Research lab
Arnold Knottnerus
Want to know more?
Ask your question directly to our adhesive specialist
What you can expect from our laboratory
Our laboratory supports companies with independent adhesive consulting. We conduct material research to understand how different substrates behave and perform adhesive tests that simulate real-life conditions as accurately as possible. This includes accelerated aging tests, followed by destructive testing to assess the effects of aging. These tests are often performed in accordance with ISO 9142, although other relevant standards are also applied.
This approach allows us to measure the actual strength, durability, and reliability of an adhesive bond. We translate the results into concrete recommendations that can be directly applied to adhesive selection, production processes, and quality control.
What we do
Predictable bonds proven in our laboratory
A reliable adhesive bond requires more than just a good adhesive. It starts with a clear set of requirements, proper surface preparation and a process you can control and verify. In our laboratory, we examine what usually remains invisible: how different adhesives, substrates, and pre-treatments behave under load and in realistic operating conditions. This helps prevent downtime, failure costs, and disputes with clients or inspection bodies, and accelerates the path from prototype to production. Our research results directly support the services we offer within Prototyping & Assembly.
To truly assess the performance of your adhesive bonds, we focus on three pillars:
Adhesion testing
Assessing the strength and durability of bonds under simulated real-life conditions.
Failure analysis
Identifying the root cause of defects or irregularities in adhesive bonds.
Process Review
Evaluation of pre-treatment, adhesive selection and working method to improve processes and prevent errors.
Evidence-based and solution-oriented
From challenge to concrete advice
A high-quality adhesive bond doesn’t start with the product, it starts with a carefully defined set of requirements. In our laboratory, we translate those requirements into targeted tests that simulate real-life conditions as accurately as possible. From tape bonds and flexible adhesives to the strongest epoxies, we deliver hard data that reveal how a bond truly performs.
Our reports not only provide insight, but also help prevent production errors and costly downtime. Because all our equipment is regularly inspected and maintained, the results are demonstrably reliable and suitable for use in audits and legal documentation. This gives you both independent proof and directly applicable recommendations to improve your processes.
Curious what this could mean for your organization? Get in touch and discover how we can strengthen your adhesive process.
Arnold Knottnerus
Want to know more?
Ask your question directly to our adhesive specialist
Frequently asked questions about our research lab
What does an adhesive expert do at Lijmacademie?
Our adhesive experts research and test adhesive bonds under practical conditions. They provide substantiated adhesive advice that is directly applicable in design, production and quality assurance.
What are destructive tests?
Destructive testing involves intentionally pushing an adhesive bond to failure, for example, through tensile, peel, or shear loading. This allows us to measure the actual strength and fracture behavior of the bond. Want to know how we do this? Take a look at our brochure.
Can you also test polyethylene adhesives?
Yes. Polyethylene bonding is challenging because of its low surface tension, but with proper pretreatment and adhesive selection, we can achieve and test reliable bonds.
How soon will the results be available?
Depending on the complexity, usually within a few days to a few weeks.
What does a failure analysis provide?
A failure analysis shows exactly why a joint has become loose or damaged. You get clear adhesive advice to prevent future errors and to demonstrably improve the quality of your adhesive process.
When is a process assessment beneficial?
A process assessment is valuable when you're looking to improve efficiency, lead time, or quality assurance. We analyze the entire chain and provide concrete recommendations to make your adhesive process more predictable and efficient.
