Additive manufacturing/3D printing has grown into a $14 billion industry since its inception, according to McKinsey, and the market’s annual growth rate is 22%. Many can agree on the potential 3D printing has when it comes to innovation and being able to create prototypes and items with minimal material use, but its value is extending beyond that original purpose.

Automobile manufacturers have identified approximately 200 sensor areas around the vehicle that will be instrumental in achieving commercialization and meeting safety goals for autonomous vehicles. The main commonality is the need to protectively seal these key sensor platform areas from the heat, cold, moisture, and stress that result from the rigors of the automotive environment.

The global epoxy adhesives market is expected to reach $11.6 billion by 2026. These adhesives offer high shear strength while bonding efficiently to substrates like wood, glass, and metal. They also provide minimal shrinkage, superior thermal and chemical resistance, and cohesive strength.

Market studies indicate that the use of structural adhesives will continue to show significant growth in the coming years. Whether for first joining operations, maintenance, or repair operations, the use of paste adhesives offers many advantages compared to welding or traditional mechanical fastening, including ease of use, environmental resistance, sealing, stress distribution, and joining dissimilar materials.

RadTech will hold its RadTech UV+EB 2022 conference and exhibition May 9-12, 2022, at the Hyatt Regency Orlando in Orlando, Fla.

Adhesives will play a defining role in the future of packaging development, with the post-COVID marketplace providing a spur to sustainable technology. In 2021, the packaging industry is estimated to have consumed 5.40 million metric tons of adhesives. A forecast CAGR of 3.4% will push global consumption of packaging adhesives to 7.90 million metric tons in 2027.

Pressure-sensitive tape has a high degree of functionality, which in turn often results in savings of time and money, quality improvements via enhanced performance, and improved aesthetics. In multiple examples across several markets, process improvements such as reduced preparation time and decreased downtime add to the overall value generated by pressure-sensitive tape use.

The Pressure Sensitive Tape Council (PSTC) will hold its inaugural Tape Week May 2-5 at the Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The event will offer educational sessions, an exhibition, and many networking opportunities.

The 2022 World Adhesive and Sealant Conference (WAC2022) will be held this month in Chicago, and I’m thrilled that our global industry will have the opportunity to reconnect, safely and in person. WAC2022 will offer fascinating keynotes, a broad range of technical sessions, the much-anticipated EXPO, and plenty of opportunities to connect with colleagues.

As the needs of the packaging industry evolve, adhesive converters face new challenges. The recent growth in e-commerce and food delivery services, for example, has converters looking for efficient ways to quickly slit and rewind large rolls of labels and tapes. Demand is also increasing for user-friendly products such as easy-to-remove split liners. A variety of machinery solutions help converters meet these new requirements.