Close

Common dispensing applications in Body-in-White (BIW) and their challenges

1 minute(s) to read January 31, 2025

In the automotive manufacturing process, Body-in-White (BIW) refers to the stage where the car body’s sheet metal components are assembled. This stage is crucial as it forms the vehicle’s structural foundation. In this Insights article, we will focus on the common applications of adhesive bonding and industrial dispensing in BIW, along with their associated challenges.

Joining technologies in car body engineering

 

 

Adhesive dispensing in BIW

Structural bonding in underbody applications

Structural adhesive between two metal sheets

Structural adhesive between two metal sheets

Structural gluing is crucial for a vehicle’s integrity and crashworthiness, using high-strength adhesives for enhanced durability and safety. In the automotive industry, various materials are used for structural bonding. Epoxy resins provide high strength and environmental resistance, ideal for bonding and coatings. Polyurethanes offer flexibility and impact resistance, suitable for seals, dampers, and seat cushions. Acrylics cure quickly and adhere well, making them perfect for headlight covers, dashboards, and other parts.

Bead and stitch bead applications in underbody

Narrow and wide bead application

Narrow and wide bead application

Bead application involves applying continuous adhesive beads to underbody components. This method ensures a strong bond and helps in sealing joints to prevent corrosion and water ingress.
Stitch bead for hybrid joining

Stitch bead for hybrid joining

Stitch bead application is used to apply intermittent adhesive beads, which helps in reducing material usage while maintaining bond strength. This technique is particularly useful in areas requiring flexibility and vibration resistance.

Adhesive dispensing in framing (build-up)

Bead and swirl application in comparison

Bead and swirl application in comparison

During the framing stage, adhesive gluing is used to assemble the vehicle’s main body structure. This involves precise application of adhesives to ensure proper alignment and bonding of components. Various types of adhesives, such as epoxy and polyurethane, are used in the framing process. These adhesives provide strong bonds and are capable of withstanding high stress and temperature variations.

 

 

Roof bonding techniques and challenges

Bead application

Bead application

Roof bonding involves the use of adhesives to attach the roof panel to the vehicle’s body. This method provides a seamless and strong bond, enhancing the vehicle’s structural integrity and aesthetic appeal. Common challenges in roof bonding include ensuring uniform adhesive distribution and managing curing times. Advanced dispensing equipment and controlled curing environments help address these issues.

 

 

Hem flange bonding for trim parts

Process steps of hem flange bonding

Process steps of hem flange bonding

Hem flange bonding is used to join trim parts, such as doors and hoods, to the vehicle body. This process involves folding the edges of the parts and applying adhesive to create a strong and durable bond. Sealing adhesives are used to prevent water and air ingress, while supporting adhesives provide additional strength to the bonded joints. These applications are critical for maintaining the vehicle’s performance and longevity.

 

 

Industrial dispensing in BIW

SCA Enso 7000 for BIW applications
Industrial dispensing technologies, such as automated dispensing systems, ensure precise and efficient application of adhesives. These systems are designed to handle various adhesive types and application methods, improving overall production quality. The use of industrial dispensing equipment enhances the precision and efficiency of adhesive application. This results in consistent bond quality, reduced material waste, and faster production times. We at Atlas Copco are pleased to support you in finding the perfect dispensing system for your application. With our SCA Enso 7000 industrial dispensing portfolio, we provide comprehensive solutions for adhesive and sealing processes across all automotive sectors, including body-in-white, paint, final assembly, and battery assembly.

 

 

Self-pierce riveting as a complementary technology

Henrob self-pierce riveting technology
Self-pierce riveting is often used in conjunction with adhesive dispensing to provide additional mechanical strength. This combination ensures robust joints that can withstand high loads and stresses. Self-pierce riveting is commonly used in areas where traditional welding is not feasible. It offers benefits such as improved joint strength, reduced thermal distortion, and compatibility with different materials.

 

 

Adhesive bonding and industrial dispensing play a vital role in the BIW stage of automotive manufacturing. These technologies offer numerous benefits, including enhanced structural integrity, improved production efficiency, and better overall vehicle performance. As the industry continues to evolve, advancements in these areas will further drive innovation and quality in vehicle manufacturing. 

We would appreciate to hear your thoughts and experiences with BIW applications.
Get in touch with us to share your insights!

Learn more about our dispensing solutions
Learn more about our dispensing solutions
Discover our diverse dispensing, potting and adhesive bonding portfolio.
 
Discover our diverse dispensing, potting and adhesive bonding portfolio.
Innovating together for a better tomorrow
Innovating together for a better tomorrow
Our 13 Innovation Centers worldwide merge expertise in joining, assembly technologies, and manufacturing competence to provide the finest manufacturing solutions for our customers.
 
Our 13 Innovation Centers worldwide merge expertise in joining, assembly technologies, and manufacturing competence to provide the finest manufacturing solutions for our customers.
Service and support for industrial tools and assembly solutions
Service and support for industrial tools and assembly solutions
We support you all the way, from installation to maintenance and optimization of your tools and processes.
 
We support you all the way, from installation to maintenance and optimization of your tools and processes.
Contact our industrial joining experts
Contact our industrial joining experts
We'll be happy to tell you more on our Joining Solutions. Please let us know how we may assist you!
 
We'll be happy to tell you more on our Joining Solutions. Please let us know how we may assist you!
Our integrated vision portfolio
Our integrated vision portfolio
Our integrated vision solutions ensure process reliability, support quality control, and guide you towards production excellence.
 
Our integrated vision solutions ensure process reliability, support quality control, and guide you towards production excellence.

You might be interested