Program "Konwerting taśm samoprzylepnych i taśm OCA z wykorzystaniem środowiska Clean
Room" W ramach działania 3.2 "Innowacje w MŚP" w ramach Regionalnego Programu
Operacyjnego Województwa Śląskiego na lata 2014-2020.
Training “Introduction to adhesive joints” – practical knowledge and exchange of experiences (23/04/2026)
On April 23rd, we had the pleasure of hosting our partners’ quality and engineering departments during a training session on adhesive bonding at the CVGS facility in Tychy. It was an excellent meeting full of practical knowledge, industry discussions, and collaborative solutions to technological challenges.
During the training, participants explored the topic of adhesive bonding comprehensively – from the basics of technology, through criteria for selecting an adhesive layer, to issues related to substrate surface energy and material testing methods. The practical portion of the training allowed them to see firsthand how different solutions perform under real-world production conditions.
Our goal is not only to impart theoretical knowledge but, above all, to demonstrate a practical approach to adhesive bonding technology – how to properly select materials, how to avoid errors in the process, and how to effectively resolve technical issues arising in production.
If your company is facing technical, quality, or engineering challenges related to adhesive materials and adhesive bonding, we are happy to help. We organize both group training sessions for entire teams and dedicated individual meetings tailored to the specific needs of your processes. Our engineers are also available directly at the production plant.
The 10 most important things you need to know before buying cork spacers for protecting glass during transport and storage
The transport and storage of glass are processes in which even minor oversights can lead to costly losses. Glass is a demanding material – it does not tolerate micro-movements, uneven pressure or poorly chosen protective materials.
One of the key elements of protection is glass spacers, and in particular cork spacers, which combine mechanical properties with the natural origin of the material.
Below, we present 10 key points worth knowing before choosing them.
How do glass spacers work?
Understanding how spacers work is the starting point for selecting them correctly. Without this knowledge, it is easy to make the mistake of choosing a solution that theoretically protects the glass but, in practice, does not eliminate the main causes of damage.
Spacers separate the glass panes, ensuring:
a constant distance between the surfaces,
reduced glass-to-glass friction,
even distribution of pressure,
absorption/damping of the pressure acting on the glass,
stabilisation of the glass during transport.
Their primary function is to cushion impacts and eliminate micro-movements, which are the main cause of localised stresses and micro-cracks.
Why are spacers crucial in the transport and storage of glass?
Much glass damage cannot be linked to a single specific incident. It occurs gradually – whilst driving, stationary, during storage or handling. Therefore, glass protection must be continuous, not just temporary.
Spacers stabilise the glass package both during transport and in storage, reducing:
scratches and cracks,
breakage,
complaints and material losses.
What can spacers be made of?
The material of the spacer directly affects the effectiveness of glass protection. Different solutions work well in different conditions, so it is worth knowing the available options and their limitations.
The following are used on the market, amongst others:
natural cork,
PE, EVA, PUR and PVC foams,
felt,
hybrid materials.
In this article, we focus on cork spacers, as cork has excellent recovery properties, is resistant to ageing, does not cool water, and is derived from a natural, renewable raw material. Additionally, cork does not react chemically with glass and is resistant to pressure,
4. Spacer – two functions in one product
The effectiveness of a spacer is not determined solely by the material itself. The key lies in combining mechanical properties with adequate stabilisation of the spacer’s position on the glass pane.
An effective spacer consists of:
a load-bearing layer (e.g. cork, foam) – responsible for load transfer and glass protection,
an adhesive layer – prevents the spacer from shifting.
Maintaining a balance between these layers has a direct impact on the safety of the glass.
What types of adhesion are there and how should they be selected?
The choice of adhesion is one of the most frequently underestimated aspects of glass protection. Too little adhesion causes spacers to shift; too much makes work difficult and can lead to problems during unpacking.
The following are used in spacers:
self-adhesive foam – the most commonly used solution,
low-tack – for lighter glass units,
high-tack – the strongest type of adhesion – not recommended for application directly onto the glass
The choice of adhesion should be tailored to the type of surface being protected. It is important to consider whether the glass has a coating, what its weight is, and under what weather conditions it will be transported. This particularly concerns temperature and humidity.
