Structural Adhesives, like the ones provided by DTI, have numerous benefits over other bonding methods. From faster cure rates to higher tensile strength, from more even stress distribution to a cleaner appearance, view the differences in the charts below.

Structural Adhesives vs:
Sealants   |   Tapes   |   Mechanical Fasteners   |   Welding

Sealants vs. Structural Adhesives

Sealants	Acrylic Structural Adhesive
Very slow cure rate	Rapid cure rate
Variable adhesion	Excellent adhesion to most substrates
Requires surface preparation	No surface preparation required (except for corroded aluminum)
Not intended for structural-type applications	Good choice for structural applications
< 400psi shear strength	> 2000 psi shear strength
High elongation (100+ %)	Low elongation (~35%)
One-component	Two-component
Odorless	Strong odor
Inexpensive	More expensive
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Tapes vs. Structural Adhesives

High-Performance Double-Sided Tape	Acrylic Structural Adhesive
Very poor low temperature performance	Excellent low temperature performance
<100 psi shear and tensile strength	Very high strength
Requires careful surface preparation	Requires no surface preparation*
Poor creep resistance	Excellent creep resistance
No repositioning once parts are mated	Mated parts can be repositioned during working time
Expensive	Less expensive
Instant fixturing strength development	Good peel strength
Clean application	Slower strength development
Good peel strength	Some clean-up required
Good acceptance
Distribution established
	* Except for corroded aluminum
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Mechanical Fasteners vs. Structural Adhesives

Mechanical Fasteners	Acrylic Structural Adhesive
Each rivet is a stress concentrator	Evenly ditributes stresses
Can leak	Acts as sealant
Loosens over time	Excellent durability
Can cause galvanic corrosion	Helps prevent corrosion
Difficult to prep around	No effect on visible surface
Difficult to paint	No effect on visible surface
Aesthetically unappealing	No effect on visible surface
Requires hole drilling	No effect on visible surface
Inspectable	Not inspectable
Replaceable	Difficult to remove or replace
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Welding vs. Structural Adhesives

Welding (MIG / spot)	Structural Adhesives
Creates stress concentrations	Evenly distributes stresses
Difficult for complex parts	Ideal for joining complex parts
Creates surface imperfections	Preserves smooth surfaces
Poor NVH characteristics	Reduces NVH
Creates corrosion sites	Helps prevent corrosion
Part warpage (welding heat)	Does not create warpage
Difficult on thin substrates	Ideal for thin substrates
High skill level required	Low skill level required
Often requires post-process finishing	Very little post finishing
Very rapid strength development	Slower rate of strength development
High strength	Strengths can exceed welded designs depending on construction
Highly accepted
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