Things to Consider When Buying Hot Melt Adhesives

Adhesives are a necessity in both industry and households. Adhesives are in high demand as they are always used in various fields. No matter the application, hotmelt.com has hot melt adhesive products to meet your needs.

To complete the high-quality projects that your clients expect and to do so with an efficiency that improves your bottom line, it’s essential to have the right mix of adhesives and dispensing equipment.

Read our helpful buyer’s guide to choosing the hot melt adhesive that’s best for your project.

What is a Hot Melt Adhesive?

Hot melt adhesives are based on thermoplastic polymers. They are also known as hot melt adhesives or thermoplastic adhesives. At normal temperatures, the hot melt changes from a solid to a viscous flow when heated to its melting point. Therefore, these adhesives must first be heated using specialist equipment until they melt before being applied to the substrates that need to be joined.

How is hot melt glue different from other types of adhesives?

  • You can use hot melt adhesive in various applications because it resolidifies on cooling, providing greater adhesive strength between substrates.
  • You can use hot melt adhesive everywhere because it is resistant to the effects of various external factors.
  • Polymer-based hot melt adhesives are suitable for the same purposes as solvent adhesives. The use of hot melt adhesives has overtaken solvent-based adhesives in popularity. Hot melt adhesives are cheaper, set more quickly, and do not contain volatile organic compounds.

Glue Sticks

Glue sticks include hot melt in their most popular form. They are often used in recreational activities and professional settings, including gluing boxes, displays, calendars, and many types of assembly labor.

Glue Pellets

The packaging industry often uses pellets, pastilles, and other granular forms to package adhesives. Additionally, various assembly adhesives are provided as such.

Suitable Products for Hot Melt Adhesive

Of course, a suitable hot melt adhesive is required for successful product gluing. For example, a regular transparent glue stick, with a slightly more tacky and difficult-to-take-on glue material and a solid dark yellow variety, are available for gluing samples.

Temperature Required During Processing

Hot melt glue processing temperature is essential. A typical setting for glue guns is between 160 and 200 °C. Too much frost can result in thick, sticky glue and poor adhesion. On the other hand, overheating can result 1in scorched substrates, too thin, burnt glue, and safety issues.

Melting Temperature

Most hot melt adhesives have a melting point that ranges from 80 to 120 degrees Celsius. When the hot melt reaches this temperature, it turns into a liquid and can be dispensed through a dosing device. However, as already noted, processing or application temperature is much higher than the melting point.

Viscosity

The viscosity of the glue determines its thickness or fluidity. The thinner the hot melt glue is, the faster it melts. However, the consistency of hot melt adhesive varies in intensity.

Conclusion

Hot melt glue is one of the most versatile adhesives for household and industrial use. Hot melt units provide various functions and adhesive applications to meet high production demands and long-term cost reductions.

Since its quick processing, hot melt glue is often used in the packaging, bookbinding, and product manufacturing sectors.