That’s precisely why Henkel has opened its composite lab, where customers can do trials using high-pressure resin transfer moulding (HP-RTM) equipment. The HP-RTM machine includes a 380 tonnes press and injection equipment for polyurethanes and epoxy materials.
Henkel’s diverse composites portfolio includes composite matrix resins and composite adhesives – supported by process know-how and engineering expertise.
Now OEMs and tier 1 suppliers can come into the Henkel composites lab and work with Henkel experts to learn first-hand what the options and possibilities may be for using advanced composite materials with short cycle times in their vehicles.
