DECEMBER 20218 MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY INSIGHTSNON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTING USED IN ADHESIVE BONDINGBy Justine Hanlon, Global Market Manager, Flexible Materials, H.B. Fuller [NYSE:FUL]Adhesive bonding is a joining technique in which the adhesive takes the place of a mechanical fastener. It has many advantages over mechanical fasteners, including: homogenous stress distribution, full automation capability, lighter finished goods, strong and complex structure design, capability of joining two distinct materials, electrolytic and corrosion protection properties, and high fatigue resistance. In order to understand where adhesive bonding can be used, evaluation methods, such as non-destructive testing (NDT), need to be understood. NDT refers to evaluation techniques that allow observers to collect information about an object without damaging it. It also may be referred to as non-destructive examination or evaluation (NDE) or non-destructive inspection (NDI). In practical applications, NDT can refer to several activities, including inspection tools, inspection methods, or the entire field of non-destructive inspections. NDT test methods do not necessarily require specialized instruments. In adhesive applications, NDT is most commonly used to evaluate composites and bonded joints. IN MY OPINIONIN MY OPINION
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