9. Adhesive bonding and taping

Aluminium is by far the most widely bonded metal.

Airplanes have used bonded joints since the mid-1940s. Today, the bonding of aluminium also is used for load-bearing components in civilian aircraft.

Of course, there are many more down-to-earth examples of the use of bonded aluminium joints. The example shown atop the next page is just one.

Many different adhesives, preparations and bonding methods have been developed over the years. Selecting the right one is not always easy. And there are risks in bonding materials without having adequate information.