30 | IMPREGNATION www . newbusinessmedia . co
Meeting reliability needs for modern automotive applications
According to the following contribution from Henkel AG & Co in Germany , the company ’ s Loctite Impregnation Solutions provide a fast and reliable fix for the automotive industry .
Henkel ’ s complete Loctite Impregnation Solutions ( LIS ) product portfolio not only offers impregnation resins and systems but also a customised service through both external , as well as tailored , on-site impregnation service centres . Through LIS , Henkel , a leading supplier of porosity sealing products and services , offers the automotive industry a fully automated impregnation system and its high-tech resins deliver consistent quality and unmatched sealing performance . Once Henkel professionally seals components , customers can expect high sealing rates ; clean and dry parts ready for assembly . The highly efficient design of the LIS centres enables customers to achieve greater levels of sustainability by minimising resin usage , energy costs and shortening the processing time .
Addressing the needs of automotive manufacture When casting aluminium automotive components , castings may suffer from porosity defects that can lead to problems in such parts as engine blocks , cylinder heads and compressors . Porosities are small holes or cracks that can be permeated by fluids or gases . They appear in castings as they change from a liquid to a solid state . If not properly treated , they can lead to corrosion , pressure loss , fluid loss or costly failures in the field . Similarly , troubling microscopic leak paths may occur in electronic assemblies when joining dissimilar materials . Aggressive substances can penetrate into the components , potentially causing short circuits , corrosion and loss of power or other issues . Such castings and electrical components need to be sealed to ensure they do not leak and that they provide appropriate resistance to chemicals , aggressive fluids and high operating temperatures in the field .
Global service Henkel has been offering its globally recognised impregnation service for over a decade , developing unparalleled expertise in the process . It has created a presence close to customers in key countries and continues to aggressively expand its global position . Markus Alterauge , Global Business Director - LIS , noted that automakers continue to reduce weight , cut costs and improve fuel efficiency , safety and comfort , all of which point to the need for a high quality sealing solution such as the one offered by Henkel . Today in Europe , he noted , Henkel is recognised as a market leader with 17 on- or off-site impregnation service centres . The company has an ambitious growth plan ,
Henkel offers the automotive industry a fully automated impregnation system and its high-tech resins deliver consistent quality and unmatched sealing performance .
The highly efficient design of the LIS centres enables customers to achieve greater levels of sustainability by minimising resin usage , energy costs and shortening the processing time . organically and by acquisition , to accelerate business development and expand its position as a world leader for impregnation . “ In 2015 ” Mr Alterauge commented “ we made a big step toward this goal . We opened our first two such centres in Asia-Pacific – in Suzhou and Tianjin , China – and we are working to expand our LIS footprint across other key markets worldwide . At the end of 2015 , we acquired the US firm Magna Tech Manufacturing , the North American market leader in vacuum impregnation services , with 11 service locations in the USA , Canada and Mexico . Magna Tech has developed longstanding relationships with more than 250 North American OEMs and suppliers that service various segments of the automotive industry . Their strong service approach fits perfectly to the Henkel strategy .”
On-site business model Henkel further distinguishes itself by offering a customised impregnation service , in which it brings its LIS capabilities directly to the customer ’ s facilities . This highly flexible , independent service directly on the factory floor of the customer offers a valuable service , which is certified to TS 16949 standards , reduces transportation costs and relieves the customer of having to invest in equipment and personnel to manage that process . David McGuinness , European Business Development Manager Impregnation at Henkel , comments : “ Henkel ’ s complete product portfolio not only offers impregnation resins and systems but also a customised service . The impregnation products meet the worldwide specification requirements of major automotive OEMs and suppliers due to their excellent characteristics , such as resistance to chemicals and solvents , high temperature resistance and superior sealing capability .” www . loctiteimpregnation . com
Cast Metal & Diecasting Times July / August 2016