Industrial Adhesives

Industrial Adhesives

Industrial adhesives commonly adhere to metals, plastics, glass, wood, paper, cement, ceramic and marble, although which one depends on their chemical composition. They are mainly made from silicone, acrylic or polyurethane, and are classified according to their adhesive properties, composition and curing mechanism. Curing is a term referring to the method necessary to harden the adhesive. Adhesives are used in the automotive, woodworking, appliance assembly, packaging, labeling and plumbing industries, as well as in book binding, shoe making, aquarium assembly, tank assembly and furniture making. The construction industry utilizes acrylic adhesives to replace fasteners during fabrication of doors, staircases, window frames and cabinets, rather then having to mess with hammers and nails and such. Adhesives also make installing wood floors and laying laminate cleaner, faster and easier. Most adhesives are either a clear or milky white color, which makes them even better suited aesthetically to housing projects. Industrial adhesives also have many different viscosities; the liquid adhesive's resistance to flow.

Most industrial adhesives have different cure times. Some adhesives set and dry almost instantly, while others need an entire night to finish bonding to the surface. They may come with backing that peels off to reveal the adhesive that is then applied to other objects with the use of pressure. These are called pressure sensitive adhesives and can often be removed or repositioned if necessary without damaging the surface or losing tactility. Hot melt adhesives are solvent-free and remain solid until heated to at least 180º F. Once cooled, they form a strong and water resistant bond. Thermoset adhesives do not melt or un-cure when heat is applied once they have hardened and adhered to a surface. Some adhesives cure when exposed to ultraviolet light or radiation, while others react with the moisture in the air. Adhesives come packaged in many different forms. Some come pre-mixed in a tube, while others must be mixed right before use and are either applied to either surface or mixed until homogenous, which can complicate the application process. Acrylic adhesives are able to bond quickly at room temperature and are highly resistant to environmental conditions. Polyurethane adhesives are tough yet flexible, and can bend even after they have cured. Silicone adhesives are the most temperature resistant option, and can withstand temperatures up to 600º F.