Have you ever had trouble using a polyolefin-based hot melt or can’t seem to properly apply a pressure-sensitive adhesive?
Worry no longer, all of you who fear to adhere: The tips and tricks to make things stick are here. After reading this, you will have a better understanding of when to use and how to apply Henkel Technomelt pressure-sensitive adhesives and polyolefin-based hot melt adhesives.
Why Polyolefin
First and foremost, polyolefin-based adhesives offer superior bonding power. You will also be left with a better final product and can complete a sizable amount of work in a shorter amount of time.
Applying the pressure
Pressure-sensitive adhesives are also known as self-adhesives, self-stick adhesives, or PSAs. PSAs do not require water, heat, or any solvent to activate the bond. They use the application of pressure on the adhesive so it can adhere to its desired new location.
In everyday life, you will easily find PSAs in labels, stickers, notepads or post-its, and pressure-sensitive tapes. High-performance PSAs are more common in utility, construction, and fabrication scenarios. They are frequently used in automotive fabrication through application to the interior trim, or as foil tape and safety labels for HVAC units.
Henkel’s Technomelt: The Top Choice
When it comes to top-of-the-line industrial adhesives, Henkel has been in the business for nearly 100 years. Henkel works to continually improve its adhesives according to market developments in equipment and surfaces while keeping environmental safety and protection in mind.
While its Technomelt brand of adhesives is most popular with hot melt adhesives, it uses the same principles of water, heat, and solvent-based tech to expand the market of PSAs.
Wondering where you may have seen or used a Technomelt pressure-sensitive adhesive outside of a workshop? They are a popular choice for food carton and case sealing, beverage labels, diapers, and other hygiene products.
If you are a frequent creator and connoisseur of graphic material, Henkel provides a line of general-purpose PSAs that can be used in varying climates, with the ability to adjust and be removed at any time. These include nameplates and decals, signage, wood and vinyl laminate, and window or safety film, all of which utilize Henkel’s Duro-Tak solvent-based acrylic.
Bypassing the Pressure of PSAs
The first step with any PSA application is to make sure the surface is clear of any contaminants or debris, as these could effectively counteract adhesion. It is always a good idea to wipe down the surface with a microfiber cloth, even when contaminants may not be particularly obvious.
The type of surface you are attempting to adhere to also has a huge impact on the effectiveness of your adhesive. How smooth is the surface you are working with? You will notice how easily PSAs apply to vinyl or marble, but, with a rough concrete or wood surface, full adhesion is difficult or near impossible. This idea is also known as surface energy of surface tension, where the molecular level of an object determines how porous, solid, and “stick-able” its surface is.
Most PSAs are utilized in room temperature settings and are designed for this climate. This type of adhesive will usually weaken at high or low temperatures, but companies like Henkel create specialized and stronger PSAs to withstand these conditions.
Polyolefin-Based Hot Melt Adhesives
The hot melt adhesive, often referred to as hot glue, is a thermoplastic adhesive. This means that the plastic changes form when under extreme heat or pressure.
With polyolefin-based HMAs, there is an even greater performance range, as these adhesives can withstand greater heat and maintain adherence and flexibility even at colder temperatures than the standard HMAs. This is a popular Henkel product, and it is often utilized in the application of automotive interior.
On an individual and small-scale level, hot melt adhesives serve as a multi-purpose tool most commonly utilized with a hot glue gun as the heating element or, at times, applied in the form of a spray or dip. Ensure you avoid painful burns and scarring by wearing thick work gloves.
On an industrial level, HMAs reduce the presence of volatile organic compounds, eliminating the somewhat finicky drying or curing process. Their long shelf life and easy disposal make them an ideal adhesive. Despite the impact of extreme heat on their level of adhesion, HMAs can often re-adhere with the use of moisture.
Your Project Awaits!
You are now equipped with a better understanding of when and how to use the two most common industrial adhesives!