Last year, Elddis stopped using around 800 screws for each caravan it manufactured and instead started using adhesive solutions from Henkel. The result – said to be the world’s first fully bonded caravan – is stronger, lighter and drier than ever before
In caravan construction terms, Elddis has massively raised the bar. Last year, this UK company radically changed its methods of manufacture, favouring a fully bonded structure over one whose elements were mechanically fixed. Out went approximately 800 screws to build ‘the box’ and butyl sealants to prevent water ingress and in came three adhesives for structural and exterior bonding.
The outcome has been revolutionary, creating a shell that is stronger, lighter and drier than ever before. And it’s all thanks to a highly successful partnership between the Elddis business development team and the engineering adhesives specialists at Henkel.
Light weight and much more
In recent years, Elddis had sought to cut the weight of its caravans. This would allow customers to use a lighter tow car and add accessories without exceeding weight limits. Another design aim was to eliminate any leak paths, always the main bugbear of a screw-fixed construction.
However, Elddis wanted more than light weight and watertight construction. Its goal was the freedom to design products of any size or shape, unhindered by the construction technique.
It had explored the use of various composite materials to reduce weight but quickly realised that they were not compatible with traditional coach building techniques. Instead the use of adhesives with current materials emerged as the most compelling option.
Henkel’s experience in structural bonding in the aircraft and automotive sectors confirmed the viability of this method and the company was keen to apply this technology in the leisure market.
A strong working relationship between the companies was swiftly established and together they embarked on a three year development process to create the world’s first fully-bonded caravan.
‘Seam welding’ with adhesive
Henkel’s Macroplast UK 1366 B10/UK 5452 structural bonding adhesive was recommended for its ability to provide the elasticity needed to withstand the vibration caused by travelling across uneven road surfaces.
Initially the panels of a caravan were butt joined with Macroplast; rigorous testing proved its strength. Next, a keyway joint on all mating surfaces was introduced, increasing the bond area by 63%.
The resultant, bonded construction is more than 10 times stronger than the original. Flimsy panels are now stiff structural components so many of the original, timber support structures have become redundant, allowing even more weight saving.
27,000 test miles
The next step was to road test the bonded caravan design at the Ford track at Lommel. The fully loaded vehicle completed 27,000 miles, easily meeting the requirements of BS EN1645 Part 1, the master standard for caravan construction.
The bonded structure was then put through tests that mimicked annual rain fall and also subjected to temperature extremes of -40°C to +50°C. No sign of water ingress could be seen but that was insufficient proof for Elddis.
Its engineers completely dismantled the structure to confirm all elements were dry and there were no joint failures. And on the strength of this Elddis has been able to introduce its 10 years bodyshell warranty.
Still not content. Elddis returned to Lommel with another test caravan. This time it was overloaded by an extreme 500kg for another simulated 27,000 mile test. Yet again the caravan survived but the 4 x 4 tow vehicle had to be retired from service.
SoLiD in production
With the design well and truly proven the Elddis SoLiD concept was put into production; SoLiD is the acronym the company has chosen for its Stronger, Lighter and Drier method of construction.
With Henkel’s help Elddis also chose dedicated dispensing equipment, a vital ingredient in ensuring the correct amount of adhesive is applied to achieve the joint elasticity required to absorb the forces.
End result
The bonded structure has proved to be a major differentiator between Elddis and its competitors. The company had its best ever order intake at the main industry exhibition in 2012 and even in a fairly flat market caravan sales are above target.
Henkel know-how is also essential to the company’s forward plans. “Our working partnership has been better than anyone expected,” confirmed Alan Beel, business development
manager at Elddis. “I have worked with many suppliers throughout my 30 years in industry and Henkel is by far the best. Their support has been unbelievable.”
Henkel
T: 01442 278000 www.loctite.co.uk
