Henkel Introduces AI Powered LOCTITE SOLVE Platform to Transform Adhesive Simulation in Automotive Engineering

The user interface of Loctite Solve.

(IN BRIEF) Henkel has launched LOCTITE SOLVE, an AI-powered platform that enables engineers to simulate and evaluate adhesive performance during the early stages of product design. By creating digital twins of both existing and conceptual adhesive formulations, the platform allows seamless integration of material data into standard engineering simulation tools. This approach helps teams make better-informed decisions, reduce trial-and-error processes, and accelerate development timelines. Particularly relevant for the automotive sector, where electrification and complexity are increasing, LOCTITE SOLVE supports faster iteration, improved material selection, and reduced risk of late-stage design changes. The platform represents a shift toward simulation-driven design, enabling engineers to explore innovative adhesive solutions and validate concepts before physical prototypes are created.

(PRESS RELEASE) DÜSSELDORF, 15-Apr-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Henkel has introduced LOCTITE SOLVE, a new AI-powered virtual materials platform designed to transform how adhesive performance is evaluated during the early stages of product development. The solution enables automotive design engineers to incorporate adhesive data directly into simulation workflows from the outset, supporting faster and more informed decision-making.

LOCTITE SOLVE leverages an advanced AI-driven data engine containing extensive formulation knowledge to create digital representations of adhesive materials, known as material data cards. These digital twins capture the properties of both commercially available LOCTITE formulations and conceptual adhesives that have yet to be physically produced. The data cards can be seamlessly integrated into widely used computer-aided engineering and simulation tools, allowing engineers to assess adhesive performance as part of the component design process rather than as a separate, later-stage task.

A Henkel expert using Loctite Solve to generate material data cards to evaluate adhesive performance within digital design workflows.

By embedding adhesive intelligence into early design phases, the platform enables engineering teams to analyse material behaviour, refine designs more efficiently, and make better-informed selections before physical prototyping begins. This approach helps reduce the likelihood of costly late-stage modifications, shortens validation cycles, and increases overall confidence in product development outcomes.

LOCTITE SOLVE allows users to generate and export material data cards that include key performance metrics such as thermal conductivity, tensile strength, elongation, and lap shear strength. While the platform provides access to a wide portfolio of established LOCTITE adhesive formulations, its capabilities extend further through a proprietary AI model that can generate virtual data for entirely new, conceptual adhesives tailored to specific engineering requirements.

These material data cards can be integrated directly into engineers’ existing simulation environments, enabling them to test performance under a variety of conditions and design scenarios. This functionality supports a more streamlined development process by reducing reliance on trial-and-error experimentation and allowing for earlier validation of design concepts, even before physical samples are produced.

Dr. Olaf Lammerschop, Global Technology Lead for E-Mobility at Henkel, highlighted the flexibility offered by the platform, noting that engineers can explore a wide spectrum of adhesive solutions using simulation-compatible data. He emphasised that the ability to model conceptual adhesives represents a major advancement, allowing engineers to move beyond predefined product portfolios and instead develop tailored solutions that meet precise performance requirements. In many cases, these virtual concepts can be translated into physical samples within a matter of weeks, significantly accelerating development timelines.

The platform is particularly relevant for the automotive sector, where increasing electrification and system complexity are driving demand for new materials and components. Applications such as battery systems, automotive electronics, and vehicle interiors and exteriors require adhesives that meet highly specialised performance criteria, often under tight development schedules.

By integrating adhesive data into digital engineering workflows, LOCTITE SOLVE enables engineers to evaluate materials earlier, explore innovative concepts, and make confident decisions prior to physical testing. This digital-first methodology supports faster iteration, reduces development risks, and helps shorten the journey from concept to production.

Dr. Tobias Knecht, Global Market Strategy Head for E-Mobility at Henkel, noted that incorporating adhesive intelligence into simulation processes represents a significant step forward in automotive design. He explained that making material decisions earlier in development helps avoid unforeseen challenges and reduces the cost and complexity of redesigning components at later stages. The platform provides engineers with access to personalised insights into adhesive performance, positioning virtual materials as a powerful driver of innovation.

Media Contact:

Sebastian Hinz
Adhesive Technologies
Media Relations
Headquarters, Düsseldorf/Germany
+49-211-797-8594
press@henkel.com

SOURCE: Henkel