What forms do spacers come in?
The form of the spacer is important not only for protecting the glass, but also for work ergonomics and the repeatability of the packaging process.
Spacers are available as:
loose,
sheets,
rolls,
bobbins (automatic application)
pizza rolls (automatic application).
What should you look out for when selecting spacers?
When selecting spacers, the following key parameters should be taken into account:
the type and weight of the glass,
storage duration,
transport conditions,
temperature and humidity,
the number of warehouse operations.
The use of solutions such as cork or foam spacers is, in a sense, a standardisation of the packaging system. A suitably selected product effectively eliminates common transport problems.
Environmental considerations
The choice of spacers for protecting glass during transport is increasingly determined not only by technical parameters, but also by environmental impact and compliance with EU regulations. In this context, the difference between cork and foam spacers is clearly evident.
Cork spacers are made from a 100% natural, renewable and biodegradable raw material. Cork is harvested from the bark of the cork oak, without the need to fell trees, and the trees themselves store CO₂ as they grow, resulting in a very low carbon footprint for the material. Importantly, cork does not generate microplastics, and the adhesives used (PUR / LT / HT) account for only a small percentage of the total weight. As a result, cork spacers are currently considered the most environmentally friendly solution available in the glass transport industry.
Equally important is the ability to recycle and reuse. Cork spacers can be shredded and reprocessed, and in practice are often reused multiple times by different customers, with minimal degradation in quality. The product’s long lifespan means less waste and tangible environmental benefits.
Storage of spacers and shelf life
Even the best-suited spacer can lose its properties if stored incorrectly. This applies particularly to the adhesive layer.
Spacers should be:
stored in a dry and clean place,
protected from extreme temperatures,
used within the recommended shelf life.
Proper storage ensures the product retains its full functionality. Key information is provided in the product data sheets.
How to apply spacers and what are the most common mistakes?
Last but not least, the method of applying spacers is a crucial element of glass protection. Even the best product will fail to fulfil its purpose if used incorrectly.
Correct application requires:
a clean glass surface,
adequate pressure,
proper placement of spacers.
The most common mistakes are:
too few spacers,
incorrectly selected adhesion,
inappropriate format or thickness,
failure to take transport and storage conditions into account.
Spacers as part of a quality strategy
Spacers are not merely a packaging component, but a quality control tool in the transport and storage of glass. Their careful selection translates into reduced losses, more stable processes and greater confidence among end customers.
A conscious choice of spacers is not a cost, but an investment in process stability, glass safety and the trust of end customers.
10 key aspects of selecting sound-absorbing materials in automotive projects
The selection of sound-absorbing materials in projects for the automotive sector is an engineering process that directly impacts the fulfilment of NVH requirements, vehicle weight, component durability, and compliance with quality and regulatory standards. In such projects, a material cannot be assessed solely on the basis of its declared acoustic properties – its behaviour in the application, processability, and full compliance with OEM requirements are of key importance.
Below are 10 key areas to consider when selecting soundproofing materials for automotive projects.
1. Identification of the noise source and transmission mechanism
In automotive projects, the process of selecting acoustic insulation materials always begins with correctly identifying the noise source and its transmission mechanism. This is a critical stage, as even a material with very good laboratory parameters will not deliver the expected results if it is applied to the wrong NVH problem.
In automotive practice, three main noise mechanisms are distinguished:
Airborne noise – generated, amongst other things, by tyres, airflow or external components, penetrating into the vehicle interior through gaps, panels and trim elements. In such cases, absorbent and insulating materials operating in the mid-to-high frequency ranges are key, e.g. fibrous materials such as Thinsulate.
Structural noise – arising from the vibration of structural components (e.g. sheet metal, frames, mountings) which radiate sound into the vehicle interior. In this case, absorption alone is insufficient, and an effective solution often requires vibration damping (CLD) or appropriate separation of components.
Aerodynamic noise – associated with airflow around the vehicle, particularly significant at higher speeds and in modern vehicles with low-noise powertrains. In such applications, acoustic insulation materials must be selected for specific frequency bands that are most noticeable to the user.
