Key points of the article
- Two-component silicone adhesives represent advanced technology to reduce cycle times and increase industrial productivity.
- The DOWSIL™ EA-3838 Fast Adhesive ensures fixture time up to 30 minutes, superior adhesion on metal, glass, and complex plastics, and eliminates the need for primers and ovens.
- These adhesives offer resistance to extreme conditions such as high temperatures, UV rays, vibrations, and thermal shocks, making them ideal for critical applications.
- Applications range from automotive, electronics and lighting, appliances, energy and renewables to aerospace, confirming their multi-industry versatility.
- The adoption of two-component RTV solutions also brings tangible benefits in terms of sustainability, energy efficiency, and simplification of production processes.
The increasing complexity of production processes and the need to reduce time and costs without compromising quality and reliability have driven companies to seek new adhesive solutions. In this scenario, two-component silicone adhesives represent a key technology to meet the challenges of today’s industry.
These materials, also known as RTV (Room Temperature Vulcanizing), combine the characteristics of rapid bonding, resistance to extreme conditions, and versatility on a wide range of substrates. The innovation brought by solutions like DOWSIL™ EA-3838 Fast Adhesive demonstrates how two-component systems can overcome the limitations of traditional single-component systems, offering a unique balance between cycle times, robustness, and sustainability.
What are Two-Component Silicone Adhesives
Two-component RTV adhesives are distinguished by their ability to cure at room temperature through the mixing of a base and a catalyst. This process allows for uniform polymerization within the joint, drastically reducing fixture times compared to single-component systems, which rely on the slow diffusion of ambient moisture.
- 1K RTV: much longer cure times (from hours to days), often requiring ovens or large spaces for storing parts during curing.
- 2K RTV: cycle times reduced to minutes or a few hours, greater homogeneity of curing, and the ability to customize working times by varying the base/catalyst ratio.
This makes two-component silicone adhesives an ideal solution for high-volume production lines and for all applications where speed and efficiency are crucial.
DOWSIL™ EA-3838 Fast Adhesive: the New Frontier of RTV Adhesives
The DOWSIL™ EA-3838 Fast Adhesive was developed to meet the needs of an industry increasingly oriented towards fast and efficient production cycles. It is a two-component room temperature vulcanizing adhesive that offers:
- Fixture time up to 30 minutes, reducing times by four times compared to the best competitors on the market.
- Adjustable reactivity: with a mixing ratio of 2:1, a fixture time of 30 minutes is achieved, while with 4:1, the working time (TFT) is extended up to 15 minutes while maintaining a fixture within an hour.
- Superior adhesion on metals, glass, ceramics, and difficult-to-bond plastics such as ABS, PC, and PBT.
- Elimination of primers and ovens, simplifying the production line and reducing energy consumption.
Performance Comparison: Technical Data and Advantages
Comparative tests conducted on EA-3838 have shown significantly superior performance compared to market benchmarks:
- Lap shear strength > 1 MPa on all tested substrates, with strong and durable adhesion even on critical materials.
- Fixture time reduced by 75% compared to competitors: 30 minutes versus 2 hours (BM10) and 8 hours (BM15).
- Increased productivity: up to four times more parts bonded in the same time frame.
In addition to mechanical performance, the product offers additional features that enhance its reliability:
- Resistance to high temperatures from -50 °C to +180 °C.
- UL94 certification for fire resistance.
- Stability to UV rays and weathering.
- Vibration damping capability, essential in automotive and electronic fields.
These advantages position EA-3838 among the best industrial adhesives for those seeking reliability in complex environments and extreme conditions.
Cross-sector Applications
Automotive and E-Mobility
In automotive production plants, cycle times are a critical variable. The use of two-component RTV adhesives allows for faster bonding and sealing without compromising quality. EA-3838 is used for:
- Sealing and bonding of displays and electronic components.
- Assembly of plastics and metals in control units and EV charging systems.
- Elastic seals with resistance to vibrations and thermal shocks.
Electronics and Lighting
In the production of electronic devices, protection from moisture, dust, and thermal shocks is essential. Two-component silicone adhesives offer:
- Bonding of glass and metal for displays and touchscreens.
- Assembly of LED systems with resistance to heat and UV rays.
- Protection of PCBs thanks to electrical and mechanical stability.
Home appliances
High-temperature adhesives are indispensable for applications such as ovens, refrigerators, and small appliances. EA-3838 ensures stable glass-metal and glass-plastic bonding, resisting the thermal stresses typical of these environments.
Energy and Renewables
In wind turbines or industrial plants, two-component RTV adhesives allow for reduced maintenance times and improved seal resistance to extreme environmental conditions.
Aerospace
The aerospace industry requires lightweight, strong, and reliable solutions. DOWSIL™ EA-3838 is used in seals for cargo doors and onboard applications, thanks to its ability to withstand vibrations and thermal shocks.
Productive Advantages and Sustainability
The adoption of two-component RTV adhesives not only represents a technical improvement but also a step forward towards sustainability:
- Reduction of energy consumption: since no curing oven is needed, the energy impact is reduced.
- Simplified processes: elimination of primers and reduction of storage space for parts during curing.
- Increased productivity: shorter cycle times mean more parts processed in less time.
- Operational flexibility: the ability to adjust working times with different mixing ratios allows for meeting various line needs.
Conclusion
Two-component silicone adhesives represent one of the most advanced solutions for modern industrial bonding. Thanks to products like DOWSIL™ EA-3838 Fast Adhesive, companies can achieve faster cycle times, greater joint strength, and significant reductions in energy and operational costs.
Their versatility makes them suitable for sectors ranging from automotive to electronics, from appliances to aerospace, with a common denominator: long-term reliability.
If you wish to learn more about the characteristics of RTV adhesives and discover which solution best meets your application needs, contact the Mascherpa experts. Our technical team is available for personalized consultations and to guide you in choosing the most suitable adhesives for your industrial projects.
