2-CAP - Robust Process for 2C Application of Adhesive

2C applications are a strong trend in lightweight design and electrification of vehicles where new concepts are now being developed that require new technical solutions. 

The goal of the 2-CAP project is an automatic handling of all parts of the 2C adhesive process to obtain a stable robust process, optimized material consumption and minimized chemical risks for personnel.

Almost all experience in the automotive industry which may be considered leading for high-volume manufacturing, regarding automated adhesive processes, is today based on heat-curing 1C adhesive. For new innovative lightweight designs, which depend on mixing materials (Multimaterial), joining with 2C adhesive is important. Increased strength and adhesion in joints open up the opportunity for new material combinations and a stronger product with a longer lifespan. High-volume manufacturing requires automated application of 2C adhesive and thus ensure products with high quality, short lead times and reduce work environment risks. 2C adhesive has certainly been around for quite some time in hand-held and semi-automatic applications, but has not been applied in the areas and volumes that are now in demand.

A robust automated process for 2C adhesive has great potential to rationalize and make production more efficient, but deep knowledge of the interaction between materials, equipment, application situations and process is required to give Swedish companies the competitive advantage it needs and contribute to a resource-efficient use. The need for generic knowledge is great and central to creating innovative lightweight solutions, reducing material use and unnecessary waste. Automated 2C bonding means that you create less waste that has to be sent for destruction and that the degree of utilization increases.

By developing and describing an automatic handling of all parts in the 2C adhesive process, one can prepare for a rapid introduction and implementation, and central technical support systems for, for example, monitoring and preparation can be identified and developed. A successful project result can in the short term lead to the implementation of robust processes in Swedish industry.

The work in the project takes place within the framework of the sub-programme FFI Cirkularitet within the collaboration Vehicle strategic research and innovation (FFI) financed by VINNOVA.