Hannover. Adhesive bonding is a technology that is now playing an ever greater role in modern industry. One reason is that virtually all materials can be permanently fastened together using this technique. And this is important not least in the context of today’s increasingly popular composite systems, which are made up of combinations of different materials. In the Adhesive Technology Theme Park at Industrial Supply – the leading international trade fair for innovative subcontracting solutions and lightweight construction which forms part of this year’s HANNOVER MESSE – numerous companies will be exhibiting their adhesive bonding products and technical innovations from 25 to 29 April in Hannover, Germany.

"Lightweight construction would be unthinkable without adhesives," says Ansgar van Halteren, a board member of the industry association representing adhesive manufacturers in Germany (IVK). "Adhesives are the only way to join lightweight materials together permanently, or join them to conventional materials – without compromising their lightweight characteristics." So it makes perfect sense that the Adhesive Technology Theme Park in Hall 6 should be located immediately adjacent to displays featuring lightweight construction and new materials.

Throughout the manufacturing, skilled trades and service sectors, companies are increasingly opting for processes that rely on adhesives and sealants. This is true not only for automobile manufacturing, but also in the case of commercial and special-purpose vehicles, railway vehicles, ships and aircraft, as well as throughout the subcontracting sector. For this reason, too, Industrial Supply – the leading international trade fair for innovative subcontracting solutions and lightweight construction held under the umbrella of HANNOVER MESSE – is the perfect place to showcase all aspects of adhesive bonding technology to a highly receptive audience of industry professionals from many different backgrounds.

Every two years the Adhesive Technology Theme Park provides a special showcase for suppliers of adhesives and bonding systems. The exhibits are clustered in four overall categories: plant and equipment for cleaning and surface preparation, adhesives/sealants and adhesive tapes, plant and equipment for the manufacture and application of adhesives/sealants and adhesive tapes, and services for adhesive technology.

Companies taking part in this year’s show include 3M, CMC Klebetechnik, ATP adhesive systems, Vieweg, WEICON GmbH, ZIPPEL, Coroplast Fritz Müller, Hilger und Kem, AXSON, Beinlich Pumpen, WALTHER Spritz- und Lackiersysteme, Bio-Circle Surface Technology GmbH and Hylomar GmbH.

Adhesive and fastening technology has long been a key display category at Industrial Supply. The main selling point for exhibitors – apart from direct access to a diverse international audience consisting of key buyers and users from every relevant sector – is the opportunity to boost sales thanks to crossover visitors from other trade shows in the HANNOVER MESSE lineup. SurfaceTechnology is a prime example. In the coming year such synergies will play an even bigger role: As of 2017, the "SurfaceTechnology Area" will be featured every two years as part of Industrial Supply.