Adhesive technology is miles away from what it used to be. Nowadays, the true north of industries is to find more eco-friendly and sustainable components for their products, and even in the field of adhesive applications, that is very much the case. Even though the face of the industry is changing, the practical part still needs as many resources as possible for people to learn how to apply adhesives correctly.
This article outlines seven common challenges and solutions in adhesive application, which can be helpful if you are exploring the world of adhesives and their challenges and benefits.
The Type of Substrate and Its Conditions
The first challenge to consider in the field of adhesive application is the substrate you want the adhesive to adhere to. As different adhesives work on different substrates, it is crucial to consider the material you will work with. A simple solution for this would be to evaluate which combinations of surfaces and adhesives work best together. Do not forget to inform yourself about the energy of the surface as well, as certain materials can have very low power (plastics are a great example of this). A good rule of thumb to consider is that if the surface energy is low, you will need a stronger adhesive.
Similarly, it is also extremely important to consider the conditions of the materials you are working with, as a damaged substrate could work differently from a non-damaged one. If you have any doubts on this matter, you can always contact your trusted adhesives and glue manufacturer, who could give you some guidance and valuable advice on how to proceed on a case-to-case basis.
Performance, Conditions, and Method
The wanted performance of a given adhesive can also turn into a bit of a challenge, as many people do not consider the expectations they have for an adhesive before diving into a specific project and ending up using the wrong type of product. The solution is quite simple: before picking a specific adhesive, consider the performance you want. Is it supposed to be a life single-use project or a yearly project?
Other two challenges to consider are the environmental conditions and the application method. These two factors can be dealt with similarly to the performance. Consider which environmental condition the adhesive surface will be exposed to, whether outdoors or indoors or to extreme temperatures and humidity. Thanks to considering all these factors, you can decide which method to use without risking doing the job twice.
Safety Measures and Sustainability
Two other challenges are the safety measures and the sustainability of a certain product. These two matters can impact the environment around you and whoever else is helping with a certain project. To avoid any kind of negative results, you can go for a very simple solution: water-based adhesives. This type of adhesive is perfect for people who want to help save the environment while operating within adequate safety measures. Make sure to buy the right kinds of products, and these two challenges will not be a problem for you. Put sustainability and safety at the core of your project, and everything will fall into place. In this article, you found seven challenges related to adhesives and their respective solutions. Now, you can approach the next project with better knowledge of the subject and the tools needed to face the most common challenges.
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Rick LeBlanc, EMBA, is the founder and editor of Reusable Packaging News (subscribe to the free newsletter) and editor of Western Pallet Magazine. A supply chain journalist with more than 30 years of experience, he specializes in pallets, reusable packaging, material handling and related operations. Rick is co-author of Pallets: A North American Perspective and Pallets & Progress: A Collected History of Pallets and Palletized Handling 1922–1945. He is also an advisory board member of the Virginia Tech Center for Packaging and Unit Load Design. Read Rick’s full bio.
