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Automotive application guide

Permanent assembly of automotive components

Permanent assembly of automotive components covers all operations where adhesive replaces or complements mechanical fixing such as screws, rivets, clips, staples or liquid adhesive. Double-sided tapes provide a clean, fast and durable bond while improving the appearance of the finished part.

This use case is particularly useful for visible components, decorative elements, trims, logos, plastic parts, metal supports, glazing, interior accessories or multi-material assemblies.

  • Attach logos, badges and monograms
  • Bond interior or exterior trim
  • Assemble plastic, metal, glass or composite parts
  • Eliminate certain visible fixings
  • Reduce drilling, screwing or riveting operations
  • Create clean, durable assemblies
  • Save time at assembly workstations
  • Improve the appearance of the final part
Permanent assembly of automotive components with double-sided tape
Application example: clean, durable fastening of an automotive component with double-sided tape.

Choose the double-sided tape according to the assembly type

Each application requires a different choice: acrylic foam for durable fixing, PE foam for versatile fixing, transparent gel for discreet bonding, non-woven tape for thin assemblies or transfer tape to replace liquid adhesive.

Attaching exterior logos, badges and monograms

Logos, badges, monograms and identification plates must be fixed cleanly to bodywork, tailgates, bonnets, wings or exterior plastic parts. The aim is to achieve a durable fixing without drilling or visible fasteners.

Acrylic foams and acrylic gels distribute stress over the entire bonded surface, maintain a clean finish and limit aesthetic defects around the part.

Attaching automotive logos, badges and monograms
Risk to avoid Visible fixing, bodywork drilling, lifting, adhesive marks or aesthetic defects around the logo.
Examples of use
  • Attach a manufacturer logo to a tailgate
  • Bond a badge to a wing or bonnet
  • Apply a nameplate to a painted plastic part
  • Secure a decorative badge to bodywork
  • Assemble a small exterior decorative part
  • Replace a visible mechanical fixing with clean bonding
  • Attach a monogram to a slightly curved surface
  • Pre-apply adhesive to badges before fitting on the assembly line

Suitable DERFI products

M1191 M1191 Grey acrylic foam for durable exterior fixing. M1192N M1192N Mousse acrylique noire pour surfaces exigeantes. M1195T M1195T 0.5 mm transparent gel for discreet fixing. M1196T M1196T 1 mm transparent gel for strong, aesthetic bonding. N1144B N1144B White PE foam for badges and decorative elements. N1145N N1145N Black PE foam for discreet fixing on dark substrates.

Suitable DERFI machines

DSH25 / DSH50 / DSH75 / DSH100 DSH25 / DSH50 / DSH75 / DSH100 Application of double-sided tape with liner recovery. DSH25LF / DSH25LF+ DSH25LF / DSH25LF+ Application of acrylic foams and technical double-sided tapes. TDA080-NS-LF / TDA150-NS-LF TDA080-NS-LF / TDA150-NS-LF Dispensing double-sided tape with liner at industrial production rates. ZCM2000 ZCM2000 Preparation of programmed lengths in series.
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Attaching trim strips, mouldings and finishing elements

Decorative trims, side mouldings, finishing strips and light protection must be fitted quickly and consistently. Acrylic foams adapt well to slightly irregular surfaces and help distribute stress across the part.

This solution can eliminate some visible clips or screws, improve appearance and standardise fitting operations on interior or exterior components.

Attaching automotive trim strips, mouldings and finishing elements
Risk to avoid Visible clips, gaps between parts, poor compensation for irregularities, lifting or insufficient long-term hold.
Examples of use
  • Attach a decorative strip to a door
  • Bond a side moulding to bodywork
  • Fit a finishing trim to a plastic part
  • Secure a lightweight protective element to a sill
  • Assemble an interior or exterior decorative profile
  • Replace assembly using clips or visible screws
  • Attach a finishing element to a painted part
  • Bond discreet protection to a contact area

Suitable DERFI products

M1191 M1191 Grey acrylic foam for durable multi-substrate assemblies. M1192N M1192N High-performance black foam for interior and exterior use. N1144B N1144B White PE foam for panels, badges and decorative parts. N1145N N1145N Black PE foam for discreet assemblies on dark substrates. K1144 K1144 Non-woven double-sided tape for lightweight parts and thin assemblies. DT001 DT001 Acrylic transfer tape for thin bonding without foam carrier.

