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ExpertiseUpdated on 27 May 2025

Joining technologies as enablers for improving eco-design and circular business models.

Michael Heilig

Reasearch group leader "adhesive bonding and surface technology" at SKZ - German Plastics Center

Würzburg, Germany

About

We have extensive research experience in the field of joining technologies( adhesive bonding, welding and direct metal joining) with a focus on plastics. Our previous work deals with the modification of adhesives or adhesive tapes, the detection and prevention of stress cracks, the surface treatment of recyclates for bonding or the monitoring of surface treatments. Current work is concerned with the characterization of recyclates for surface processes such as bonding, printing or painting, digital training in bonding or adhesive modification for debonding on demand. Future topics include debonding-on-demand and rejoining as enablers for improving eco-design, the development of debonding-optimized joining zones, the development of circular business models (reuse, repair, remanufacture) and the substitution of hazardous substances with modern, industry-proven surface treatment processes:

  • plastics or multifunctional coatings, primers & sealants

  • replacement of hazardous substances with modern plasma coating technologies to generate specific functions

  • Innovative pre-treatments (VUV irradiation)

  • ageing and long-term resistence of coatings and bonded systems

  • analytics and non-destructive testing

  • support in the selection of adhesives for individual applications and manufacturing processes

  • trained DVS specialists (EAE, EAS,EAB,...)

Here you can find more information about our research and industrial services opportunities:

Research Adhesive Bonding

https://www.skz.de/en/research/process/surface-technology

https://www.skz.de/en/research/process/welding

Digitalisation

Field

  • (Advanced) Materials and additive manufacturing
  • (AI based) Material and Product Design
  • Industry 4.0 technologies
  • Life cycle assessment / Product life cycle management
  • Manufacturing and machine learning

Organisation

SKZ - German Plastics Center

R&D Institution

Würzburg, Germany

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