The invisible strength behind every smooth drive
Beneath the sleek surface of a modern car lies a quiet genius in manufacturing: the glue that holds it all together – along with the induction bonding technology that ensures every adhesive joint is strong, lightweight, and vibration-free. ENRX’s advanced induction curing creates durable connections for doors, bonnets, fenders, and mirrors – making vehicles safer, quieter, and more sustainable.
So, does this mean that our cars are literally held together by glue?
“Actually, yes,” smiles Mark Andrus, North American Sales Manager at ENRX. “Modern car panels are glued rather than welded together. In today’s automotive industry, rivets, screws and welds have given way to tight-fitting adhesive bonds that are light, flexible and remarkably durable.”
For you as a driver, this means a smoother, quieter ride without the rattling caused by vibration. It also means your car is better protected against rust – after all, no screw holes mean no entry points for moisture.
ENRX: Pioneers in induction automotive bonding technology
For safety’s sake, such adhesive bonds must obviously be of the highest quality. That’s where induction heating takes centre stage, offering unmatched precision and performance for pre-curing adhesives and sealers.
“And when it comes to induction technology, ENRX leads in process knowledge and references,” Mark says.
ENRX is the specialist in induction bonding – with good reason.
“We originally commercialized induction spot curing, and introduced the U-Coil process, which is the most advanced hem bonding system on the market,” Mark says. “This self-aligning, fully repeatable system ensures uniform heating while keeping the risk of distortion to an absolute minimum.”
“Modern cars rely on adhesive bonds,” says Mark Andrus, North American Sales Manager at ENRX.
“Our induction bonding solutions are powered by Sinacs – our very reliable universal heat generator systems,” Mark says.
What exactly is induction bonding?
“Well, it is a process where we use electromagnetic induction to heat and cure bonding adhesives,” Mark explains. “Depending on what they need to bond together, car makers can choose between spot bonding, which precisely heats small segments of the materials to be joined, or full-ring bonding, which heats entire joints uniformly. Both methods offer different performances of control and repeatability, which, needless to say, are key advantages in high-volume automotive production.”
Amongst all leading car manufacturers, induction bonding is now the preferred method for curing adhesives on car components. The technique is widely applied to bond steel and aluminium sheet metal. Beyond metals, it’s also increasingly the technique of choice for lightweight composite and carbon fibre materials which are essential components in electric and hybrid vehicles.
The advantages of induction bonding: Fast, clean and precise
Precision is the main reason to choose induction bonding, because it allows manufacturers to deliver exactly the right amount of heat to each work piece, yielding perfect, repeatable results every time. Because the heat is concentrated only where it’s needed, the surrounding material remains largely unaffected, reducing elongation and preventing unwanted distortion.
“In short, induction bonding is fast, clean and precise,” Mark says. “It’s designed to keep up with the automotive industry’s constant drive for higher quality and efficiency, and of course sustainability.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is induction bonding / induction curing?
Induction bonding or induction curing is a manufacturing process that uses electromagnetic energy to heat and cure adhesives, producing strong, durable, and vibration-resistant joints in vehicles.
Is induction bonding as strong as welding?
Induction bonding isn’t a replacement for welding in structural areas, but for panels and exterior components it delivers lighter, more flexible and corrosion-resistant joints.
Why are adhesives preferred over welds in cars?
Adhesive bonds are lighter, more flexible, and resistant to vibration. They also eliminate entry points for moisture, reducing the risk of rust, making them ideal for modern vehicles, including electric and hybrid models.
What sets ENRX’s induction bonding apart?
ENRX pioneered induction spot curing and the U-Coil hem bonding system, providing unmatched precision, repeatability, and minimal distortion, even in high-volume automotive production.
What are the benefits of induction bonding?
Induction bonding allows manufacturers to deliver precise energy inputs for each car panel. The heat is concentrated in small areas, keeping the rest of the panel largely unaffected – this minimises elongation.
Where is induction bonding used?
Induction bonding is widely adopted in the automotive industry, particularly for joining steel and aluminium sheet metal. It is increasingly employed for lightweight composite and carbon fibre components in electric and hybrid vehicles. Beyond cars, induction bonding is used in the electro-technical industry to join curved strands, brake shoes, and magnets, and in the white goods sector for guides, rails, shelves, and panels.
How is induction bonding done?
During a typical heating cycle, the adhesive is rapidly heated to its specified curing temperature. Once this temperature is reached, power levels are reduced to maintain the optimal cure temperature for the required duration. This ensures that both the adhesive and, when used, any sealers achieve full curing and deliver strong, durable joints.
What materials can be bonded with induction technology?
Steel, aluminium, carbon fibre, composite panels and hybrid material combinations.