Structural strength
accurately metered.
BONDING
Structural and semi-structural bonding depends on getting the material mixed and metered right, every time - inconsistent metering weakens the bond, wastes material, or both.
The Bonding Process
2KM's metering systems dispense two-component adhesives with precise, repeatable accuracy, whatever material or viscosity your bonding process calls for.
Structural bonding joins two surfaces using a two-component adhesive that cures to form a permanent, load-bearing joint. Getting a reliable bond depends on three things: accurate mix ratio, consistent flow rates, and dispensing the adhesive before it begins to cure - all of which is harder to guarantee with manual mixing than with metered equipment.
- Rapid-cure adhesives (like MMA) need the mixed material applied within minutes, so metering speed and consistency matter as much as accuracy.
- Higher-viscosity structural adhesives need equipment that is purpose built to process viscous and often abrasive-filled materials.
- Dissimilar substrates - metal to composite, plastic to glass - often call for specific adhesive chemistries and precise surface-appropriate mix ratios.
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Materials Used for Bonding
- MMA / Methacrylate - fast-cure, self-etching structural acrylic adhesives for rapid production bonding across metals, composites and plastics.
- Epoxy - high-strength structural bonding across low-viscosity liquids through to highly viscous pastes.
- Polyurethane - flexible structural and semi-structural bonding, often used alongside sealing.
- Silicone - flexible, weather-resistant bonding, particularly where movement or thermal expansion needs to be accommodated.
2KM Machines for Bonding
Bonding spans the full range of viscosities 2KM processes, so the right machine depends on your specific adhesive.
- PGM 100 Compact / PGM 100 Standard - low-viscosity epoxy and polyurethane bonding.
- PGM 200 / PGM 320 - mid-to-high viscosity PU, Epoxy & Silicone structural adhesives from pressurised vessels.
- PGM 400 / PGM 420 - the highest-viscosity structural adhesives, including MMA, Silicone and epoxy adhesives, dispensed directly from pails or drums without decanting.
Industries Relying on Structural Bonding
1. Automotive & Motorsport - composite panel bonding, structural assembly, composite joints where rapid fixture time is critical.
2. Aerospace - structural bonding of composite and metal components.
3. Marine - composite hull bonding, structural joints, deck assembly.
4. Wind Energy & Renewables - structural adhesive bonding for turbine blade assembly.
Bonding - FAQs
What are the benefits of structural bonding?
Structural bonding distributes load evenly across a joint (rather than concentrating it at bolt or rivet points), can join dissimilar materials that are difficult to weld or fasten mechanically, and often reduces weight compared to mechanical fixings - a particular advantage in automotive, aerospace and marine applications.
What materials are generally used for structural bonding?
MMA adhesives are used where rapid cure and the ability to join dissimilar substrates matter most. Epoxy is used for the highest bond strength across a wide viscosity range. Polyurethane and silicone are used where some flexibility in the finished joint is needed.
What industries might be involved in structural bonding?
Automotive, motorsport, aerospace, marine, wind energy and many many more rely on structural bonding, wherever joining dissimilar materials or reducing weight compared to mechanical fixings is a priority.
Is purchasing adhesive in bulk containers more cost effective than cartridge use?
Generally, yes - bulk containers (drums or pails) avoid the packaging and handling premium built into pre-filled cartridges, and reduce cost per litre for higher-volume production. Cartridges suit lower-volume or occasional use, where the convenience outweighs the per-unit cost. A 2KM machine dispensing directly from bulk containers combines the cost advantage of bulk purchasing with machine metered accuracy.
Would a 2KM machine help to reduce cost and speed up my bonding process?
In most cases, yes - automated metering reduces the material waste and rework that comes with manually mixed adhesive, and dispenses at a consistent rate that's cleaner, faster and more accurate than manual application. The specific savings depend on your current process and adhesive volume, which our engineering team can assess directly.
Get In Touch
Discuss Your Bonding Application
Not sure which adhesive or machine fits your bonding process?
Call us today on +44 (0) 1527 834 720 or email us at sales@2km.co.uk
Or complete the form below and a member of our engineering team will be in touch to discuss your specific process requirements.
WHY CHOOSE 2KM
Passion for excellence
We are genuinely passionate about our machines, and it shows in everything we do - from initial consultation through to commissioning and ongoing support.
Tailored Solutions
We customise our machinery to meet your specific needs, taking the time to understand your business and deliver solutions that enhance your processes.
Proven Experience
With over 50 years of continuous research and development, we stay at the forefront of manufacturing innovation in metering and dispensing technology.
Built For Reliability
Our machines are engineered to perform. Supported by exceptional after-sales service from our Bromsgrove facility, ensuring longterm, dependable operation.
Deep Industry Knowledge
Our expertise spans extreme material behaviours and complex process requirements across wide range of industries - from wind energy to medical devices to subsea applications.
Dedicated Team
Our committed team is at the heart of our success. We design, build, and commission every machine from our UK facility in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire.