Mechanical fasteners or adhesives – which are best?

I was asked recently in a round table discussion for my opinion on whether mechanical fasteners were better than adhesives, or the other way around. I was about to launch into a very technical ‘it depends’ answer, but instead I turned the question around. When in the design process, I asked, should the joining method be considered? We’ve touched on design for manufacture and assembly before in this column, but I’m going to posit that thinking about it at the very earliest stages of a project has never been more important. Supply chain disruption, rising material prices and increasing business costs are some of the many headwinds facing every industry, so deciding upon an efficient, reliable and cost-effective joining solution at the earliest stage of the design is vital. Put thought into it at the outset, and then whether you end up with an adhesive joining solution or mechanical fasteners, it’ll be the best solution for the application.

With best regards

Mark Simms, Editor
editor@fasteningandbonding.net