The path of noise transmission is also of key importance – the same material may be effective in one place and completely ineffective in another if the method of installation, clamping, sealing and interaction with adjacent components are not taken into account.
Incorrect identification of the NVH mechanism often leads to:
the use of absorbers where vibration damping is required,
oversizing of materials ‘to be on the safe side’,
an increase in the weight and cost of the component without improving its performance,
the risk of failing to meet OEM requirements at the validation stage.
Therefore, in OEM, Tier 1 and Tier 2 projects, an analysis of the noise source and its transmission mechanism should always precede the selection of a specific material, regardless of whether it is a Thinsulate-type solution or an alternative.
2. Frequency range of the material
In applications, sound-absorbing materials must be selected for the specific frequency bands present in the given application, rather than on the basis of averaged acoustic declarations.
Thinsulate-type materials
Thinsulate-type materials, developed by 3M, among others, belong to the group of lightweight fibrous absorbers, which are highly effective in the mid and high frequency ranges.
In practice:
the best performance is in the range of approx. 500–2000 Hz,
with higher weight variants, the material also maintains good absorption in the lower part of the mid-frequency range,
efficiency at low frequencies (<300 Hz) is limited, which is typical for lightweight absorbers without a mass layer.
As a result, Thinsulate performs very well in reducing:
road noise penetrating into the interior,
airborne noise,
and resonance of interior components within the range perceptible to the user.
PET non-wovens (fibrous alternatives)
Polyester (PET) non-wovens, often used as an alternative to Thinsulate, also operate mainly at mid and high frequencies, however:
their effectiveness depends heavily on thickness, compression and 3D shaping,
in the lower frequency ranges they usually require greater thickness to achieve a comparable effect,
they perform well in applications with more available space (e.g. floor systems, carpets).
In practice, PET is often chosen where:
integration with the component is important,
more installation space is available,
NVH requirements are not extreme in the lower frequency bands.
Engineering foams (PU, melamine)
Engineering foams constitute another group of alternatives:
they exhibit good absorption at mid and high frequencies,
in the case of melamine foams, effectiveness in the upper frequency range is very high,
efficiency at low frequencies remains limited without increasing thickness.
Their application is heavily dependent on:
environmental conditions,
flame retardancy and emission requirements,
the method of integration with the component.
Mass and damping layers (MLV, CLD)
Mass and vibration-damping materials are not direct substitutes for Thinsulate, but often complement the NVH package:
MLV (Mass Loaded Vinyl) operates mainly at low frequencies, blocking sound transmission at the cost of a significant increase in mass,
In practice, OEMs use these materials selectively, only where low-frequency reduction is critical.
3. Component mass and impact on vehicle balance
Mass reduction is one of the key requirements in OEM designs, particularly in e-mobility. Lightweight fibrous materials enable NVH requirements to be met whilst maintaining the component’s weight specifications.
In modern automotive designs, the weight of acoustic insulation components has a direct impact on vehicle weight balance, energy consumption and the fulfilment of design specifications, particularly in electric and hybrid vehicles. Materials such as 3M Thinsulate are designed as solutions offering high NVH performance with a relatively low mass per unit area, which is one of their key advantages in this field.
Typical Thinsulate variants used in the automotive sector range from approx. 200–600 g/m², depending on the required acoustic performance and thickness. By way of comparison:
PET non-wovens used in floor and carpet systems often have weights of 600–1200 g/m², particularly in 3D moulded configurations,
engineering foams (PU, melamine) offer good absorption, but in many applications require greater thickness, which translates into increased component weight,
mass layers (MLV) used as acoustic barriers have weights in the range of 2–5 kg/m², which significantly affects the vehicle’s overall balance and limits their use in modern platforms.
Thanks to its favourable NVH/mass ratio, Thinsulate enables the required acoustic and thermal parameters to be achieved without the need for heavy mass layers. In practice, this allows:
the mass of a single component to be reduced,
the design specifications of the entire vehicle to be maintained,
the need for mass compensation in other areas of the structure to be reduced.
