Binder-automotive

Automotive

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Duotec® product family
Customer reference – manual

The Duotec® family of self-engaging, reclosable fastening products offers a simple method for mounting one component to another component or surface. This mounting method allows for removal and repositioning of the fastener without the need for special tools/skills or mechanical modification of the component or surface (such as by drilling holes). Duotec® products are specifically designed to provide clear feedback to a user that the fasteners have successfully locked together. Once the fasteners have locked together, the Duotec® products resist disengagement until a defined amount of force is applied in a direction opposite to the engagement direction. See refence graph “How Duotec® fasteners work” below.

Each Duotec® product is typically comprised of an adhesive layer, a base layer and many individual engage- ment elements. The base layer has two flat faces, with an adhesive layer on one face and the engagement elements on the opposite face. The engaging elements extend outwards and perpendicular from the face of the base layer. Upon application of sufficient force, the engagement elements come into contact and create initial feed- back. As the amount of force increases, the individual engagement elements on both fasteners then slide past one another and retaining features on the ends of each engagement elements (i.e. domed ‘mushrooms’) will then lock one fastener to the other. Please reference the graphic below. This closure and locking of the engagement elements provide a tactile response of the fasteners ‘clicking’ or ‘snapping’ together. Failure to provide sufficient force to achieve the locking of the engagement elements is quite noticeable, even to a first-time user. Similarly, if the fastening faces are not properly aligned, the engagement elements will not lock, despite any reasonable attempt to apply additional force, thus indicating to the user that realignment is required.

When at such a point in time it is desired to open a set of closed, locked fasteners, a sufficient disengagement force must be applied. As the graph below also shows, the disengagement force (unlocking) is significantly higher than the engagement force (locking) due to the profiles of the engagement elements themselves being interlocked and resistant to being pulled out or apart.

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Unique performance

The textile nature of Duotec® offers performance attributes that differentiate it from extruded-type self- engaging reclosable fasteners. Binder utilises three-dimensional weaving to ultimately obtain a structure of engagement elements with inherent elastic, or spring-like, behaviour. This behaviour offers two key advan-
tages: resilience and alignment tolerance. Resilience to vibration and shock is provided by the ability of the individual engagement elements to move both up and down and side to side during the attachment of two pieces together and pieces are in a locked or closed condition. Alignment tolerance of engagement
elements is a result of the spring-like stem structure that can extend and compress on the basis of stress applied to the fasteners. This tolerance is applicable to both the engagement of the fasteners together when there is misalignment of the faces of the fasteners to one another, as well as resistance to disengagement when the locked or closed pieces are subject to misaligned momentary forces

Graphic 2 – Structure of extruded and woven fastener engagement elements

Extruded self-engaged reclosable fastener

Two fastener pieces brought into face-to-face alignment

Two fastener pieces brought into face-to-face alignment

Deflection of engagement element introduces stress in stem base, possible failure point

Deflection of engagement element introduces stress in stem base, possible failure point

Engagement elements deflect to sides and resist compression or extension

Engagement elements deflect to sides and resist compression or extension

Duotec ® woven self-engaged reclosable fastener

Two fastener pieces brought into face-to-face alignment

Two fastener pieces brought into face-to-face alignment

Engagement elements deflect to sides and resist compression or extension

Flexibility in stem structure

Engagement elements deflect to sides and resist compression or extension

Engagement elements deflect to sides and allow for compression or extension

Graphic 3 – Alignment tolerance of extruded and woven fastener engagement elements

Extruded self-engaged
reclosable fastener

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Limited ability to engage and avoid disengagement when pieces are out of face-to- face, parallel alignment

Duotec ® woven self-engaged reclosable fastener

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Flexibility in the engagement element stems allows for compression/extension while maintaining positive locking behaviour. Allows for greater out of parallel performance.

General guidelines

Points for consideration – Self-engaging reclosable fasteners

  • Allow for mounting or joining of either similar or dissimilar materials to one another, such as combining two materials without pre-forming holes, mounts or other special structures

  • Aesthetics can be enhanced by removing holes, notches, lumps and ripples in the mounted surface Retention of integral structure of surfaces and components by avoiding the creation of holes or slots that can admit dirt, moisture or liquids

  • Support the fixation of large or complicated materials using blind attachments (fastener is not visible to the casual observer/consumer)
  • Create a simplified means of disassembly/repositioning/maintenance of mounted materials (i.e. temporary removal of headliners or access panels)
  • No special tools or advanced training required for correct usage of the Duotec® family of products
  • Allow for in-production placement on one or both surfaces to compensate for variances in shape and tolerances
  • Wide range of standard engagement heights allows for finely tuned fitment of panels or pieces compared to depth or for gap filling
  • Significantly reduce noise, vibration and thermal transfer through the Duotec® fastener Positive feedback (feel/sound) for work force, thus confirming that the fasteners have properly aligned and locked

  • Whether used with an adhesive or with mounting clips/profiles, components/surfaces can be attached to one another quickly without creating dust, filings or other contaminates requiring further clean-up

  • Lightweight systems with high performance have the potential to reduce the number of fixation points which is particularly useful in applications where minimising weight above a vehicle’s centre of gravity is of value

Design basics

The following guidelines will help select and use the proper attachment method for a given application. The performance of the final product is influenced by a number of factors, including the substrate and its surface characteristics, the chosen fastener, the application method and the environmental conditions under which it will be used. Given that these factors are within the users’ control and knowledge, it is imperative that users evaluate the Binder product to ensure it is suitable for their specific purpose and application method.

