49 CFR § 587.16 - Adhesive bonding procedure.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t49/s587.16"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "49 CFR § 587.16 - Adhesive bonding procedure."
title_number: 49
title_name: "Transportation"
section_number: "587.16"
section_name: "Adhesive bonding procedure."
chapter_name: "NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION"
part_number: "587"
part_name: "DEFORMABLE BARRIERS"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-03-24"
last_updated: "2026-03-24"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "49 U.S.C. 322, 30111, 30115, 30117, and 30166; delegation of authority at 49 CFR 1.50."
regulatory_source: "55 FR 45779, Oct. 30, 1990, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "587"
---


# 587.16 Adhesive bonding procedure.

Immediately before bonding, aluminum sheet surfaces to be bonded are thoroughly cleaned using a suitable solvent, such as 1-1-1 Trichloroethane. This is carried out at least twice and more often if required to eliminate grease or dirt deposits. The cleaned surfaces are abraded using 120 grit abrasive paper. Metallic/silicon carbide abrasive paper is not to be used. The surfaces are thoroughly abraded and the abrasive paper changed regularly during the process to avoid clogging, which could lead to a polishing effect. Following abrading, the surfaces are thoroughly cleaned again, as above. In total, the surfaces are solvent-cleaned at least four times. All dust and deposits left as a result of the abrading process are removed, as these can adversely affect bonding. The adhesive is applied to one surface only, using a ribbed rubber roller. In cases where honeycomb is to be bonded to aluminum sheet, the adhesive is applied to the aluminum sheet only. A maximum pressure of 0.5 kg/m
<sup>2</sup> (11.9 lb/ft
<sup>2</sup>) is applied evenly over the surface, giving a maximum film thickness of 0.5 mm (0.02 in).