From the perspective of OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, this means greater design flexibility and the ability to optimise the NVH package without negatively impacting the vehicle’s mass balance. In many applications, it is precisely the low mass of Thinsulate-type materials that determines their selection over alternative solutions with similar acoustic performance.
4. Nominal thickness and behaviour under load
In Tier 1 and Tier 2 projects, it is essential to take into account the actual thickness of the material after installation, its compression, and its long-term dimensional stability over the vehicle’s lifecycle.
In automotive projects, the nominal thickness of acoustic insulation material is not a sufficient parameter for its correct selection. Equally important – and often more so – is the material’s behaviour after installation, i.e. its compression, thickness recovery and dimensional stability over time.
Materials such as 3M Thinsulate are available in several variants differing in grammage, thickness and structural stiffness, which directly affects their behaviour under load:
Low-grammage variantsThese are characterised by a lower nominal thickness and high susceptibility to compression. They are used where installation space is very limited and the material is not subjected to strong pressure from structural components. They are mainly suitable as a supplementary NVH layer or thermal insulation in low-pressure zones.
Medium-weight variantsMost commonly chosen in OEM projects as a compromise between acoustic performance, post-installation thickness and stability under load. The material retains good sound absorption even after partial compression, making it a versatile solution for doors, interior components and panels.
High-grammage variantsDesigned for applications with high NVH requirements, where the material is subjected to greater pressure or must maintain effectiveness in confined spaces. The higher mass and fibrous structure result in less loss of acoustic performance after installation, at the cost of greater nominal thickness.
From a design perspective, it is crucial to consider the actual thickness after installation, rather than just the catalogue value. A material that meets the requirements in its free state may lose some of its effectiveness after installation if it has not been selected for the appropriate load conditions.
5. Environmental resistance throughout the component’s lifecycle
In automotive projects, insulation and acoustic materials must retain their properties not only under laboratory conditions, but above all in the actual operating environment of the vehicle. Materials such as Thinsulate are designed for stable performance across a wide range of environmental conditions, making them a safe choice for OEM applications.
A key feature is moisture resistance – the fibrous structure does not absorb water and does not lose its acoustic or thermal properties under conditions of high humidity or periodic condensation. This is particularly important in applications such as doors, wheel arches, the boot or the vehicle floor.
The material’s thermal stability is also significant. Thinsulate retains its insulating and mechanical properties across a wide temperature range, allowing it to be used both in interior zones and in areas exposed to elevated temperatures. As a result, the material does not deform, crumble or lose thickness during long-term use.
6. Processability and integration into the production process
In automotive projects, the material’s compatibility with mass production processes, such as contour cutting, lamination and forming, is crucial.
7. Edge sealing as a process requirement
In many OEM and Tier 1 projects, edge sealing of fibrous materials is a process requirement, ensuring the component’s geometric stability, eliminating fraying and ensuring consistent quality in mass production.
8. Prototyping and validation prior to SOP
Projects in the sound insulation segment require the ability to produce samples and prototype components for NVH validation, assembly testing and preparation of documentation prior to SOP.
9. Material alternatives and cost optimisation
Materials such as Thinsulate are often the benchmark in insulation and acoustic projects, but in practice they are not always the only or necessary solution. Depending on the application, NVH requirements, thermal conditions and cost constraints, it is possible to use alternative technologies that meet OEM requirements and provide a comparable performance.
The most commonly used alternatives include polyester (PET) non-wovens, including 3D mouldable materials, which are widely used in flooring systems, carpets and interior components. They offer good sound absorption, dimensional stability and a favourable mass and environmental profile, particularly in high-volume projects.
In selected applications, engineering foams (e.g. melamine or polyurethane) are also used, which provide high acoustic performance in specific frequency ranges and good thermal insulation. Their use, however, is heavily dependent on environmental conditions, flammability requirements and the method of integration with the component.
NVH packages may also be supplemented by mass or vibration-damping layers (e.g. CLD, MLV), which do not replace fibrous materials but perform a different function within the insulation system – they reduce vibrations or block sound transmission in specific areas.
