What Glue Should I Use?

Glue is a wide topic when you start matching types for different applications.

As well as matching type to useage, product names can’t always be relied on, as glue can be known as adhesive or silicone.

Types of Glue

The secret to a successful project is matching the properties to the use.

For example, siliconeis used for sealing not for adhering materials. Saying that, people commonly refer to silicone as a product they will use when adhering products. Strictly speaking silicones are not glues.

Hybrid

Can be a combination of the different adhesive types. The different combinations provide increased structural performance and efficiencies. There are 2 main main types: silyl-modified (MS polymers) and silyl-modified polyurethanes (SPUR).

Polyurethane

Often shortened to PU, These are made of urethane polymers. These type are very elastic.

Hot Melt

These are used in various areas such as card and box manufacturing. It is a type of thermoplastic adhesive.

Spray Adhesives

Spray glues are applied often under pressure in upholstery and construction. They come in aerosol cans.

Epoxies

These are made of 2 components. An epoxy resin and a hardener. These combine to formulate the curing process.

Cyanoacrylate

These are the instant type commonly known as super glue.

PVA

Commonly referred to as wood glue, it is an aliphatic rubbery synthetic polymer

Types of Glue Applications

Plastics

The types which can be used are specialised expoxy or cyanoacrylate.

Wood

The most commonly used wood glue is PVA. Other types are MS polymer and polyurethane.

Aluminium

2 part expoxy adhesives are a suitable solution in most applications. MS polymers such as Ritetack also are suitable. Critical to the success, is the coating which is on the aluminium. Coatings such as PEcan inhibit the success. The best surface for glues to stock to is mill finish.

For an indepth study on the types of glue proceed to Adhesives.org

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