Author: Ellis Fowler

Demystifying Hot Melt Adhesives: A Comprehensive Guide

Written by Ellis Fowler on . Posted in Help. No Comments on Demystifying Hot Melt Adhesives: A Comprehensive Guide

Contrary to what many believe, hot melt adhesives and hot melt technology have progressed far beyond the crafting and DIY industries. For new or inexperienced users of hot melts, it can be confusing trying to work out all the variables involved, and how to get the best from these adhesives.

In this blog, we’ll explore what hot melt adhesives are, what to consider before using them, and some tips to get the most out of the technology.

What is a hot melt adhesive?

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.

They’re typically made up of a base polymer to which other raw materials are added. This polymer acts as the framework on which the adhesive and its properties are based. Other raw materials that may be part of the final formulation include tackifiers in the form of resins, waxes that adjust variables such as surface tack and viscosity, and additives to give the finished adhesive more stability.

Unlike many other forms of adhesive, hot melt adhesives are 100% solid materials with no solvents. At room temperature, they are safe to handle and, in many cases, have a near-unlimited shelf life. They’re also able to be remelted and set several times without compromising their adhesive properties.

Hot melt adhesives are commonly used in the packaging, woodworking, product assembly, and crafting industries, but they are also prevalent in the automotive, construction, and electrical sectors.

What factors affect hot melt choice?

Much like other adhesive systems, hot melts are not universally applicable and aren’t a ‘one size fits all’ solution. Although many formulations are classified as general purpose, there are specialised grades tailored to distinct applications and substrates.

These specialisations range from different viscosity levels for better gap-filling or tighter joins, to extended or shortened working times tailored to how quickly the bond needs to be formed.

For these reasons, it’s important to understand the following factors:

  • What materials are you bonding? How do they react to high temperatures?
  • How long after application do you need the adhesive to stay “tacky”?
  • Is it preferable to have a thicker or thinner adhesive bead?
  • Do you require an instant set when the materials are brought together, or do you need time for adjustments?
  • Will the final bond be under any extreme temperatures? Both high and low.
  • Will the final bond be visible, or does it need to blend with the materials to which it’s bonding?
  • Does the final bond need to have some flexibility?

If you can answer all of the above questions, you’ll be able to specifically search for your perfect hot melt adhesive.

Hot melt or Low melt?

Closely linked to factors that affect your hot melt choice, there are a range of hot melt adhesives specifically formulated for use with heat-sensitive substrates.

Regular hot melts are designed to run at temperatures exceeding 160°C (320°F). At these temperatures, sensitive materials such as plastic films, expanded polystyrene and many foams will melt or burn. For these substrates, a hot melt which functions at a lower temperature is required.

This is where low melt adhesives excel. These are specially formulated to maintain the same adhesive properties as their hot melt counterparts but are dispensed at much lower temperatures (120°C to 130°C or 250°F to 265°F).

So, before you look at buying a certain glue gun or hot melt adhesive, you should consider what materials you’re bonding, and whether you will need hot or low melt systems.

For a better understanding of hot melt adhesive grades and their chemistry, check out our Tecbond adhesive guide, which outlines our most popular hot melt adhesives and their specifications.

Application Method

Once you’ve decided what kind of hot melt you require, you can then join this choice with the most suitable application method.

The most common application method is a hot melt glue gun or glue applicator. As well as being the easiest to use, glue applicators are available in a variety of different models to best suit the application. These variations include:

  • Adhesive size (12 and 15mm sticks and 43mm slugs)
  • Melting/output temperature
  • Melt rate and output (linked to adhesive size)
  • Corded or cordless
  • Application form (bead or spray)

The biggest benefits of hot melt glue guns are their speed and precise control. With warm-up times of around five minutes or less, and the ability to control how much hot melt is dispensed with each pull, they’re the go-to choice for most users and industries.

The other common application method is bulk machinery. This application method is more common in fast-paced industrial environments where processes are automated, such as packaging and assembly lines. Bulk machinery tends to have much higher output and can operate all day with minimal to no downtime.

