
Customized end of arm manipulator
The Challenge A manufacturer of automation systems approached Henkel to develop customized manipulator for end of arm robotics applications. These types of parts are traditionally machined from aluminum at high costs and long lead times. The traditional manufacturing process is limited in the ability to produce complex and sophisticated part designs. Due to the nature of the workflow and high fixed costs of machining, customization is usually expensive, or simply not possible. The Solution A combination of Henkel products were used to...

Tottle adapter for filling lines
The Challenge In our Henkel Dublin Manufacturing site in Ireland, we produce, amongst other technologies, adhesives for threadlocking applications. In one of our production lines, we manufacture these adhesives in 50 ml (small packaging size) and 250 ml (larger packaging size) The change over between the two products, required 2.5 hours to change six (6) different stations to meet the different packaging sizes: (puck holding the bottle, sensor height, filler setting, capper tooling, torque setting and robot configuration) The Solution Designed a tool...

Hydroclamp for Aircraft Spare Parts
The Challenge The U.S Air Force Additive Manufacturing Olympics presented a technical challenge to redesign and verify hydraulic tube clamps used in the F-16 series of aircraft. Due to high vibration, chemical exposure, and heat cycles, these parts require frequent replacements. However traditional manufacturing methods and supply chain logistics made it difficult and costly to have spare parts readily available. A rapid development solution was needed. The Solution Our OEM partner, Origin, worked with nTopology’s and Stress Engineering Services to redesign the...

Customized Tooling for Confectionary Food Production
The Challenge A startup confectionary company wanted to create personalized candies for a variety of purposes, like special events or corporate outings. To make their products, they needed to create custom molds for silicone casting. Traditionally, molds are created with aluminum machining, nickel-plating, and silicone casting. This process was out of scope for the startup as it was too costly and too time intensive to be used for customized products. The Solution The confectionary start up worked with Henkel to improve their workflow...

Custom Mold for Face Mask Production
The Challenge Maker Mask was looking to make masks more widely available through volume production. They needed a way to validate end-use materials and final design prior to launching full scale injection molding production. Traditional tooling methods were out of scope for design verification, being too costly and time intensive. The Solution Using LOCTITE IND147 HDT230 Tough Natural, Fortify's engineering team was able to produce a complex mold that had high heat deflection and a superior surface finish, two factors critical to...

Recreational Vehicle Seat Belt Assembly
The Challenge The Recreational Vehicle (RV) industry was already experiencing significant growth prior to COVID-19, but travel bans and other restrictions has driven the industry to new heights. The extra demand meant that supply chains were stressed, but the industry is traditionally very slow to adopt new technologies. THOR Industries is the sole owner of operating subsidiaries that when combined, represent the world’s largest manufacturer of RV's. With a significant product portfolio and a variety of customization options available, individual parts...

Customized Race Car parts
The Challenge The Formula Race team of the University of British Columbia needed light and robust part to cope with the best fuel economy competition, the autocross and endurance race The Solution LOCTITE 3D 3843 intake neck with integrated throttle cable bracket, flat throttle valve + bellmouth and throttle mounting printed with NewPro3D printer. Benefits The new intake neck with integrated throttle cable bracket weighed 20 grams less than the previous design, helping lighten the overall weight of the car. With its tighter tolerances, it also helped maximize airflow. The flat throttle valve also contributed...

Rapid Medical Device Validation
The Challenge During COVID-19 pandemic a fast response was needed to produce medical devices or modify existing medical devices . In this instance a sleep apnea machine was repurposed to serve as supplementary machines in hospitals. A T-splitter component that houses critical alarm sensors for ventilators in order to alert clinicians if airflow to the patient is interrupted at any point need to be built – fast prototype production was needed in order to get FDA approval. The Solution LOCTITE 3D IND147 HDT230...