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The Adhesive
used by TRUCK ADS® in its patented frame system was tested against
rivets, welding and Epoxy.
A trailer manufacturer
evaluated various fastening techniques, including the 3M® adhesive
used in TRUCK ADS® Frame Kits, as alternative methods to welding
of interior and exterior truck side body panels. The traditional
assembly process consisted of welding metal panels to the underlying
aluminum frame.
Strength Comparison Test Procedure. The outdoor "Truck
Vibration and Cold Weather Test" that was conducted, ran continuously
for 7 months (September thru March), with an estimated 7.45
million cycles - equivalent to about 15 years of over the road
truck panel stress. It is important to note that the lifespan
of a truck or trailer is estimated at about eight years.
Four fastening techniques were tested. Welding, rivets,
one and two-part Epoxy™ resin adhesives and VHB®, (3M® adhesive)
used in the construction of TRUCK ADS® FRAME KITS and TRUCK
ADS® SECUR-TABS®.
A metal frame testing bed was used for performance analysis
of each of these fastening methods.
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The test device was
suspended by a motorized rocking arm. The rocking arm, flexed
the truck body panel in a 1.24 inch elliptical path at 44 degrees
from the panel's vertical center line at a rate of 500-600 cycles
per minute. A test sample of each fastening type was attached
to the device.
Test Results Determined the Strongest Method. After the
first week, all Epoxy™ bonds failed. By the end of the test period,
all riveted portions had broken free and half of the welded
panels had failed or welds had cracked as a result of the continuous
vibration and pounding.
"The results of this study prove the TRUCK ADS® Frame
System adhesive is superior to all other connection methods. The results
at the end of the seven month test period, equivalent to
about 15 years of over the road truck panel stress, showed NO
SIGNS OF FAILURE."
"For this reason, TRUCK ADS® Frame adhesive, when compared to ordinary
metal frame system connections, are proven to be the strongest in the trucking
industry."
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