These machines work by having a tank filled with molten hot melt that is kept at a constant temperature. This molten hot melt is then dispensed automatically when required. The drawback to these machines is their high price and lack of portability.

Before choosing an application method, it’s important to understand if the hot melt you wish to use is compatible and the best fit. Certain hot melt formulations will work better with tools that run at a higher temperature, while others are available in formats that better suit bulk dispensers than glue guns. Always refer to technical data sheets for both the hot melt adhesive and applicator before making a purchase.

If you’re using a Tecbond formulation and Tec glue applicator, you can refer to our Tec glue gun guide, which details each applicator.

Tips for using hot melt adhesives

As with any adhesive technology, some best practices will ensure you get the most out of your hot melts.

  • Ensure your hot melt stick or slug is clean and dry before inserting it into your applicator – Moisture can not only potentially damage the internal components but also affect the adhesive qualities.
  • Ensure the hot melt isn’t misshapen – This can cause blockages in the applicator, leading to adhesive meltback.
  • Don’t leave glue guns on and idle for extended periods – Despite not being in use, the internal heating system will continue to melt adhesive currently in the glue chamber. This can lead to nozzle leakage or adhesive meltback.
  • Do not exceed recommended application temperatures – Running adhesives above recommended temperatures can cause burning or charring, as well as changing properties such as viscosity and open time.
  • Use the correct amount of adhesive – Don’t be tempted to over-apply adhesive. Not only will larger amounts of adhesive increase open time, but it may negatively affect the substrate you are attempting to bond (saturating a very porous substrate for example).

Conclusion

In conclusion, hot melt adhesives offer a versatile and efficient solution for bonding different materials across a wide range of industries. As we’ve explored in this comprehensive guide, understanding the composition, application methods, and factors influencing the choice between hot melt and low melt adhesives is crucial for achieving optimal results in your projects.

Colours, Kits and Bags

Written by Ellis Fowler on . Posted in Product Updates. No Comments on Colours, Kits and Bags

Outside of the bigger tool announcements this quarter, we’ve made other changes to popular products in our portfolio.

We started by upgrading our old plastic carry cases to a new, more sustainable fabric bag. Not only do they reduce the amount of plastic within our product range, but these new bags have fully customisable inserts to fit any of our applicators and accessories.

Alongside the case update, we updated our Knottec multipack to include some black sticks instead of larch. This pack now better reflects our most popular colours, not only providing new users with a range of colours to try but also giving repeat purchasers the most flexibility with colour choices in one pack.

Lastly, our cordless 12mm and 15mm tools were given a facelift with some new red handles, new labels, and on the Tec 808 specifically, a new on/off switch in a more convenient position for the tool size.

From JEC to TMB – A look at 2024 exhibitions so far

Written by Ellis Fowler on . Posted in Exhibitions. No Comments on From JEC to TMB – A look at 2024 exhibitions so far

Below are a few photos from the shows we’ve been to so far.

But that’s not the end of our plans for 2024! We’ll be at some of the upcoming Toolfair shows later in the year, demonstrating our construction adhesives and tools, along with our spray system and Knottec filling adhesive.

Outside of Europe, our US team will be at the Adhesives & Bonding Expo at the end of June, demonstrating our unique spray system for the product assembly industry. Keep an eye on our trade shows page for up-to-date information on future shows!

New look products – Same consistent results

Written by Ellis Fowler on . Posted in New products. No Comments on New look products – Same consistent results

In 2023, we decided to review our range of hot melt tools and accessories, exploring ways to cement them as the premium choice for our users.

Since the start of the year, we’ve released our most advanced 12mm and 15mm tool, the Tec 830, as well as the new standard 43mm applicator, the Tec 3500. Both of these products are based on in-depth feedback from our distributors and end-users who use our products on a day-to-day basis.

Tec 3500
Tec 830

These new tools and subsequent new products prioritise ease of use and adaptability to suit almost any application and unique scenario that you may face.

But these tools are not the end of our product releases this year. Throughout 2024, we’ll be adding to our range of tools and adhesives, delving into new technologies, and strengthening our position as innovators in hot melt technology.

