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Bonding Instead of Welding

02.05.2024

Vibrators and impactors are mounted on U-profiles, mounting brackets, or steel plates (weld-on plates) to loosen, separate, compact, and sieve powders, granulates, and pellets. In this way, containers and pipelines are reliably emptied, internal surfaces are cleaned, product blockages are eliminated, and bulk material arching is broken up—or ideally prevented from occurring in the first place.

To ensure these effects, suitable mounting elements must already be considered during plant planning and subsequent design. However, challenges frequently arise when the need for vibration technology emerges retrospectively—due to new bulk materials, modified formulations, or similar changes—and no appropriate mounting provisions were included in high-quality installations (e.g. stainless steel equipment). Retrofitting by welding is not an ideal solution: it can impair surface quality, particularly in thin-walled vessels, hoppers, or pipes, and may also introduce the risk of fine stress cracks.

The advantages of adhesive bonding have long been recognised in mechanical engineering design and are widely utilised—for example, in automotive manufacturing, where up to 15 litres of adhesive are used per vehicle.

All the more reason for the engineers at NetterVibration to take action. Following extensive research and comprehensive testing, they developed a solution that has been firmly established on the market for many years and has become indispensable for mounting vibrators and knockers: the adhesive mounting bracket, known as the NKK. With this system, subsequent welding becomes unnecessary. Whether on silos, pipes, or hoppers, knockers and vibrators can be attached easily, permanently, and without damaging the structure.

Practical Experience with Adhesive Bonding

The advantages of adhesive bonding are clear, and practical experience over recent years has convinced users across a wide range of industries. The adhesive mounting brackets ensure efficient energy transfer between the vibrator or knocker and the respective vessel, silo, or hopper.

Installation of the NKK is straightforward and comparatively fast. The bracket can be easily affixed using an elastic adhesive—without the need for specialised personnel—and subsequently serves as the support interface for selected vibrators or knockers.

At the same time, this mounting method is safe, proven, and can even be carried out during ongoing operation, without extended interruptions to production processes. This significantly reduces downtime compared to welding or bolting. There is no need to empty the vessel prior to installation, and the material inside is not exposed to thermal stress, as would be the case with welding.

The design of the adhesive mounting bracket ensures uniform and efficient energy transmission. No structural changes occur in the base material, meaning the integrity of the bonded construction remains unaffected.

The elastic adhesive layer provides a durable connection without cracking or failure, making it particularly suitable for thin-walled constructions, materials with limited weldability, and certain plastics. In addition to standard brackets, NetterVibration also offers customised designs tailored to specific applications and requirements.

MORE ABOUT THE NKK