Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are increasing demand for high-resolution camera designs that can focus with ever greater accuracy. In response, Henkel continues to develop new adhesives for lens bonding in ADAS sensors, specifically designed to meet these next generation demands.
With the launch of Loctite 3296 — a new dual cure adhesive — Henkel expands its range of dedicated active alignment adhesives for ADAS sensors, which are essential for precision and high sensor reliability. The new product provides a very high cure depth after only a few seconds of exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light and is designed to bond particularly well to aluminum and FR4.
Source: HenkelSource: Henkel
When precision is key, the active-alignment assembly process is vital to deliver components of the required quality: The active alignment workflow allows for the optical components to be positioned and then finely adjusted to ensure optimal focus before being cured in place. Compared to a threaded lens barrel that can only be adjusted in the z-direction, active-alignment allows for six-degrees of freedom in the alignment process, with an accuracy of 100 nm.
“The ADAS camera and lidar modules perform safety-critical functions by assisting the driver to stay in control of the driving environment, thereby ensuring safety of all road users. ADAS sensors must provide high resolution images and perform with superior reliability in harsh environments for the lifespan of the vehicle,” said Rodrigo Aguilar, ADAS business development manager at Henkel. “Thanks to their exceptional performance and stability as well as tailored chemistry for long-term durability, the new Loctite 3296 and recently launched Loctite ABLESTIK NCA 3218 adhesives excel in these highly demanding contexts,” said Andreas Niegemeier, product development manager at Henkel.

Loctite 3296 and Loctite Ablestik NCA 3218 are both dual cure adhesives that meet a variety of assembly requirements through their respective adhesive performance characteristics. Loctite 3296 provides a very high cure depth after only a few seconds of exposure to UV light and is designed to bond particularly well to aluminum and FR4. Loctite Ablestik NCA 3218, which has a grey color for more efficient light blocking, is designed for assembly processes that require low post-cure temperatures, making it especially favorable for assembling components made of plastic. Both products deliver proven high dimensional stability after cure.

These adhesives are fully EU REACH compliant and free of antimony, which is still used in many other adhesives as photo initiator and has recently been classified as dangerous due to its potential health hazards.

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