43mm hot melt adhesives: Why should you use them?

Written by Ellis Fowler on . Posted in Applications. No Comments on 43mm hot melt adhesives: Why should you use them?

For over 40 years, Power Adhesives has been producing hot melt adhesive formulations in 43mm diameter slugs.

But why would you need 43mm slugs? What applications are they most beneficial for? And why should you choose to use 43mm adhesives over the traditional 12mm sticks?

Output

Looking to increase overall adhesive output? Then opt for a larger adhesive diameter! Certain industries and applications require a greater amount of adhesive per trigger pull, and 12mm glue guns can only provide a certain amount of adhesive, no matter how efficient the tool is.

Changing to 43mm hot melts allows the use of a bigger glue gun with more powerful heating systems and more efficient technology. This, in turn, results in a faster melt rate and increased output per kilogram.

For example, the highest output 12mm tec glue gun dispenses around 2.5kg (5.5 lbs) of adhesive per hour. Contrast that with the entry-level 43mm tec glue gun, which dispenses around 3kg (6.5 lbs) per hour, with that output increasing with each more powerful tool up to the tec 7300, which has an output of 5.25kg (11.25 lbs) per hour.

Thanks to the impressive output 43mm adhesives provide, hot melts are now commonly used in both the foundry and precast industries, both demanding applications that require constant adhesive application in large quantities.

Spraying ability

It’s not just output that’s affected, as changing to 43mm adhesives opens up the range of tec spray applicators too. These spray tools not only increase adhesive coverage, but also enable adhesive formulations to be used on heat-sensitive substrates that can burn or melt when used with a regular hot melt glue gun.

Widely used in the product assembly and construction industries, formulations such as spraytec 410 and 420 aren’t available in 12mm sticks as their intended application requires a higher volume of adhesive to speed up the overall bonding process.

New possible formulations

Depending on the raw material makeup of the adhesive, many hot melts won’t work as 12mm sticks as they won’t hold together in smaller formats. Many grades, like tecbond 263, are only available in 43mm slugs, as their chemical makeup means the final formulation is quite soft and malleable.

Attempting to produce a 12mm stick with a formulation that is too “soft” may potentially damage the equipment it’s used with. Some of these issues include stick warping, stick breakages, and adhesive meltback, which in turn affect the performance of the extruded adhesive and how it bonds.

43mm slugs counter this issue, as the greater amount of glue results in an overall stronger slug. Think of it like this: you’re able to rip a piece of paper but cannot rip an entire catalogue; the same principle applies to the hot melt.

Conclusion

43mm hot melt slugs are the ideal adhesives for high-powered industries that need a constant supply of adhesive or need access to formulations that aren’t available in traditional 12mm sticks.

Since we started producing 43mm adhesives over 40 years ago, we have been constantly developing new formulations and updating glue gun technology to make these adhesives perform at their highest potential.

Created as part of a complete hot melt system, our 43mm adhesives work best with our range of 3000, 6000, and 7000 series of applicators. Tools such as the 3400 come with a range of temperature modules, so you can dispense glue at the exact temperature needed for the application.

If you’re looking to switch to 43mm adhesives, speak to one of our sales team about switching over and discovering the benefits for yourself.

sales@poweradhesives.com

+44 (0)1268 885 801

What to consider when choosing your hot melt adhesive grade

Written by Ellis Fowler on . Posted in Applications. 1 Comment on What to consider when choosing your hot melt adhesive grade

With hot melt adhesive technology constantly advancing and offering new solutions to a range of applications, new users need to understand what they’re looking for in their adhesive. It’s important to understand how different factors in the bonding process will affect the grade of hot melt you need. Below, we will detail some of the most important things to consider when choosing your hot melt adhesive grade.

Materials being bonded

This one is the most self-explanatory but also one of the most important factors to consider. Hot melts work by melting and then cooling, eventually solidifying to form a bond between substrates. This process uses both chemical and physical bonding, so it’s important to understand what bonding method your substrates require.

