The increasing complexity of production processes and the need to reduce time and costs without compromising quality and reliability have prompted companies to seek new adhesive solutions. In this setting, two-component silicone adhesives represent a key technology for meeting the challenges of today’s industry.
These materials, also known as RTV (Room Temperature Vulcanising), combine the characteristics of fast bonding, resistance to extreme conditions and versatility on a wide range of substrates. The innovation brought by solutions such as DOWSIL™ EA-3838 Fast Adhesive demonstrates how two-component adhesives can overcome the limitations of traditional single-component adhesives, offering a unique balance between cycle times, strength and sustainability.
What are two-component silicone adhesives?
Two-component RTV adhesives are distinguished by their ability to cross-link at room temperature through the mixing of a base and a catalyst. This process allows for uniform polymerisation within the joint, drastically reducing the setting times compared to single-component adhesives, which depend on the slow diffusion of ambient humidity.
- 1K RTV: much longer curing times (from hours to days), often requiring ovens or large spaces for storing parts during polymerisation.
- 2K RTV: cycle times reduced to minutes or a few hours, greater cross-linking homogeneity and the possibility of customising processing 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 in RTV adhesives
DOWSIL™ EA-3838 Fast Adhesive has been developed to meet the needs of an industry increasingly focused on fast and efficient production cycles. It is a two-component, room-temperature vulcanising adhesive that offers:
- Fixing time of up to 30 minutes, reducing the time required by four times compared to the best competitors on the market.
- Adjustable reactivity: with a 2:1 mixing ratio, a fixture time of 30 minutes is achieved, while with a 4:1 ratio, the working time (TFT) is extended to 15 minutes while maintaining a fixing time of within one hour.
- Superior adhesion to 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 showed significantly higher performance than market benchmarks:
- Lap shear strength > 1 MPa on all substrates tested, 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).
- Higher productivity: up to four times more parts bonded in the same time frame.
In addition to its 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 atmospheric agents.
- Vibration damping capacity, essential in the automotive and electronic sectors.
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 manufacturing plants, cycle times are a critical variable. The use of two-component RTV adhesives speeds up bonding and sealing without compromising quality. EA-3838 is used for:
- Sealing and bonding displays and electronic components.
- Assembling plastics and metals in control units and EV charging systems.
- Elastic sealing with resistance to vibration and thermal shock.
Electronics and lighting
In the production of electronic devices, protection from moisture, dust and thermal shock 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.
Household appliances
High-temperature adhesives are indispensable for applications such as ovens, refrigerators and small appliances. EA-3838 ensures stable glass-to-metal and glass-to-plastic bonds, withstanding the thermal stresses typical of these environments.
Energy and renewables
In wind turbines or industrial plants, two-component RTV adhesives reduce maintenance time and improve the resistance of seals to extreme environmental conditions.
Aerospace
The aerospace industry requires lightweight, durable and reliable solutions. DOWSIL™EA-3838 is used in cargo door seals and on-board applications due to its ability to withstand vibration and thermal shock.
Production advantages and sustainability
The adoption of two-component RTV adhesives is not only a technical improvement, but also a step towards sustainability:
- Reduced energy consumption: as no curing oven is required, 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 adapt processing times with different mixing ratios allows you to respond to different line requirements.
Conclusion
Two-component silicone adhesives are one of the most advanced solutions for modern industrial bonding. Thanks to products such as DOWSIL™ EA-3838 Fast Adhesive, companies can achieve faster cycle times, stronger bonds and significant reductions in energy and operating costs.
Their versatility makes them suitable for sectors ranging from automotive to electronics, from household appliances to aerospace, with one common denominator: long-term reliability.
If you would like to learn more about the characteristics of RTV adhesives and find out which solution best meets your application needs, contact the experts at MD Poland. Our technical team is available for personalised consultations and to guide you in choosing the most suitable adhesives for your industrial projects.