Typical modes of use of Duotec® products:

  1. Pre-engaged fastener mounting: Two pieces or lengths of selected Duotec® fastener are brought into general alignment (parallel and within proximity of each respective), then fully engaged. A releasable liner on the adhesive layer on one side of the pre-engaged fasteners is removed and the adhesive layer attached
    to a first required and suitable surface or part. The remaining releasable liner of the pre-engaged fasteners is then removed and the corresponding adhesive layer attached to a second required and suitable surface or part. Refer to ‘How to use’ section in this manual.
  2. Individual fastener mounting: A selected length of Duotec® fastener is properly attached to a suitable surface of a first part using the adhesive layer. A hand roller covered with the same Duotec® fastener is used to apply downward force to the fastener, thus pushing the fastener uniformly onto the surface or part. The roller is then moved in the machine direction of the fastener, thus engaging and disengaging
    the two Duotec ® pieces as the roller turns. A second matching Duotec ® fastener is attached to a second part, using either the roller method if a length of fastener is used or applying individual pieces, clips or profiles. The two components with fixed lengths of fastener are then brought into general alignment
    (parallel and within proximity of each respectively) and properly engaged. Refer to ‘How to use’ section in this manual.
  3. Fastener on clip or profile: Individual pieces of a selected Duotec ® fastener are pre-attached to a pre- formed injection-moulded clip or to an extruded profile at the Binder factory. The mounted pieces can then be inserted or attached to predefined surfaces, such as punched recesses or moulded gaps in an assembly subframe. A second piece of the same Duotec® fastener is then properly attached to a second required and suitable surface or part. The two components are brought into general alignment (parallel and within proximity of each respective) and then properly engaged. Refer to ‘How to use’ section in this manual.

Note – Duotec ® fasteners can be readily combined as continuous lengths, cut pieces, clips and profiles to achieve maximum customer flexibility in the design, fabrication and maintenance processes.

Considerations

  • Fastener width: All Duotec ® products are intended to be engaged with the same product type. The performance of the product in a particular application is dependent upon the dimensions, angles, gaps and loads experienced by the fastening system. Widths down to about 12.7 mm (1/2˝) can be used once
    confirmation of the required performance is assessed by the customer respective to their intended application.
  • Edge management: To prevent edge lifting or catching, attention should be paid to reducing exposure of the edge to shearing and perpendicular impact forces. Such means for reducing edge exposure include recessing the fastener into the mounting surface, rounding off 90° corners and providing protective extensions that reduce or prevent physical interaction with the product edges or corners. Use of physical retainers can also be considered, such as rails and channels, that limit edge to environment interaction.

  • Engagement recommendations: Duotec® fasteners can be self-engaged as strips, cut pieces and/or pre- defined clips and profiles. This family of fasteners is not limited to any engagement dimensions above the minimum specified above, as long as the physical performance and removal/replacement limitations are considered by the customer. Further, Duotec ® fasteners can be combined with Binder loop products such as 15244, 53248 and 90298 and Velour products 88293 and 88297 to create Duotec® contact closures with high retention strength and low noise.

Engagement heights

Base thickness – Single fastener

Duotec ® product Approx. thickness (without adhesive backing)*
Duotec ®50 3,1 mm
Duotec ®42 2,9 mm
Mididuotec ® 1,6 mm
Microduotec® 0,6 mm

Base thickness – Engaged fasteners

Duotec ® product Approx. thickness (without adhesive backing)*
Duotec ®50 4,5 mm
Duotec ®42 4,0 mm
Mididuotec ® 2,3 mm
Microduotec® 1,5 mm

Standard engagement thickness modifiers (per fastener)

Approx. thickness change * Synthetic rubber Acrylic transparent
+ 0,3 mm X (flame-retardant “FR”) –
+ 0,5 mm – X
+ 1,0 mm X X
+ 1,5 mm – X
+ 2,0 mm – X

How to use

Typical modes of use of Duotec® products

The Duotec® family of products use self-engaging technologies designed for durable fixation of items where high retention and intermittent or occasional opening/closing cycles are expected. These products involve a length or piece of chosen fastener tape to be attached directly to a supporting surface (the ‘mounting area’) and a similar length or piece of the same or compatible Duotec® fastener tape is attached to an outer face of an object to be attached (the ‘object surface’). Given that the Duotec ® products are reclosable/locking type fasteners, it is important that the two engaging pieces are firmly affixed to the mounting area and the object surface to ensure proper function.

