In the October 2026 issue of MEPCA, Paul Nelson, our Sales & Marketing Director, explains why a machine is only as reliable as its assembled components, and how threadlocking, retaining, sealing and bonding technologies help machine builders design for a longer service life.
We’re pleased to be featured in the October 2026 issue of MEPCA magazine. In the article, Paul Nelson, Sales & Marketing Director at Bondloc UK, looks at the role adhesive assembly plays in building more reliable industrial equipment.
Machine builders face growing pressure to deliver equipment that is stronger, more efficient and more reliable, while also making it more compact, lighter and more energy efficient. Robotics and automation get most of the attention, but as Paul explains, every machine still depends on the integrity of its assembled components:
“Every fastener, bearing, shaft and sealing surface represents a potential point of failure if not properly secured during assembly.”
Vibration: A Persistent Threat
Vibration is still one of the most common causes of mechanical problems in industrial equipment. Over time it can loosen threaded fasteners, which leads to misalignment, higher maintenance costs and unplanned downtime. Predictive maintenance and condition monitoring can flag problems early, but they can’t prevent failures caused by loose fasteners, corrosion, shifting bearings or leaking flanges. As the article puts it, reliability begins with the physical assembly itself.
From maintenance products to engineering tools
More and more manufacturers now treat threadlocking, retaining, sealing and bonding as front-line engineering tools rather than maintenance products:
- Threadlockers help prevent vibration-related loosening in motors, drives, gearboxes, pumps and conveyor systems.
- Retaining compounds secure bearings, bushes and cylindrical assemblies where a precise fit and long-term stability are critical.
- Gasket and RTV sealants protect flanges and joints against leaks.
Bondloc’s range of UK-produced threadlockers, retaining compounds, gasket sealants and RTV sealants is designed to meet these assembly challenges. It helps manufacturers improve reliability, reduce maintenance and protect critical equipment throughout its service life.
More than a product supplier
Engineers increasingly want partners who can help solve assembly challenges and recommend the right technology for each application. Our team supports customers from concept to production, covering application review, product selection, samples, testing and on-site engineering support. That support is backed by more than 30 years of adhesive manufacturing experience in the UK, ISO 9001:2015 quality and the resources of Meridian Adhesives Group.
Download the article here Adhesive Assembly Solutions Matter or read the full article in MEPCA Magazine October 2026 (page 34).