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May 10, 2010

LORD and MVC join forces in new CNH project
Harvester panels and hoods are being nationalized; MVC will use LORD adhesives to bond several components

Manufacturer of structural adhesives LORD and MVC – one of the key fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) molders in Brazil – are working on the nationalization of harvester parts produced in the US by Case New Holland (CNH). The project is expected to be finished by the beginning of 2011, and it comprises the manufacturing of hoods and side panels, both made out of composite materials (or fiberglass reinforced plastic - FRP).

“This development also includes our US technical staff, which provided all its expertise in order to support CNH during designing phase”, says Andrios de Souza, account manager from LORD Industrial Ltda. The company is a local subsidiary of North-American LORD CORPORATION, global reference in adhesives and coatings – which reports yearly sales of over US$ 700 million.

Several metal reinforcements are comprised to be bonded using LORD epoxy technology FUSOR® 380-383 NS. Souza explains that the epoxy-based product is a very robust technology and relies on a great application history both domestically and internationally. “This epoxy adhesive version is characterized by the excellent stability throughout the processing. It is also very resistant to high temperatures, which is essential when it comes to critical applications close to engines such as hoods”, he highlights.

In the US, such parts are manufactured by a process known as Sheet Molding Compound (SMC). Still, MVC suggested CNH to use RTM Light technology, which ensures the same performance at lower costs, especially related to mold investments. “RTM Light enables also shorter project cycles”, compares Renan Holzmann, MVC’s engineering coordinator.

Given the complexity of the program, Holzmann informs that MVC – supported by the CNH calculation and simulation center, in the USA – uses finite element methods and software specific for design. “LORD also participates actively in this step, suggesting the best part shape and joining overlap in order to achieve maximum bonding performance”, he states.

The beginning of the partnership between LORD and MVC goes back to the late 90’s. In 1998, LORD introduced the adhesive used by MVC to bond Volvo´s NH truck hood – a success case which became a revolution in the Brazilian composite industry. “One of MVC’s working philosophies is to involve its partners since the beginning of the project. Therefore, they can all provide the best possible solutions”, concludes Souza.

For further information, access www.lordla.com.br and www.mvcplasticos.com.br