Henkel launches Loctite Ablestik NCA 01UV, an active alignment adhesive that can be cured in a single step with just three seconds of UV LED light exposure, circumventing the need for oven curing to save time, energy and CO2 emissions, said the company.
The adhesive is a latest innovation that is bringing unprecedented speed, efficiency, and sustainability to the assembly of high-resolution advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) camera and lidar modules. By reaching excellent performance after only few seconds of UV LED cure Loctite Ablestik NCA 01UV 1-step cure adhesive meets all requirements for high resolution cameras for automotive applications, while matching its dual-cure predecessors. With low and consistent dimensional change of 0.4% during cure, this new adhesive is a reliable candidate for high resolution camera modules for automotive as no change in focus from an excessive shrinkage is to be expected. In order to meet the requirements for automotive grade for camera module adhesives, Loctite Ablestik NCA 01UV shows high reliability and dimensional stability, as well as no outgassing from volatile compounds, ensuring a high image quality and no fogging on the optical system.
In line with Henkel's commitment to developing safer and more sustainable solutions, it is free of CMT, SVHC, or any toxic substances and fully EU REACH-compliant. Loctite Ablestik NCA 01UV reaches its full performance and final bond strength with seconds of UV LED irradiation during the fixing step. Hence, time- and energy-intensive post-curing by oven is no longer required. By avoiding the high capital expenditure of heat cure ovens and the associated operating and maintenance costs as well as manufacturing space demands, this simpler process also makes a compelling commercial case. Additionally, the innovative actively curing 1-step adhesive Loctite Ablestik NCA 01UV facilitates manufacturers' contribution to greater sustainability while enabling higher overall production efficiency. Eliminating the oven curing significantly decreases the duration of the entire active alignment process. This results in a more sustainable process that reduces the CO2 footprint of assembly compared to a regular active alignment process. The annual energy consumption of a medium-sized oven curing an adhesive at 80 degC for 70 minutes is equivalent to nearly 2.5 tons of CO2. For this amount of carbon, about 42 tree seedlings would have to grow for 10 years. However, the long-term cumulative effect of eliminating the curing step in a typical production site with multiple ovens will result in a significant positive contribution to sustainability.
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remind, Henkel and Shell Chemical LP have agreed to a five-year collaboration to replace up to 200,000 tonnes of fossil feedstocks used in the manufacture of surfactants with feedstocks that are based on renewable raw materials. The renewable-based surfactants will be used in Henkel’s laundry product brands, including many varieties of Persil®, Purex® and all® brands. Surfactants are an ingredient in cleaning products that help lather and lift dirt.
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