Materials like untreated wood, cardboard, paper, and fabrics will benefit from an adhesive with better physical bonding properties due to their porosity, whereas low-surface-energy materials like polyolefin plastics or glass will benefit from an adhesive with better chemical bonding properties. You can read more about chemical and physical bonding in our blog, explaining the difference between the two.

Tecbond’s hot melt adhesive range offers versatile solutions, with different grades capable of bonding almost any material, providing buyers with a reliable and adaptable option for their adhesive needs.

Working time and open time

These two go hand-in-hand, as working time will affect the open time required for the hot melt grade. Working time is the time it takes to complete the entire process of bonding materials together. Open time is the amount of time after application that the adhesive can still be manipulated.

If an adhesive’s open time is shorter than the working time, it will begin setting before compression, losing its tack and being unable to form a strong bond. This can then lead to adhesive failure. It is therefore important to find a hot melt adhesive with an open time longer than your working time.

In the packaging industry, manufacturers generally prefer shorter open times, as it means they can very quickly secure each box or carton and move on to the next one without requiring any clamping or holding. In contrast, product assembly applications may prefer a longer open time to accurately position the materials before compression.

So before purchasing a hot melt adhesive, it is important to understand how long it takes on average to bring your components together after the adhesive has been applied.

Temperature of the working environment

As mentioned previously, hot melt adhesives differ from water- and solvent-based solutions in their bonding method. With them needing to set, the temperature of the environment they’re used in will, in turn, affect their ability to set correctly.

The general rule is that the warmer the environment, the longer it will take for the bond to fully solidify, and vice versa. Using an incorrect hot melt adhesive can lead to soft bonds along with longer open times and setting speeds.

Certain hot melt grades will be designed for warmer conditions, while others are formulated to survive much lower temperatures. In many instances, this will affect their setting temperatures and softening points. This may not lead to adhesive or cohesive failure but may result in substrate movements due to the now softened bond.

Application temperature

This point is closely linked to materials being bonded. Specific substrates require a higher temperature to form a strong bond, while others require a lower temperature to avoid burning or melting.

Each hot melt formulation will have a recommended application temperature, which is linked to ideal performance. Running these hot melts at a higher or lower temperature may result in poor functionality in relation to its intended purpose.

For example, tecbond low melt grades are formulated to run at 130°C. Dispensing them at regular hot melt temperatures (around 195°C) will make them very low viscosity and compromise their bonding ability. Conversely, running a high-temperature grade such as tecbond 7784 at a lower temperature will hinder its performance as a higher heat results in more energy being available for bonding.

Adhesive size

More specific to the tecbond range of hot melts, the size of the adhesive will affect not only the formulation you can use but also the type of applicator you need.

Tecbond 43mm adhesives allow users to improve their adhesive output while allowing for varied formulations that wouldn’t work in a traditional 12mm stick. Tecbond grades 265, 266, and 267 are only available in 43mm slugs, as their raw material makeup makes them too soft in a 12 or 15mm stick format.

For more technical information about the tecbond adhesive range or to find out what tecbond grade is most suitable for your application, please contact our sales team.

sales@poweradhesives.com

+44 (0)1268 885 801

Tecbond 23 – The strong, multi-purpose product assembly adhesive

Written by Ellis Fowler on . Posted in Adhesive of the month. No Comments on Tecbond 23 – The strong, multi-purpose product assembly adhesive

A staple of the tecbond range and one of the more popular shaped hot melt adhesives on the market, tecbond 23 is designed to offer superior bonding on the most commonly used building materials.

Tecbond 23 is an EVA-based, multi-purpose hot melt adhesive that provides excellent bonds on a wide variety of materials, including hard and soft woods, ceramics, fabrics, and many plastics.

Unlike traditional sealants and superglues, tecbond 23 won’t dry out or cure after several uses. Any unmelted glue stays in the gun and can be used the next time it is switched on. Plus, hot melts have an unlimited shelf life and generate almost no waste product.

Due to its ability to bond hardwoods so effectively, tecbond 23 is an ideal adhesive for hardwood flooring installation. Alongside bonding starter strips, skirting boards, and beading, tecbond 23 can also be used to bond transition strips between rooms.

