MADISON HEIGHTS, Mich., -- Henkel recently opened its new North American Acoustic Center, which analyzes acoustic material properties of automotive body structure panels to determine their effectiveness in vehicle applications. The acoustic center is the latest addition to Henkel's Automotive Technology Center -- a 65,000 square foot facility that provides research and development support of new Henkel products for OEM customers.
"Our investment of over $1 million in the new acoustic center indicates Henkel's innovation through commitment and dedication to the industry," said Dan Wohletz, vice president, automotive North America, Henkel. "The acoustic center adds credibility to our products and validates their functionality and performance, enabling us to evolve with industry changes and introduce a new generation of products to the market."
The acoustic center provides comprehensive testing of Henkel's individual and combined parts and pumpable acoustic solutions, offering customers performance and economical expertise in acoustics, along with detailed analytical results of their findings to offer optimum NVH solutions. In addition to panel vibration and sound propagation of a typical body structure, the facility conducts evaluations for vibration damping or stiffening body panels using materials loss factor. Additionally, sound transmission loss and absorption is used to measure and optimize body-in-white or component treatments. With a mobile acquisition system available to perform measurements and analysis at customer locations, Henkel is able to offer capabilities beyond the standard in-house Computer Aided Engineering (CAE), Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and lab testing.
"The acoustic center allows us to conduct very detailed, advanced product evaluations," said Mike Lupini, manager, design and acoustics, automotive North America, Henkel. "We are focused on strengthening Henkel's ability to deliver quality solutions and exceed customer expectations."
Providing solutions for both internal and external customers, the acoustic center caters to the transportation industry. The center is staffed by three Henkel engineers, and additional candidates are being evaluated. The North American Acoustic Center is part of Henkel's worldwide network, including resources in Europe and Asia that support customers with global projects.
Henkel is the market leader in adhesives, sealants and surface treatments to the transportation industry. Backed by extensive design capabilities, a broad product range, specific application knowledge and technical expertise, the company delivers solutions to all segments of automotive development -- automotive body, interior, chassis, electronics and powertrain production. Through powerful brands like Loctite(R), Teroson(R), Autophoretic(R), Bonderite(R), Frekote(R) and Multan(TM), Henkel provides significant economic and environmental advantages for today's vehicles, making them safer, more comfortable and extending vehicle value.
"Henkel -- A Brand like a Friend." Henkel is a leader with brands and technologies that make people's lives easier, better and more beautiful. Henkel, a Fortune Global 500 company, operates in three strategic business areas -- Home Care, Personal Care, and Adhesives, Sealants and Surface Treatment. In fiscal 2006 Henkel generated sales of $16.6 billion. More than 50,000 employees work for Henkel worldwide. People in approximately 125 countries around the world trust in brands and technologies from Henkel.
|
