Dow Automotive’s adhesive expertise for metal bonding has been commercialized in its first application for e-coat-compatible bonding with the new Domino bus from Italian coach builder IRISBUS.

The external panels of all six luggage doors of the new Domino are bonded to the aluminium body with BETAMATE™ 2096 structural adhesives from Dow Automotive. According to Tiziano Zago, account manager for IRISBUS, the coach builder required an adhesive for the luggage doors, panels, underlying parts and hinges that could support the heavy and frequently used door parts and could withstand the e-coat oven temperatures of up to180° C.

New IRISBUS Domino. Picture: IRISBUS

BETAMATE 2096 meets all performance requirements and also helps reduce cycle times, since the assembled luggage door can undergo e-coat treatment as one part. Additionally, BETAMATE 2096 does not require pre-treatment when bonding aluminium surfaces.

“With this new product, Dow Automotive has proven that we can accommodate the requirements of the e-coating process and keep pace with industry developments,” said Dagmar van Heur, Global Marketing Director, Transportation Markets, Dow Automotive. “E-coating is becoming more and more popular, especially in bus manufacturing, and we’re pleased to support our customers as they pursue this trend.”

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About Dow Automotive
Dow Automotive is a leading global provider of technology-driven solutions that meet consumer demand for vehicles that are safer, stronger, quieter, lighter, cleaner, comfortable and stylish. The organization provides plastics, adhesives, glass bonding systems, sealants, emissions control technology, films, fluids and structural enhancement and acoustical management solutions to OEM, tier and aftermarket customers around the world. For additional information about Dow Automotive products, services, and application development centers, visit www.dowautomotive.com.