Suitable DERFI machines

DSH25 / DSH50 / DSH75 / DSH100 DSH25 / DSH50 / DSH75 / DSH100 Clean application of double-sided tape with liner management. DSH25LF / DSH25LF+ DSH25LF / DSH25LF+ Suitable for more technical acrylic foams. SAT20-LA / SAT20-HA SAT20-LA / SAT20-HA Pre-equipping parts without immediately removing the liner. TDA080-NS-LF / TDA150-NS-LF TDA080-NS-LF / TDA150-NS-LF Repeat application of double-sided tape with liner on the line. ZCM2000 ZCM2000 Preparation of strips to memorised lengths.
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Assembly of interior trim and decorative panels

Inside the passenger compartment, double-sided adhesives can fix trims, decorative inserts, lightweight panels, textile elements or plastic parts without visible fasteners.

The aim is to achieve a clean, fast and attractive assembly while limiting screws, visible staples or traces of liquid adhesive.

Assembly of interior trim and decorative panels
Risk to avoid Visible fixing, visible liquid adhesive, excessive thickness, poorly held panel or uneven interior finish.
Examples of use
  • Attach door trim
  • Bond a decorative insert to a dashboard
  • Assemble an interior plastic panel
  • Hold a textile or foam covering before final assembly
  • Attach a decorative element to the centre console
  • Bond a lightweight part without visible screws or staples
  • Attach an interior decorative cover to a plastic substrate
  • Pre-position foam or felt before assembly

Suitable DERFI products

K1144 K1144 Acrylic non-woven tape for light assemblies and thin surfaces. L1541R L1541R Transparent repositionable PET tape for preliminary adjustment. N1144B N1144B White PE foam for panels and decorative elements. N1145N N1145N Black PE foam for discreet assemblies in the passenger compartment. M1195T M1195T 0.5 mm transparent gel for aesthetic bonding. M1196T M1196T 1 mm transparent gel for visible or transparent parts. DT001 DT001 Acrylic transfer tape for thin, clean bonding.

Suitable DERFI machines

DSH25 / DSH50 / DSH75 / DSH100 DSH25 / DSH50 / DSH75 / DSH100 Manual application with automatic liner separation. DSH-TR DSH-TR Controlled application of transfer tapes. SAT20-LA / SAT20-HA SAT20-LA / SAT20-HA Pre-equipping parts with the liner kept in place. RLT RLT Helps manage the liner at the assembly workstation. ZCM2000 ZCM2000 Preparation of repeat formats.
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Bonding transparent components or visible parts

Some parts must be bonded without the adhesive being visible: glazing, polycarbonate, PMMA, transparent accessories, lighting, illuminated supports or translucent decorative elements.

Transparent acrylic gels are particularly suited to aesthetic bonding, visible parts and assemblies requiring discreet fixing.

Bonding transparent components or visible parts
Risk to avoid Visible adhesive, bubbles, adhesive marks, visible fixing, excessive thickness or aesthetic defects on a transparent part.
Examples of use
  • Attach a transparent accessory to glazing
  • Bond a polycarbonate element
  • Assemble a PMMA or translucent plastic part
  • Attach a discreet support to a windscreen
  • Fit a backlit decorative element
  • Create a clean bond without visible fixings
  • Attach a transparent plate to a painted substrate
  • Assemble transparent protection on an interior module

Suitable DERFI products

M1195T M1195T Gel transparent 0,5 mm pour collage invisible. M1196T M1196T 1 mm transparent gel for compensation and strong bonding. DT001 DT001 Acrylic transfer tape for thin bonding without foam thickness. K1144 K1144 Non-woven tape for thin assembly where transparency is not the priority.

Suitable DERFI machines

DSH25LF / DSH25LF+ DSH25LF / DSH25LF+ Application of acrylic gels and technical double-sided tapes. DSH-TR DSH-TR Controlled application of transfer tapes. SAT20-LA / SAT20-HA SAT20-LA / SAT20-HA Application of double-sided tape with the liner kept in place. TDA080-NS-LF / TDA150-NS-LF TDA080-NS-LF / TDA150-NS-LF Repeat applications with liner in production.
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Multi-material assembly: plastic, metal, glass and composites

Vehicles combine many materials: engineering plastics, painted metals, aluminium, glass, composites, foams and low-surface-energy substrates. The adhesive must compensate for material differences, distribute stresses and ensure long-term performance.

