Phil Phillips, Contributing Editor01.15.16
Commodity is characterized by high volume, low prices, low profit contribution and weak physical performance. Transitional assembly adhesives is characterized by modest volume, mid-range pricing, greater profit contribution and modest performance while high value assembly adhesives has low relative volume, highest prices & profit contribution and outstanding performance.
By generic resin type, the graph shows the relative value streaming from left (low) to right (high).
The NA Assembly Adhesives Market has 13 major segments and range in size and share of market space from the two largest at 36.2% & 34.5%, Automotive OEM and Building & Construction, respectively to the smallest RV Transportation at 0.5%.
The segments with the fastest growth in rank order are:
• General Electronics
• Wind energy
• Aerospace
• Automotive OEM
• Building & Construction; General Assembly; Transportation-Truck/Bus
• Auto Aftermarket; Transportation-Marine; Appliance
• Transportation -RV; Transportation -HD
• Transportation-Rail
One of several drivers in the faster growth segments is the use of smart/functional adhesives systems. For example Nanotubes are starting to aid functionality by improving adhesive bonding at lower bead thicknesses while providing miniature electric circuitry which can reduce road noise in Auto applications.
Other applications where nano-containing assembly adhesives systems are either being commercially introduced or are being seriously considered are:
• Electronic - miniaturization bonding
• Aerospace, Wind Energy, Transportation, General Assembly - weight reduction programs
Your comments and inquires are always welcome.