22.06.2016 • NewsadhesivesautomotiveDede Willams

Henkel Opens Composite Lab in Heidelberg

In the lab, customers will be able to conduct trials with high-pressure resin...
In the lab, customers will be able to conduct trials with high-pressure resin transfer molding (HP-RTM) equipment, which includes a 380 t press and injection equipment for polyurethanes and Epoxy materials. (c) Henkel

German consumer chemicals producer Henkel has opened its new test facility for automotive composites in Heidelberg, Germany. The Composites Lab is focused on helping automotive customers develop and test composite parts as well as finding suitable production process conditions by leveraging Düsseldorf-based group’s knowhow in adhesives, sealants and functional coatings.

In the lab, customers will be able to conduct trials with high-pressure resin transfer molding (HP-RTM) equipment, which includes a 380 t press and injection equipment for polyurethanes and Epoxy materials.

Explaining the need for a dedicated lab, Henkel said automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers seek cost-effective processes suitable for production of more than 10,000 parts per year and they need custom-formulated, fast-curing resins for use in short production cycles. This, the German group said, “magnifies the importance of having reliable partners with in-house test capabilities, which are close to series production conditions.” 

Henkel’s relevant portfolio includes composite matrix resin such as its Loctite MAX series which is said to be suitable for glass and carbon fiber and designed for the RTM process. The range also includes binders and release agents for fiber-reinforced components.

Oher automotive products in the group’s portfolio include composite adhesives, such as the Loctite series for multi-substrate bonding and assembly. Henkel is also in a position to provide process know-how and engineering expertise, for example for the resin transfer molding process and the simulation and characterization of composite parts.

Innovation Pitch

The Start-up Platform for Chemistry & Life Sciences
Discover Tomorrow’s Innovators

The Start-up Platform for Chemistry & Life Sciences

CHEManager Innovation Pitch supports innovation in the chemistry and life sciences start-up scene. The platform allows founders, young entrepreneurs, and start-ups to present their companies to the industry.

Virtual Event

Digitalization in the Chemical Industry
CHEManager Spotlight

Digitalization in the Chemical Industry

Save the Date: October 22, 2025
The event will be promoted to a combined audience of over 100,000 professionals across Europe through the CHEManager and CITplus networks.

most read

Photo
21.03.2025 • News

What’s Next for Pharma Supply Chains?

Sudden shifts in demand, supply shortages and global collapse have put immense pressure on pharmaceutical logistics. To address these challenges, PHARMAP 2025 brings together industry experts to discover AI-driven supply chain optimisation, strategic logistics partnerships and digital solutions that enhance efficiency and resilience in the pharmaceutical supply chain.