Dow, Aston Martin form technical partnership

Aston Martin and Dow Automotive Systems have formed a technical partnership that will see a broader portfolio of Dow’s materials being utilized for Aston Martin production models and race cars.

For more than 25 years, Dow Automotive Systems has supplied Aston Martin with BETAMATE and BETAFORCE structural adhesives to enable multi-material lightweight constructions that also offer structural strength. Dow has customized the adhesives to meet a wide range of open time and cure time requirements and bond many different materials, including electro-coated steel, anodized aluminum, carbon fibre and glass fibre reinforced composites.

Most recently, on the DB11, a version of BETAMATE was developed to adhere to anodized aluminum, providing long-term durability and improved crash performance. According to Dow, the adhesive also absorbs less moisture and enabled Aston Martin to delete the anodizing oven drying process, resulting in annual energy savings.

On other Aston Martin models, BETASEAL glass bonding systems are used to bond front, rear and side glazing as well as bonding the Vanquish carbon fiber composite roof. BETAFILL polyurethane body sealant is also used for primerless adhesion to a variety of substrates.

“We look forward to working more closely with Dow Automotive Systems in a partnership that will enable us to accelerate development and demonstrate capabilities of new products and technologies in on-road and racing environments,” said David King, vice president and chief special operations officer, Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd. “Our companies have had great success together for many years and this agreement moves us to the next level of collaboration through joint technology development.”