Building on its capabilities in engine and powertrain applications, Henkel is actively investing in new technologies and products for efficient large-scale manufacturing of safe and reliable electric drive systems. Innovative solutions in magnet bonding were cited by the company recently as a key area in which it will address the pain points of OEMs and tier suppliers in e-mobility markets. Others include liquid gasketing, thermal management, potting products and impregnation service.
The electrification of vehicles is gaining pace and helps automakers reduce their fleet fuel consumption and CO2 emission footprint in line with strict regulation targets, said Frank Kerstan, global business development for powertrain & e-mobility. As all major OEMs and new players in the automotive industry are launching more and more full hybrid and battery electric vehicles there is a need for seamlessly matching technologies designed to support these new drive concepts and manufacturing schemes.
He cited the companys Loctite EA 9497 adhesive used for the bonding of magnets inside e-motors. The two-component epoxy adhesive has proven its long-term reliability in this application segment, combining a wide operating temperature range of -55C to +200C with high mechanical strength as well as good chemical and oil resistance. With its added thermal conductivity, it also supports a more efficient thermal management, said Kerstan in Dusseldorf in July.
In a related development, Henkel laid the cornerstone in September for a $130 million Euro global innovation center of its adhesive technologies business at the companys headquarters in Dusseldorf. When completed in 2020, it will serve as a development center for more than 350 Henkel technical staff and as a global customer center focused on new solutions for adhesives, sealants and functional coatings.
Innovations are an integral part of our corporate strategy. They drive our growth. That is why we are making this targeted investment in innovation and growth, said Hans Van Bylen, CEO.
The innovation center for Adhesive Technologies will support our ambition to offer innovative solutions and comprehensive service to our customers. We want to take our innovation capabilities for adhesives, sealants and functional coatings to the next level, explained Jan-Dirk Auris, Henkel Board member for the Adhesive Technologies business. Our goal is to improve the cross-team collaboration and knowledge exchange among our employees within a state-of-the-art and inspiring work environment. At the same time, we will use the new building as an interactive customer center. We want to excite our customers by experiencing our innovations and technologies first-hand there and develop new high-impact solutions together.
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