Hot melt adhesives are a common tool across a range of industries, offering a powerful and versatile bonding solution.
From packaging to construction, professionals everywhere are benefitting from a leading adhesive technology that combines rapid setting times with strong, adjustable bonds. By understanding the science behind these adhesives, manufacturers can leverage their unique properties to enhance productivity and product quality.
The basics of hot melt adhesives:
A hot melt adhesive, or hot melt glue, is a type of thermoplastic adhesive that’s applied in a molten state and solidifies upon cooling to form a strong bond between two substrates. Bringing a second surface into contact with the adhesive begins the bonding process as the molten adhesive wets and interacts with both surfaces. The adhesive rapidly solidifies as it cools, forming a strong bond between the two materials. During this time, compression can be applied to promote even stronger bonds.
What are the key features of hot melt adhesives?
Although there are multiple kinds of adhesives that are used in manufacturing and packaging, hot melt adhesives offer several advantages that set them apart. Compared to epoxies and water-based solutions, these formulations set extremely quickly, reducing idle times and speeding up assembly lines.
They can bond with a wide range of substrates, with some suitable for use on heat-sensitive materials like foams and expanded polystyrene. Hot melt adhesives are also 100% solid content and can be produced in multiple forms, including sticks, slugs, prills and pillows to name a few.
How are hot melt adhesives applied?
After selecting which form of hot melt adhesive you need, you can match the product to a suitable applicator. Hot melt adhesive applicators – or glue guns – are among the most common application methods. These tools are both simple to use and are available in a wide range of formats to suit given applications. Our Tec applicators can apply hot melt adhesives in bead, dot, and even spray patterns and come in a range of sizes depending on required power and volume.
These glue guns offer speed and precise application, making them the default method for many industries. In fast-paced industrial environments, bulk applicators may be more suitable. These machines are capable of higher output and can operate for long periods with minimal downtime, but are less portable and generally more expensive.
How do hot melt adhesives compare to other solutions?
Compared with other bonding and sealing products, hot-melt adhesives represent a more eco-conscious, safe, and versatile solution. VOC and solvent-free, they present far fewer health risks to operators when compared to solvent-base alternatives.
In terms of production efficiency, hot melt adhesives form final bonds faster than solvent-based adhesives, enabling higher production speeds and faster production times. They do not require a drying or curing step, and have an essentially unlimited shelf life, unlike most other adhesives that can dry out over time.
For packaging applications, where tapes and staples may be used for carton closing, hot melt adhesives offer a faster, more cost-effective, and non-destructive sealing solution. Although investment in heating equipment is necessary, hot melt adhesives are generally less expensive than solvent-based adhesives in the long run due to lower material costs. These formulations also produce minimal waste, further contributing to cost savings.
Power Adhesives: Leading the way in hot melt solutions
As Europe’s leading specialist in hot melt adhesives, Power Adhesives offers a comprehensive range of hot melt products catering to a diverse set of industries and applications. Our flagship Tecbond range has been meeting the specific needs of users and industries for 50 years, facilitating instant, permanent bonds on a vast range of materials while removing the need for harmful and difficult to use adhesives.
We are proud to offer the world’s first fully-certified biodegradable shaped hot melt adhesive in Tecbond 214B, offering a more sustainable solution, and other developments in eco-conscious adhesives are ongoing. What’s more, our team of experts can support customers with in-house trials and on-site support, ensuring companies can access customized solutions to meet their specific needs.
