The trend is particularly evident in the segment of wheels, where besides Loctite MAX5 the new Loctite MAX5 NextGen and MAX6 resin systems can make a significant contribution to weight-savings, enhanced productivity and customization of parts showing superior thermal, mechanical and visual properties.
Most recently, Loctite MAX5 has helped thyssenkrupp Carbon Components pioneer a new generation of ultra-light braided carbon motorcycle wheels. The matrix resin provides short mold filling times as well as fast curing. Each set of these composite wheels can save up to 1.8kg of rotating mass vs. conventional forged aluminum designs. This translates into significant benefits in bike handling and fuel efficiency. The wheels were developed in close collaboration with Henkel to optimize the manufacturing process and meet the extremely tight tolerances specified by the manufacturer. They have already received road clearance by the Federal German Motor Transport Authority for use on various different machine models.
“Following the success of our Loctite MAX2 resin for leaf springs and MAX5 resin for wheels, we have been focusing our efforts in this technology on several key challenges especially in the market of high-performance composite and hybrid wheels,” said Konrad Brimo Hayek, senior business development manager Chassis & Electronic Systems at Henkel. “Apart from helping OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers reduce weight on modern vehicles and two-wheelers, we had identified a growing need for composite wheel materials that would also provide higher heat resistance and toughness while satisfying demands of greater production volumes and customized surface aspect.”