The Duotec® fastener with adhesive layers firmly attaches to both the mounting area and the object surface using various methods (reference ‘Typical modes of use for Duotec ® products’), where pressure-sensitive adhesive layers is the most common. These adhesive layers are affixed to the fastener during the manu- facturing process with a removable protective covering in the form of a releasable liner. Optimum appli- cation conditions are 20 °C to 27 °C (68 °F and 80 °F) and relative humidity (RH) of between 40 and 60%. After ensuring that the required contact points of the mounting area and object surface are free of dusts, oils, water and other environmental contaminants, the releasable liner is then removed, and the sticking face of the adhesive is applied to the contact point using a force of at least 10 N/cm² (15 psi) across the full fastener width and length.

Adhesive application – Releasable liner

  • 1
    Clean and dry the substrate surface, according to the type and amount of contaminants present. When using solvents, extinguish all ignition sources and adhere to the manufacturers’ safety guidelines
  • 2
    Remove the liner from the adhesive while taking care to avoid touching the exposed (tacky) side of the adhesive itself.
  • 3

    Apply the adhesive to the surface using light finger pressure.

  • 4

    Roll down the fastener to ensure good contact between the adhesive and substrate.

Adhesive
bonding

  • The pressure-sensitive adhesive used in Duotec® products bonds on contact, allowing immediate handling.
  • The bond strength increases with time, pressure and temperature. For best results, please allow a minimum of 24 hours of curing time before applying a load or repeatedly disengaging parts. Maximum bonding strength is usually achieved after 72 hours at 20 °C to 27 °C (68 °F and 80 °F) and at RH of 50 ±10 %.

Optimising adhesion of fasteners to surfaces

  • Selection of the correct pressure-sensitive adhesive is important to ensure proper performance of the fastener and under various environmental effects which will stress the fastener. Addressing conditions such as the composition of both the mounting area and the object surface, the minimum/maximum temperatures
    that the fasteners could be exposed to, the rate of temperature change of the contact points and the space inbetween as well as the amount of static/dynamic forces that the fastener could experience will suggest which adhesives are best suited to your application. Please contact your Binder sales representative for more information.

Fastener performance attributes 

Construction components

Duotec ® 42, 50:

  • Engagement elements – Polypropylene monofilament

  • Base layer – Woven polyamide monofilament

  • Backing – Polyurethane

Microduotec ® :

  •  Polypropylene extrusion

Shelf life

Duotec® product from date of manufacture. Stored at 20 °C ±2 °C and 50 % ±10 % RH in original shipment packaging

Duotec ® product Acrylic PSA Synthetic rubber PSA
Mididuotec® , Microduotec® , Duotec® 42, 50 24 months 12 months

Engagement element/backing stability

  Duotec ® product Exposure tolerance*
Minimum temperature Mididuotec ® , Microduotec® , Duotec® 42, 50 -30 °C / -22 °F
Maximum temperature Mididuotec® , Duotec® 42, 50 +150 °C / 302 °F
Maximum temperature Microduotec ® +90 °C / 195 °F
Resistance – water Mididuotec ® , Microduotec® , Duotec® 42, 50 High
Resistance – solvents Mididuotec® , Microduotec® , Duotec® 42, 50 High

1: Distilled water
2: Isopropyl alcohol

Adhesive performance – General information

Standard liner colours

Adhesive Standard liner colour
Synthetic rubber Transparent
Acrylic Red
Arcylic foam Red
Low surface energy acrylic foam Dark red
Flame-retardant Transparent
Easy peel Red (acrylic) / White (synthetic rubber)

Adhesive stability

Condition Adhesive backing Exposure tolerance – after setting no load
Minimum temperature Synthetic rubber -30 °C / °F
Acrylic (transparent) -30 °C / °F
Acrylic (black) -40 °C / °F
Maximum temperature (softening point) Synthetic rubber +90 °C / °F
Acrylic (transparent) +160 °C / °F
Acrylic (black) +160 °C / °F
Resistance – water¹ Synthetic rubber High
Acrylic (transparent) High
Acrylic (black) High
Resistance – solvents² Synthetic rubber Medium
Acrylic (transparent) High
Acrylic (black) High

1: Distilled water, sea water
2: Isopropyl alcohol

Standards compliance

Flammability testing

Duotec ® specifications 50B4.5 50B4.5FR 40W4.0 40W4.0FR
FMVSS-302 Confirmed Confirmed Confirmed Confirmed
FAR §25.853(a) App. F, Part I (a)(1)(v) 15 Second Horizontal Burn Test Confirmed Confirmed Confirmed Confirmed
FAR §25.853(a) App. F, Part I (a)(1)(ii) 12 Second Vertical Burn Test X X Under evaluation Under evaluation