Tecbond 23 is also ideal for temporary flooring, as the bond is much easier to remove than traditional sealants or cyanoacrylates. Tecbond 23 bonds can be softened using a heat gun, at which point the materials can be separated. Sealants and cyanoacrylates require harmful chemicals and solvent-based cleaning solutions to dissolve their bonds, a process that is not only potentially dangerous for the user but also complicated when trying to remove flooring.

Complementing its bonding ability, tecbond 23’s other unique selling point is its longer open time. After application, tecbond 23 will remain tacky for over 10 seconds under ideal conditions, therefore extending the overall working time and allowing for precise positioning of the substrates before compression. Upon compression, the adhesive will provide an almost instant hold and requires minimal compression time before a bond is made.

Part of the tecbond range of shaped adhesives, tecbond 23 is available in 12 and 15mm sticks as well as 43mm slugs and bulk slats, making it compatible with all forms of adhesive dispensing equipment. A tried and tested formulation, the adhesive works best with the range of tec applicators. These tools have been produced in partnership with tecbond adhesives to ensure consistent results and minimum effort for the user.

For more information on tecbond 23, or any other products in the tec and tecbond range, please contact our sales team.

sales@poweradhesives.com

+44 (0)1268 885 801

What are the three types of bonding failure?

Written by Ellis Fowler on . Posted in Technical Information. No Comments on What are the three types of bonding failure?

In the adhesives industry, bond failures can’t always be attributed to a single factor. With several different variables involved in why a bond may fail, it is important to understand what each failure is, and what can contribute to the failure occurring.

Substrate Failure

Substrate failure occurs when the adhesive bond is so strong that it causes at least one of the substrates to fail before the adhesive does.

In the packaging industry, this is commonly known as a fiber tear, due to how the substrate fails (tearing of the fibers that make up the box, leaving residue on one of the bonded substrates).

Despite this phrasing, fiber tear is not always present when substrate failure occurs. Materials such as glass and many hard plastics will break or crack when under pressure, which is also classified as substrate failure.

Many people assume that substrate failure means they need a stronger adhesive to stop the substrate from breaking. In reality, the adhesive used is strong enough to hold the material it has bonded to, so any material failure cannot be fixed by the adhesive.

In most circumstances, substrate failure is the desired goal, as it proves the adhesive has worked as it should.

Cohesive Failure

Cohesive failure happens when the adhesive has bonded well to both substrates, and the failure occurs internally within the adhesive itself.

The adhesive lacks sufficient cohesion to hold together, which causes it to separate, leaving residue adhesive on both substrates.

Cohesive failure commonly occurs when a soft-setting adhesive is used on very robust substrates, such as metal and thick plastics. If the material doesn’t fail, the internal strength of the adhesive reaches its limit, and the adhesive breaks.

Adhesive failure

Adhesive failure occurs when the adhesive hasn’t properly bonded to one of the substrates.

Several variables can trigger or affect adhesive failure; some are due to user error, while others are environmental factors. These can include a low application temperature, a low surface energy of the substrate being bonded, and a long process open time.

If the application temperature is too low, the adhesive may not have the same adhesive properties as it would when applied at the optimal temperature. This also subsequently affects the adhesives’ open time. If the substrates aren’t brought together quickly enough, the hot melt will have already started setting, minimising its adhesive qualities.

Low-surface-energy substrates such as polypropylene are notoriously difficult to effectively bond, with most hot melt adhesive formulations unable to spread across their surface and form chemical bonds. For more information about the difficulties of chemical bonding, read our blog post on physical and chemical bonding.

There are certain circumstances in which adhesive failure is beneficial to the product and how it works, for example, sticky notes. The adhesive on the reverse of sticky notes is designed to fail under the pressure of being pulled. If they didn’t experience adhesive failure, sticky notes could end up tearing under the force of being pulled away from a surface.

An example of a tecbond product that relies on eventual adhesive failure is peeltec 210. This grade is designed to form a temporary bond between substrates that is easily peelable when required. It is most commonly used to affix credit cards to letters and display labels on retail products.