10. Compliance with OEM standards and flammability requirements
In projects carried out for OEMs and Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers, compliance of sound-deadening materials with standards is a prerequisite, regardless of their acoustic or thermal performance. Materials such as Thinsulate and their alternatives must meet both industry standards and vehicle manufacturers’ internal specifications, covering aspects such as flammability, emissions, durability and the reproducibility of parameters in mass production.
Flammability standards, such as FMVSS 302 / ISO 3795, which apply to vehicle interior components, are of key importance, as are requirements regarding odour and emissions of volatile organic compounds (e.g. VDA 270, VDA 278, ISO 12219). Equally important is the stability of material properties throughout the component’s life cycle, verified through environmental and ageing tests in accordance with OEM requirements.
Summary
In OEM, Tier 1 and Tier 2 projects, the selection of sound-deadening materials is a critical element of the APQP process. The right material decisions at the R&D stage help to mitigate quality risks, shorten implementation times and ensure NVH stability throughout the vehicle’s life cycle.
10 Ways to Reduce the Cost of Self-Adhesive Materials in B2B
January is a time when budgets start to feel the pinch in many companies. Targets and purchasing plans return, and very often — information about price increases from suppliers.
Regardless of whether material consumption is increasing or remaining at the same level, the costs of adhesive materials can suddenly spiral out of control.
At CVGS, we take a different approach. On the one hand, we actively minimise costs for our customers by analysing specifications, eliminating over-engineering, and optimising conversion, logistics and application. On the other hand, our scale of operation and optimised production mean that we are often cheaper than our competitors and, equally importantly, more predictable in terms of pricing in the long term. For customers, this means fewer surprises, more stable planning and greater control over their budget.
If your budget is no longer balanced because you have just received a pay rise, you have exceeded your cost assumptions, or you can see that this category is “running away” faster than planned, this article is for you.
We will show you where real savings can most often be found and how to implement them in practice. And if you want to go through the topic specifically, using your own data, schedule a free consultation and let’s check it out together. (click and schedule a consultation)
1) Reduction of overengineering (material that is “too good” for the need)
One of the most common reasons for high costs is overengineering, i.e. choosing materials with parameters significantly higher than required. In practice, you pay for properties that do not work in the application: too strong adhesive, too high chemical resistance, temperature, UV, etc. The solution is to adjust the specifications to the real conditions – without losing functionality.
Important: Reducing overengineering very often results in 10-30% savings on the material itself, without affecting the quality and safety of the process.
The first quick lever is to organise purchases: what we buy, from whom, in what quantities and on what terms. Savings often result from eliminating sub-optimal volumes, reducing the number of suppliers and improving commercial terms.
Important: A purchasing audit alone can reveal 5-15% of “hidden” costs that do not result from the unit price of the material.
3) Evaluation of technical specifications vs. actual application
The next step is to “link” purchases with technology: adhesion strength, resistance to temperature, moisture, UV – and the question: are these parameters really necessary in the customer’s process? This is where overengineering most often comes to light.
4) Verification of practical use (application and storage)
Even the best material will be “expensive” if it is poorly applied or poorly stored. We analyse application errors, storage conditions, process repeatability and areas where consumption can be reduced or work simplified – often without changing the material, and sometimes using a cheaper substitute.
Important: Improving application and reducing waste can lower the TCO of a category by another 5–10%.
5) Market comparison and material alternatives
The market is vast, and price differences between manufacturers can be significant while maintaining comparable quality. By analysing the available solutions, we identify cheaper or more effective alternatives (sometimes all it takes is a change of supplier or material technology).
6) Standardisation and unification (fewer variants = lower costs)
Many companies experience “variant inflation”: similar tapes/films/foams differ in detail. This increases the cost of purchasing, storage and logistics. Consolidating the product range and orders simplifies processes and strengthens the negotiating position, which translates into better prices.
Important: Standardisation can reduce the cost of an entire category by as much as 10–25% thanks to higher volumes, simpler logistics and a better negotiating position.
7) Optimisation of logistics and inventory management
Savings are not only about the price per roll/sheet, but also the “ancillary” costs: storage, handling, risk of expiry (e.g. adhesives) or damage. We optimise schedules and ordering methods to reduce tied-up capital and inventory losses.