Acrylic foams, transparent gels, PE foams and acrylic transfer tapes adapt the assembly to the substrate, required thickness and expected performance level.

Multi-material assembly of plastic, metal, glass and composites
Risk to avoid Poor adhesion between materials, stress concentration, vibration, progressive lifting or uneven assembly.
Examples of use
  • Bond a plastic part to a metal substrate
  • Attach a composite element to a painted structure
  • Assemble a glass / plastic support
  • Bond a plate or cover to an irregular surface
  • Hold a component on a part exposed to vibration
  • Create a clean assembly between two different materials
  • Assemble a lightweight panel on an aluminium structure
  • Bond a technical support to a lacquered surface

Suitable DERFI products

M1191 M1191 Acrylic foam for plastics, metals, glass and irregularities. M1192N M1192N High-performance black foam for demanding substrates. M1195T M1195T 0.5 mm transparent gel for visible materials. M1196T M1196T 1 mm transparent gel for compensation and strong bonding. N1144B N1144B Mousse PE blanche pour collage multi-supports. N1145N N1145N Mousse PE noire pour assemblages discrets. DT001 DT001 High-adhesion acrylic transfer tape without foam thickness.

Suitable DERFI machines

DSH25 / DSH50 / DSH75 / DSH100 DSH25 / DSH50 / DSH75 / DSH100 Uniform application of double-sided tapes. DSH25LF / DSH25LF+ DSH25LF / DSH25LF+ Application of acrylic foams and thick adhesives. TDA080-NS-LF / TDA150-NS-LF TDA080-NS-LF / TDA150-NS-LF Automatic dispensers for repeat production. ZCM2000 ZCM2000 Preparation of memorised lengths according to the parts.
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Assembly exposed to vibration and dynamic stresses

Some automotive parts are exposed to vibration, light impacts, temperature variations or mechanical loads. Acrylic foams distribute forces across the entire bonded surface and improve assembly durability.

This application concerns exterior decorative elements, plastic supports, trims, lightweight components and parts exposed to vehicle micro-movements.

Assembly exposed to vibration and dynamic stresses
Risk to avoid Lifting caused by vibration, localised stress, unwanted noise, loss of hold or visible mechanical fixing.
Examples of use
  • Attach a decorative element exposed to vehicle vibration
  • Hold a plastic support in the passenger compartment
  • Bond an exterior part exposed to temperature changes
  • Assemble a lightweight component exposed to micro-movements
  • Reduce the risk of detachment due to impacts or localised stresses
  • Improve assembly strength without mechanical fastening
  • Attach an element to a commercial or special-purpose vehicle
  • Bond trim exposed to repeated opening and closing

Suitable DERFI products

M1191 M1191 Grey acrylic foam for loads and durable holding. M1192N M1192N High-performance black foam for interior and exterior use. M1196T M1196T 1 mm transparent gel for light compensation. N1144B N1144B Mousse PE blanche pour fixations polyvalentes. N1145N N1145N Black PE foam for discreet fixing and technical holding.

Suitable DERFI machines

DSH25LF / DSH25LF+ DSH25LF / DSH25LF+ Application of technical acrylic foams. DSH25 / DSH50 / DSH75 / DSH100 DSH25 / DSH50 / DSH75 / DSH100 Application of standard double-sided tapes with liner. TDA080-NS-LF / TDA150-NS-LF TDA080-NS-LF / TDA150-NS-LF Suitable for industrial production rates. SAT20-LA / SAT20-HA SAT20-LA / SAT20-HA Pre-application of adhesive before final assembly.
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Pre-application of adhesive to parts before final assembly

In an industrial process, double-sided tape can be applied to a part upstream, with the liner kept in place until final assembly. This prepares components, speeds up assembly and standardises operations.

Pre-equipping facilitates the preparation of adhesive kits, delivery of pre-taped components and reduced application time on the line.

Pre-application of adhesive to automotive parts before final assembly
Risk to avoid Application time too long, adhesive contaminated before assembly, liner removed too early, irregular formats or poorly organised workstation.
Examples of use
  • Pre-apply double-sided tape to a decorative strip
  • Apply adhesive to trim before delivery to the assembly workstation
  • Prepare logos or badges before final fitting
  • Apply double-sided tape to a series of plastic parts
  • Retain the liner until final assembly to protect the adhesive
  • Reduce application time on the assembly line
  • Prepare adhesive kits by part reference
  • Deliver components with adhesive already applied to an assembly workstation

Suitable DERFI products

M1191 M1191 Acrylic foam for parts requiring durable fixing. M1192N M1192N High-performance black foam for demanding components. N1144B N1144B White PE foam for panels, badges and decorative elements. N1145N N1145N Black PE foam for dark parts or discreet fixing. K1144 K1144 Non-woven tape for thin pre-equipping. DT001 DT001 Acrylic transfer tape for thin, clean bonding.

