Sika Automotive Introduces SikaDamp 312; An Expandable Constrained Layer Damper to Be Used for Damping Treatment in Automotive Body Shop Applications

MADISON HEIGHTS, Mich.--Dec. 1, 20044, 2004--Sika Automotive introduces SikaDamp(R) 312, an expandable, elastomeric vibration damping system with superior adhesive and damping properties. This non-tacky, heat reactive material enhances the automotive engineer's ability to reduce undesired low frequency and power train noise that is transmitted through the firewall, wheel wells, plenum/toe pan area and body floor tunnels.

SikaDamp 312 has excellent adhesion to all body shop substrates and expands to 175% to ensure complete bonding. The product can be supplied with or without a sheet metal constraining layer. Product benefits include excellent vibration reduction properties, the ability to customize designs and provide quick, seamless engineering changes when needed.

"SikaDamp 312, used in conjunction with sheet metal stamping, is a cost efficient alternative to laminated steel," said Frank Hoefflin, Vice-President, Research & Development. "We offer engineers the ability to optimize the material design and usage resulting in reduced vehicle interior noise levels and a lower cost system."

With the introduction of SikaDamp 312, Sika Automotive continues its leadership as the sole provider of complete acoustic, bonding, reinforcing and sealing solutions for the automotive industry. No other supplier offers the full product line and the product development and optimization package available from Sika Automotive.

Sika Automotive, based in Madison Heights, MI, a division of Sika Corporation, is an industry leader in the development and production of high performance acoustic, bonding, reinforcing and sealing systems. Sika Automotive provides automobile manufacturers with proven material, application engineering and validation expertise to improve interior sound quality and structural performance in vehicles worldwide. Sika Automotive optimizes cost effective, complete solutions in its dedicated, state of the art, Acoustic Test Facility, located in Madison Heights, MI. Visit the Sika Automotive website www.sikaautomotive.com.

Sika Corporation is a leading supplier of specialty chemical products and industrial materials serving construction and industrial markets including transportation, marine, and automotive. Sika Corporation is a subsidiary of Sika AG, Baar, Switzerland. Sika has annual sales of approximately US $1.8 billion (CHF 2.3 billion), over 8,500 employees and operations in 66 countries. Visit the Sika website at www.sika.com.