The tecbond range of hot melt adhesives is formulated to suit the specific needs of the user and market application. Our adhesives have been used for over 40 years across a number of industries, including packaging, construction, product assembly, flooring, automotive, and hobby and craft.

For more information about the tecbond range, including finding the right adhesive for your business, contact our sales team.

sales@poweradhesives.com

+44 (0)1268 885 801

Power Adhesives achieves additional ISO certifications

Written by Ellis Fowler on . Posted in News. No Comments on Power Adhesives achieves additional ISO certifications

We are delighted to announce that Power Adhesives has reached another milestone in its ongoing journey to excellence in quality, safety, and environmental responsibility.

The business’ efforts have led to successful re-certification of ISO9001:2015 and new certifications of ISO14001:2021 and ISO45001:2018, giving us a combined quality system acknowledging our strides towards greater environmental sustainability, workplace safety, and top-quality products.

This is also a significant step on Power Adhesives’ journey towards gaining the globally-recognised EcoVadis accreditation.

Environmental management ISO 14001:2021

Environmental management ISO 14001:2021 is an internationally recognized standard that focuses on the environment. It helps organizations like ours implement effective environmental policies, reduce our environmental impact, and demonstrates our commitment to sustainable practices.

Occupational Health and Safety Management ISO 45001:2018

Occupational Health and Safety Management ISO 45001:2018 is all about ensuring the welfare and safety of our employees. It provides a framework for identifying, managing, and continuously improving occupational health and safety risks in the workplace to ensure a safe and healthy environment for our team.

Quality Management System ISO 9001:2015

Quality Management System ISO 9001:2015 focuses on quality management, emphasizing the importance of meeting customer expectations and delivering consistently high-quality products and services. This standard helps us maintain the quality that our customers trust and deserve.

We sincerely thank Auva, our certification agency, for their support and guidance throughout this journey. Their expertise and knowledge has played a huge role in the success of our combined quality system.

This milestone reflects the dedication and hard work of everyone at Power Adhesives and sets a clear intention for the future of the business. It is a testament to our unwavering commitment to the well-being of our employees, the environment, and our customers.

Working together with
Colourful Beginnings to support
NICUs around the country

Written by Ellis Fowler on . Posted in News. No Comments on Working together with
Colourful Beginnings to support
NICUs around the country

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, often overlooking the small miracles happening around us every day.

Colourful Beginnings is a UK-registered charity. They envision a world where families and women with premature and sick babies in NICUs are provided with the correct care and comfort throughout their whole journey—whether they’re within the hospital walls, after discharge, or beyond.

It’s with great pride that we, at Power Adhesives, are gifting tec 305-12 glue guns and hot melt sticks to help this incredible organisation. Colourful Beginnings will be using our guns and adhesives for decorations, sticking items together, and adding a little bit of life to their crochet animals.

The core of Colourful Beginnings’ efforts is their ‘Treasure Boxes.’ These boxes are far more than just containers; they are precious bundles of comfort and support for families when they need it most. Each ‘Treasure Box’ is thoughtfully packed with essential items that offer solace during the NICU stay. These items include blankets, crochet animals, bonding hearts, NICU journals, nourishing snacks, and so much more.

What makes Colourful Beginnings truly extraordinary is that they provide these ‘Treasure Boxes’ to families completely free of charge. Their dedication to this cause relies on the generosity of individuals who contribute their time, resources, and personal funds.

This is where the heart of their mission truly shines.

To ensure that each ‘Treasure Box’ is filled with love and care, Colourful Beginnings has started an in-person crafting group that gathers every Monday from 7:30 p.m. at The Sandmartin pub, Chafford Hundred, RM16 6PP. You can bring your own projects, knit, or crochet items from hats to cuddly octopuses, which will find a loving home within these boxes.

It’s not just about crafting; it’s about creating a space where individuals can come together, share their experiences, and form bonds that go beyond the threads they weave.

We are inspired by the dedication and selflessness shown by Colourful Beginnings, and we’re excited to support them in their mission to provide hope and comfort to families in need.

If you’re feeling generous today, please consider donating to Colourful Beginnings.

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