In today’s fast paced industries the development of new materials with diverse applications puts additional challenges on manufacturing technology. One example of this was when UK designer and manufacturer of retail display equipment, Alan Nuttall Ltd, experienced manufacturing issues with a mirror mounting application.
Alan Nuttall Ltd wanted to assess how double-sided tape solutions could be best utilised within its current and future manufacturing processes. The company placed an emphasis on how best to replace traditional methods for fixing various materials including welding techniques, permanent mechanical fasteners and structural adhesives.
The Midlands-based company had previously worked with tesa® to evaluate using double-sided tapes for the manufacture of its ambient, refrigerated and heated products. This involved an extensive testing programme using tesa® ACXplus acrylic core tapes, which highlighted the efficacy of tapes in helping to solve specific industry issues and improve productivity.
The mirror mounting application presented a new challenge – manufactured by bonding PP safety backed glass to either MDF or MFC substrates – the mirrors are produced in a range of sizes and weights. With weight being a key factor, the company was keen to identify whether a single bonding solution could fulfil essential performance criteria in ensuring the safety of the assemblies.
tesa addressed the company’s concerns about the need for a secondary bonding solution by implementing a further testing programme using tesa® 4952 – a double-sided PE-foam tape certified for mirror mounting applications. The tape was applied on different sizes and weights of mirror, which were bonded to both MDF and MFC substrates and then stored away for a two week period.
Using tesa 4952 had many benefits including high immediate bond on rough surfaces; good compensation for design tolerances; levelling out of different thermal expansion of materials; and a shock absorption and sealing function. Furthermore, when tests were conducted to try and prise the mirrors and backing materials apart, the mirrors cracked long before the tapes’ bond failed.
Mick Steele, technical director at Alan Nuttall Ltd, said: “The tesa products we have introduced into our processes are saving up to 20% production time and allowing us to use different materials in the manufacturing process to provide better aesthetics.”
Mathew Lord, sales area manager at tesa, commented: “Double-sided tapes are increasingly replacing traditional methods of fastening and fixing materials on a wide range of manufacturing projects, so it was imperative that we found an appropriate solution for Alan Nuttall. One of our aims has always been to help businesses streamline both their operations and value proposition and this project was no exception.”
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.
