Next Generation Formed-in-place Gasket Sealant for Automotive Powertrain Applications (Fall 2010) Chiu Sing Lin and Mark Neuenschwander, Henkel Corporation In response to OEM needs and industry trends within the powertrain gasketing segment, a next generation FIPG liquid sealant is being introduced. These needs and trends include a robust and low-cost sealing solution, improved long-term hot-oil resistance, increased permeability resistance of materials to meet low emissions vehicle requirements, extended open times and oil foaming issues. A new compound based on polyacrylate (ACM) rubber has been successfully proven as a sealant for FIP gasketing. The presentation will compare this new technology to FIPG liquid sealants used today for vehicle powertrain gasketing applications. Automotive Industry Drivers, Forecast and Production (Fall 2010) George Magliano, IHS Global Insight The “Great Recession” has driven the U.S. auto industry to levels not seen since the early eighties. While the economy—with its disastrous housing market and massive job loss—has been the main culprit, the auto sector downturn has been further aggravated by subprime auto loans and a lack of credit. Auto sales began rebounding with the “Cash for Clunkers” program, but high unemployment muted the pace. Join us for the latest outlook from IHS on the economy and auto industry. The latest forecast for light vehicle sales and production will be analyzed, along with trends in manufacturer market share, performance and segmentation. Effect on Bond Fixture Temperature on the Severity of Bond-line Read-through, Induced-surface Distortion (Spring 2011) Kedzie Fernholtz, Ford Motor Company The Automotive Composites Consortium has completed a project to determine which material and process factors have the most significant impact on bond-line read-through (BLRT) severity and to develop a finite element (FE) model that can predict the severity of these distortions based on material properties and part design. A number of FE sensitivity studies were completed to determine the relationship between individual adhesive material properties and the severity of BLRT-induced distortions. This presentation will provide an overview of the lessons learned in the BLRT project and review the results of the FE sensitivity studies to provide guidance to adhesive suppliers interested in developing adhesives that are less likely to cause surface distortions in assemblies.
Adhesive and Sealant Technology Needs for the Aerospace Industry (Spring 2012) Dr. Kay Blohowiak, Technical Fellow - Adhesives and Bonding, The Boeing Company New adhesive and sealant technologies will continue to play increasingly important roles in advanced aerospace systems. The emergence of more capable adhesives and sealants with better performance and durability over wide ranges of conditions is crucial for efficient, lightweight, and durable structures. New adhesive and sealant curing technologies are needed to reduce manufacturing costs and flow times. The development of multifunctional materials that can perform not only their basic adhesive functions but also provide additional capability and the integration of smart materials concepts could result in an expanded adhesive design space. This presentation will outline such emergent adhesive and sealant technology needs for existing and future aerospace systems. North America Light Vehicle Outlook: Defining Success in the Automotive Industry (Fall 2012) George Magliano, Senior Principal Economist, Americas, IHS Automotive This presentation will provide the latest outlook and thinking from HIS on the U.S. economy and auto industry. Forecasts of the economic sectors crucial to the auto sector – housing, employment, credit, consumer spending, oil – will be discussed. The latest forecast for light vehicle sales and production, for U.S., Canada and Mexico will be analyzed, along with trends in manufacturer market share and segmentation. Current Adhesive Challenges for Tier One Automotive Supplier (Fall 2012) Robin Fites, Materials Laboratory Manager, Harman There are two new challenges for automotive industry adhesives. One challenge is more severe test exposure conditions. As automotive manufactures strive for longer vehicle service life, the adhesives must now have higher temperature resistance and higher humidity resistance. The second challenge is increased restriction of many raw materials now considered toxic. A related problem is trace monomers and solvents affecting automotive interior air quality.