8) Data- and scale-based negotiations with suppliers
Thanks to our knowledge of the market and relationships with manufacturers, we can negotiate better terms: discounts, more flexible delivery dates, more favourable framework agreements and payment terms – all of which directly improve profitability.
9) Selection of more economical converting technology
The high cost of self-adhesive materials is very often due not to the price of the raw material, but to a sub-optimally designed conversion process. Overly complicated die-cutting, excessive material losses or inefficient application methods can significantly increase the unit cost – even with good material.
That is why we analyse the entire process comprehensively — from the material selection stage, through the appropriate manufacturing technology, to the packaging and delivery of components to the customer’s production facility. The aim is to reduce waste, shorten operation times and simplify work on the end user’s side.
Examples of optimisation:
Selection of the right format (roll/sheet/loose) — so that the material reaches production in the form best suited to the application method, without unnecessary preparatory operations.
Matching cutting and punching technologies (e.g. rotary instead of flat) — simpler process, less waste and greater repeatability for large volumes.
Gap Tech technology — precise placement of elements with minimal spacing, which significantly reduces material waste and lowers the unit cost.
Kiss-cut solutions — easier and faster application, especially for manual or semi-automatic work.
Optimisation of packaging and delivery — smaller volume, easier handling in production and shorter preparation time for application.
10) Reducing application costs at the customer’s site (pull tabs/finger lifts, automation)
In B2B, the greatest savings are often on the “process side”, not the material side. The use of application-facilitating solutions (pull tabs/finger lifts) shortens application time, reduces errors and increases line efficiency, which has a positive impact on the work cycle time.
In addition, designing solutions for application machines reduces labour and improves repeatability.
Let’s assume:
time savings per application: 4–15 seconds,
annual volume: 100,000 units,
minimum national hourly rate in Poland in 2026: PLN 31.40 gross per hour.
Conversion of time savings into hours:
4 s × 100,000 = 400,000 s ≈ 111 hours
15 s × 100,000 = 1,500,000 s ≈ 417 hours
Conversion to labour costs:
111 h × PLN 31.40 ≈ PLN 3,485
417 h × PLN 31.40 ≈ PLN 13,104
This means that the use of pull tabs alone can generate savings of between approximately PLN 3,500 and over PLN 13,000 per year in a single application point — without changing the base material or interfering with the production process.
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11) Free consultation with a technical and sales advisor (budget consolidation and work efficiency improvement)
If you have received a signal about price increases or you see that the costs of adhesive materials are starting to exceed your budget, the quickest way to verify the situation is during a short consultation. During the conversation, the technical and sales advisor will help you identify the simplest ways to save money: from adjusting specifications (reducing overengineering) to standardisation and material alternatives, to improving application and logistics.
Savings in adhesive materials rarely result from a single move. The greatest effect is achieved through a systematic approach: adjusting specifications to real requirements, reducing the number of variants, optimising conversion and logistics, and streamlining applications. The result is lower total cost of ownership (TCO), less waste, more stable deliveries and more predictable production.
Foam Expo 2024 in Stuttgart
We are thrilled to share that we participated in this year’s Foam Expo 2024, held in Stuttgart. It was an exceptional event that allowed us to strengthen our relationships with existing suppliers and establish new connections.
We brought back not only innovative materials but also fresh ideas for new product applications. One of the main goals of our visit was to explore the latest trends and innovations in the industry – and we achieved it successfully!
Thank you to everyone who visited our booth or met with us during the event. As always, we look forward to seeing you next year!
NAME CHANGE – CVGS PRO Sp. z o.o.
Dear Sir/Madam,
We would like to inform you that as of December 2, 2024, the legal form of our
company will change to CVGS Pro Sp. z o.o., The company’s identification
details, such as the NIP and REGON numbers, will remain unchanged. Only the KRS
number will change to 0001140265.
We kindly ask you to update our company name in your systems to ensure that
documents are issued correctly.
We assure you that this change will not affect our business relations, existing
agreements, or contracts.
