Automated Bonding Technology for Precise, Repeatable Adhesive Bonds

From Surface Activation to Final Bond — Fully Automated

Automated Bonding Technology overview (not a demo)

Click Bond’s Automated Bonding Technology (ABT) is an advanced, laser-based, surface-preparation process that significantly improves how our adhesive-bonded fasteners are installed. ABT relies on precision laser surface ablation to prepare both the fastener and the substrate for adhesive bonding. This proven, qualified process not only ensures optimal surface activation for an ideal bond, but it does so with accuracy, speed, repeatability, and an unmatched level of control for high-throughput production environments.

In 30 seconds, ABT provides:

• Laser-based surface preparation for adhesive bonding
• Consistent, repeatable bond quality at production scale
• Process designed for aerospace and high-throughput manufacturing

Faster Manufacturing, Higher Quality Bonds, Aerospace-Grade Reliability

It all begins with our Class 1 laser surface preparation to remove coatings, contaminants, and oxidation from targeted areas. While traditional manual surface-prep methods can introduce variability that weakens bond performance, ABT takes this variability out of the equation by using a calibrated, precisely focused laser-ablation pattern. The result is a uniform, predictable surface texture that maximizes adhesion and bond strength.

Laser-based surface-preparation system used in Click Bond’s Automated Bonding Technology process.

This highly repeatable process ensures that adhesive bonding is not only more streamlined, reliable, and scalable, but it’s all done without compromising adjacent finishes.

Surface preparation is just the beginning. ABT then dispenses adhesive through an automated system that delivers exact volumes to ensure bondline consistency, minimize waste, and eliminate over-application.

Automated adhesive dispensing during fastener installation using Click Bond’s Automated Bonding Technology.

Adhesive Bonding Technology ensures superior bond strength with significantly greater consistency, providing reliable, repeatable bond quality and installation at speeds 7 times faster than manual bonding and more than 10 times faster than traditional riveted fastening.

Comparison of manual and automated adhesive dispensation showing improved consistency with Automated Bonding Technology.

Laser-Prepared Surfaces Demonstrate Improved Strength and Consistency

Push-out testing demonstrates increased ultimate strength and tighter standard deviation with laser-prepared surfaces versus manual surface preparation.

Push-out testing evaluates the maximum load an adhesive-bonded nutplate can withstand before failure, revealing the ultimate strength of the bonded joint under axial stress. Results from laser-prepared surfaces show a tighter standard deviation and a measurable increase in ultimate push-out strength when compared to manual surface-preparation methods.

Torque testing shows improved consistency and higher torsional strength with laser-prepared surface preparation compared to manual methods.

Torque testing applies a torsional shear load to assess the adhesive-bonded nutplate’s ability to resist internal forces within the bond. Laser-prepared surfaces again demonstrate improved consistency and a significant increase in ultimate torsional strength versus manual-bonding surface preparation.

Why Automated Bonding Technology Matters in Production

ABT significantly improves bond quality by enhancing corrosion resistance. The laser produces a precise ablation pattern on the substrate that not only enhances adhesion but also reduces pathways for moisture intrusion. The results? A more durable installation and greater long-term performance of bonded components — even in harsh operating conditions.

Surface analysis data showing bond uniformity enabled by Click Bond’s Automated Bonding Technology

In addition to performance improvements, ABT offers meaningful operational benefits. Operators are protected by the enclosure and extraction system, which removes fumes and debris from the environment, providing safe indoor air quality. Because the process is automated and does not involve hazardous chemicals or manual abrasion, there’s no need for additional PPE, which simplifies operations and reduces safety concerns.

Automated Bonding Technology operates within an enclosed Class 1 laser system with integrated fume extraction for safe manufacturing environments.

Key Benefits of Automated Bonding Technology

• Streamlined workflow
• Improved safety
• More efficient production
• Increased throughput
• Greater precision
• Consistency at scale
• Improved assembly speed
• Proven, qualified process for aerospace bonding
• Hole-free installation ideal for composite bonding
• Enhanced adhesive management
• Better corrosion resistance
• Effective substrate protection
• Stronger, more reliable bonds

Contact Us

Click Bond’s Automated Bonding Technology delivers precise, repeatable adhesive bonding, engineered to scale for high-throughput manufacturing settings. Talk with a Click Bond engineer about your application.

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