Any substance that can be used to bind the surfaces of two or more materials is classed as an adhesive; from the super glue to cement. This article offers an introduction to three main types of adhesive available, from the perspective of tradesman. Rather than visiting the domestic applications, we’ll be looking at the advantages of adhesives and their applications in a trade or industrial setting.
Firstly, an adhesive has several advantages over other joining techniques such as mechanical fastening (think nuts and bolts), welding and soldering and other metal joining processes like brazing. Cost is a major factor; adhesives are typically much cheaper to procure and apply than mechanical fasteners or methods requiring heat application. Adhesives are also designed to bond together surfaces of completely different material; something impossible to do with many alternate metal joining processes. Moreover, using an adhesive dramatically reduces the chance of introducing localised stresses, as often occurs with mechanical joining. Adhesives can also be applied to complex geometries without the need for drilling or heat application.
As you can see, there are a whole host of advantages although it’s important to realise some of the limitations of an adhesive too. Whilst typically very strong, adhesives can struggle to bond large objects that have only a small surface area. There is also a question mark over their ability to maintain their hold in high temperatures.
Nevertheless, many trades find adhesives incredibly versatile and useful to have in their arsenal. Structural adhesives in particular are proven joiners and are used in industries such as aerospace, construction, agriculture and glass-manufacture to mention just a few.
As mentioned, adhesives can be applied to a number of different surfaces. The surface material you are working with should largely dictate the type of adhesive you use. Different types of adhesive bond more effectively with different surfaces and so, for the best join, ensure you spec up carefully and pick the right adhesive for your job.
Acrylic Adhesives
Acrylic adhesives are ideal for forming very high strength bonds between ceramics, metals, plastics and wood. They provide excellent shear strength and have a short drying time, making them ideal for many industrial and trade applications. Their stress and impact resistance is also very good. The fact that acrylic adhesives tend to dry clear also make them popular with designers and artists, as when dry they do not detract from a workpiece’s aesthetic values.
As a result, acrylic adhesives are typically used in joining, sealing and gluing applications in industries such as transport, signage, metal fabrication, energy, electronics and sports goods manufacture. Some acrylic adhesives can also be found in heavier industries such as equipment and machinery manufacture.
Epoxy Adhesives
Epoxy adhesive are extremely tough and durable and possess a high shear strength. These reasons, coupled with their rigid but flexible hold mean they are very suited to heavy industry as well as the manufacture of electronic goods and appliances.
In terms of materials, epoxy adhesives are best for joining metals, woods, stone and plastics. They are typically quite fast setting and should be mixed only immediately prior to application. Compared to the others mentioned in this article, epoxy adhesives offer superior resistance to chemical and heat exposure.
You will find epoxy adhesives in a wide range of products, from bicycle repairs and surfboard manufacture to solar panels and the mobile phones, as well as heavier industrial applications.
Any substance that can be used to bind the surfaces of two or more materials is classed as an adhesive; from the super glue to cement. This article offers an introduction to three main types of adhesive available, from the perspective of tradesman. Rather than visiting the domestic applications, we’ll be looking at the advantages of adhesives and their applications in a trade or industrial setting.
Firstly, an adhesive has several advantages over other joining techniques such as mechanical fastening (think nuts and bolts), welding and soldering and other metal joining processes like brazing. Cost is a major factor; adhesives are typically much cheaper to procure and apply than mechanical fasteners or methods requiring heat application. Adhesives are also designed to bond together surfaces of completely different material; something impossible to do with many alternate metal joining processes. Moreover, using an adhesive dramatically reduces the chance of introducing localised stresses, as often occurs with mechanical joining. Adhesives can also be applied to complex geometries without the need for drilling or heat application.
A Trade Introduction
As you can see, there are a whole host of advantages although it’s important to realise some of the limitations of an adhesive too. Whilst typically very strong, adhesives can struggle to bond large objects that have only a small surface area. There is also a question mark over their ability to maintain their hold in high temperatures.
Nevertheless, many trades find adhesives incredibly versatile and useful to have in their arsenal. Structural adhesives in particular are proven joiners and are used in industries such as aerospace, construction, agriculture and glass-manufacture to mention just a few.
As mentioned, adhesives can be applied to a number of different surfaces. The surface material you are working with should largely dictate the type of adhesive you use. Different types of adhesive bond more effectively with different surfaces and so, for the best join, ensure you spec up carefully and pick the right adhesive for your job.
As mentioned, adhesives
Acrylic Adhesives
Acrylic adhesives are ideal for forming very high strength bonds between ceramics, metals, plastics and wood. They provide excellent shear strength and have a short drying time, making them ideal for many industrial and trade applications. Their stress and impact resistance is also very good. The fact that acrylic adhesives tend to dry clear also make them popular with designers and artists, as when dry they do not detract from a workpiece’s aesthetic values.
As a result, acrylic adhesives are typically used in joining, sealing and gluing applications in industries such as transport, signage, metal fabrication, energy, electronics and sports goods manufacture. Some acrylic adhesives can also be found in heavier industries such as equipment and machinery manufacture.
Epoxy Adhesives
Epoxy adhesive are extremely tough and durable and possess a high shear strength. These reasons, coupled with their rigid but flexible hold mean they are very suited to heavy industry as well as the manufacture of electronic goods and appliances.
In terms of materials, epoxy adhesives are best for joining metals, woods, stone and plastics. They are typically quite fast setting and should be mixed only immediately prior to application. Compared to the others mentioned in this article, epoxy adhesives offer superior resistance to chemical and heat exposure.
You will find epoxy adhesives in a wide range of products, from bicycle repairs and surfboard manufacture to solar panels and the mobile phones, as well as heavier industrial applications.
Polyurethane Adhesives
Finally, polyurethane adhesive is arguably the most flexible type detailed in this document. Often found in domestic settings as well as commercial and industrial, it has great resistance to shrinking, provides an excellent seal and will not bubble or foam during application. Moreover, the adhesive is particularly resistant to heat. This makes it great as both a sealant as well as an adhesive; hence its appearance in many domestic settings.
Polyurethane adhesives are particularly simple to apply and bond dissimilar materials with ease. They are used be tradesman to fit bathrooms and kitchens, windows and doors as well as in more commercial or industrial settings.
In a more industrial setting, polyurethane adhesives can be used to join wood, metal and glass, making it extremely popular with joiners and carpenters