Automotive industries manufacture and deal with varied-sized mechanical components that must be sealed shut for them to operate as intended. Proper automotive sealing is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the individual component, the automobile, and the brand. Various important vehicle components, such as doors, windows, exhaust pipes, windshields, and engines, require effective sealing to maintain the safety of the passenger.

Epoxy automotive sealants and adhesives are widely used due to their durability, strength, and enhanced flexibility. In this blog, we will delve into the importance of sealants, where and how it is used in the automotive industry, and how you can optimise your sealants.

A] Importance Of Sealants In The Automotive Industry

Sealants are used in different sections of an automobile and also during different stages of its manufacturing. One of the most crucial uses of sealants in the automotive industry is before adding the fixtures and paint job.

Adhesive sealants offer a range of desired properties to the vehicle. They keep the fixtures in place without adding more weight as opposed to screws and rivets, and they are also waterproof and shockproof, adding to the safety. You can also customise your sealants by contacting a sealants manufacturer in India for additional properties, such as thermal and electrical resistance, corrosion resistance, thermal and electrical conductivity, and moisture resistance.

B] Common Sealing Applications In The Automotive Industry

1. Air Conditioning

The air conditioning system in a vehicle is far more compact than a standard AC. Adhesive sealants allow manufacturers to fit these compact components into a concise design. Sealants are also important for preventing chemical leakage in order to get environmental certification.

Adhesive sealants can also be customised to have electrical conductivity so they allow the free flow of electricity in the circuit without interruption. Manufacturers must ensure proper sealing to keep the air conditioning running safely.

2. Battery And Electrical Components

Ensuring the battery is properly assembled and connected to the electrical components is crucial for any vehicle. Automotive adhesives are capable of offering reliable sealing to the battery vents so they are not affected by the weather.

Sealants are crucial for protecting electrical components from external moisture, water, and corrosive substances. On the other hand, they also work as electrical insulators in case of any problem with the circuitry.

3. Brakes

These adhesives are used for brake pads to increase friction and make stopping more effective. Sealants are also used to prevent the brake fluids from leaking. Sealing is an important component of manufacturing the braking system, as any leaks can be fatal to the passenger.

For this, manufacturers require non-corrosive sealants that offer reliable sealing. The sealant used should be able to resist frequent high temperatures, corrosion from brake fluid, and vibrations.

4. Drivetrain & Transmission

The drivetrain and transmission are responsible for helping the wheels turn at the relative speed. The torque must be transferred from the engine wheels to the drive wheels smoothly but with some friction.

Automotive sealing solutions fulfil this role effectively. The sealants are crafted to have low friction so the transmission is done efficiently. Manufacturers must choose sealants that are wear-resistant to increase the longevity of the drivetrain and transmission system.

5. Electronic Control Unit (ECU)

The electronic control unit is a sophisticated and important component of the vehicle. Epoxy sealants are used to shield the ECU from dust, dirt, environmental issues and any other factors that can compromise the equipment.

Failure of the ECU will result in a complete shutdown of the vehicle. Hence, keeping it safe from contaminants is crucial.

6. Fuel Systems

Automotive sealing systems are crucial for coating the fuel systems to avoid fuel leakage and spilling onto other components. The sealants secure the connection between the tank and the fuel pipes.

Adhesives are efficient at preventing leaks and do not corrode as opposed to metal rivets and screws. Adhesives are also capable of withstanding temperature fluctuations without compromising integrity and preventing environmental components from entering the tanks. As a result, adhesives are favoured over mechanical fasteners for this purpose.

7. Ride Control

The ride control enables the driver to keep control over the wheels and maintain stability. Customised sealants have enough friction to avoid slip-sticks and are also wear-resistant.

The ride control protects the sealants from dust, debris, moisture, and harsh temperatures. A coating is also applied over the electrical systems so they keep working during monsoon season as well.

8. Safety Systems

Many components of safety systems, such as airbag sensors and modules, require sealing to avoid untimely activation. They also protect the systems from environmental factors, ensuring reliability when the end-user needs it the most.

The automotive adhesive sealants used in safety systems are some of the most reliable sealants as it is directly connected to the customer’s safety. The sealants are carefully applied to ensure that the airbags are able to open in case of an emergency.

9. Thermal Management

Automotive industry adhesives are capable of withstanding extreme temperatures and offer reliable sealing. This is crucial as most automotive parts heat up very quickly when in use. Thermal insulation keeps the important components of the automotive safe.

The cooling system is also encapsulated with thermal-resistant sealants so the water in the pipes and tank does not heat. Proper heat dispensing is vital for the engine’s longevity and the vehicle’s electrical components.

C] Factors To Consider When Choosing Automotive Sealing Solutions

Manufacturers must understand certain factors before choosing adhesive sealants for automobiles. These factors include:

• Longevity: The automotive structural adhesive should be able to withstand wear and tear from the harsh environment in an automobile.
• Desired properties: Sealants used for different components often have different requirements. Certain uses might require thermal and electrical resistant adhesives while others might require conductivity.
• Cost: The sealants with the desired properties must also fit into your budget.
• Supplier: The adhesive should always be bought from a reputed and trusted supplier. This ensures quality, post-delivery support, and guidance.
• Friction and strength: The sealant must be customised to have the required friction and tensile strength to not crack or splinter.

Conclusion

Automotive industry sealants are widely used by the automotive industry to increase the safety and longevity of the vehicle. In addition to preventing leakage from various components, such as fuel tanks and brake fluids, sealants are also used to form a barrier between the environment and the components.

When choosing a sealant for the automotive industry, it is important to make sure that the sealant fulfils the desired needs. If you want to purchase premade or custom automotive sealants, contact us today!

Utsav Shah

Utsav Shah is a 34-year-old entrepreneur with a passion for scientific discovery. Utsav’s journey began with a deep dive into materials science, earning degrees from USC and the Institute of Chemical Technology. He’s the visionary founder of Kohesi Bond, a top-rated adhesive manufacturer, and Cenerge Engineering Solutions, a leader in heat exchangers and cryogenic pumps. With over a decade of experience, Utsav consults across various industries, ensuring they have the perfect adhesive solution for their needs. Connect with him on LinkedIn!