Suitable DERFI machines

SAT20-LA / SAT20-HA SAT20-LA / SAT20-HA Application of double-sided tape without immediately removing the liner. DSH25 / DSH50 / DSH75 / DSH100 DSH25 / DSH50 / DSH75 / DSH100 Manual application with liner management. TDA080-NS-LF / TDA150-NS-LF TDA080-NS-LF / TDA150-NS-LF High-rate production with double-sided tapes with liner. ZCM2000 ZCM2000 Programmed lengths according to part references.
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Replacing screws, rivets and liquid adhesives

In some assemblies, double-sided tape can avoid drilling, screwing, riveting or liquid adhesive application. It provides a cleaner, faster and more consistent solution, with less mess and better repeatability.

This approach is useful for decorative parts, lightweight panels, visible components, interior elements, multi-material supports or repetitive assembly operations.

Replacing screws, rivets and liquid adhesives
Risk to avoid Drilling a painted part, visible liquid adhesive, curing time, visible mechanical fixing or cleaning after bonding.
Examples of use
  • Replace screws on a lightweight decorative part
  • Avoid drilling a painted surface
  • Eliminate liquid adhesive from a repetitive assembly operation
  • Attach an element without drying time
  • Prevent adhesive marks around a visible part
  • Improve assembly workstation ergonomics
  • Eliminate cleaning after liquid adhesive bonding
  • Limit cosmetic defects caused by visible fixings

Suitable DERFI products

M1191 M1191 Acrylic foam to replace screws, rivets and visible fasteners. M1192N M1192N High-performance black foam for durable assemblies. M1195T M1195T Transparent gel for aesthetic and discreet fixing. M1196T M1196T High-performance transparent gel for strong bonding. N1144B N1144B Mousse PE blanche pour alternative polyvalente. K1144 K1144 Non-woven tape for thin, clean assemblies. DT001 DT001 Acrylic transfer tape to replace liquid adhesive.

Suitable DERFI machines

DSH25 / DSH50 / DSH75 / DSH100 DSH25 / DSH50 / DSH75 / DSH100 Replaces manual gluing with clean application of double-sided tape. DSH-TR DSH-TR Controlled application of transfer tapes. SAT20-LA / SAT20-HA SAT20-LA / SAT20-HA Preparation of parts before final assembly. TDA080-NS-LF / TDA150-NS-LF TDA080-NS-LF / TDA150-NS-LF High-rate workstations with double-sided tapes with liner.
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Use case overview

Permanent assembly covers all operations where double-sided tape permanently fixes an automotive component without visible mechanical fasteners. It concerns logos, badges, trims, mouldings, interior trims, decorative panels, transparent accessories, plastic components, metal supports and multi-material parts.

Key points for consumables

  • M1191 is suitable for durable assemblies across various substrates, with high-performance grey acrylic foam.
  • M1192N is suitable for demanding interior / exterior fastenings, particularly on plastics, glass, wood and LSE substrates.
  • M1195T provides thin, transparent bonds.
  • M1196T is suitable for stronger, thicker transparent bonds.
  • N1144B is suitable for panels, badges, decorative elements and versatile fastening.
  • N1145N is suitable for discreet assemblies on dark substrates.
  • K1144 meets the requirements of thin, lightweight, clean assemblies.
  • DT001 is suitable for transfer applications and replacing liquid adhesives.

Key points for workstation organisation

  • DSH25 / DSH50 / DSH75 / DSH100 applies double-sided tapes with automatic liner separation.
  • DSH25LF / DSH25LF+ is suitable for acrylic foams and technical double-sided tapes.
  • DSH-TR facilitates controlled application of transfer tapes.
  • SAT20-LA / SAT20-HA allows adhesive to be pre-applied to parts without removing the liner.
  • TDA080-NS-LF / TDA150-NS-LF is suitable for lined double-sided tapes in repetitive production.
  • ZCM2000 prepares programmed lengths according to part formats.