Hot Melt News

In manual assembly and packaging applications, the actual hot melt adhesive usage is often twice as much as is required.  Precise manual application of hot melt can be difficult; therefore operators apply additional adhesive to insure a sufficient bond.  Packaging and/or product failures are more expensive than the cost of adhesive overuse, so managers simply accept higher adhesive consumption as a cost of doing business.

With skyrocketing raw material and shipping costs pushing the average cost of hot melt to more than $2.00 per pound, it makes sense to take another look at hot melt consumption.

Tips to Control Hot Melt Adhesive Consumption:

1. TRAINING — Operators have the ultimate control over adhesive usage.  Thorough documentation and training on approved assembly procedures will help operators gauge the correct amount of adhesive usage.
2. EVALUATION — Regular quality control checks should be performed to ensure that the appropriate amount of adhesive is being applied.  If not, additional communication and training with operators might be necessary.
3. EQUIPMENT – There are many options within adhesive application equipment.  Melting, pumping and applying capabilities of equipment should match assembly requirements.  Under-specified hot melt equipment may require operators to overheat the system in order to maintain sufficient melt rates.  This overheating can degrade adhesive and affect subsequent bonds.  In addition, this can lead to increased system maintenance requirements.
4. ADHESIVE – It is critical that the adhesive have the appropriate open time, set time and bond strength for the application.  This can only be accomplished with thorough testing.  If any characteristic of the adhesive does not match the application, consumption will certainly be affected.  Keep in mind that more adhesive does not necessarily mean a better bond; the amount of adhesive affects set times and subsequent bonds.
5. ERGONOMICS – Make it easy for operators to manipulate their tools.  Ease of operation enables operators to apply consistent patterns.
6. ASSEMBLY TIME – Operators need to have sufficient time to focus on the application.  This will allow for correct and standardized adhesive patterning on each package.
7. AUTOMATION – Consider ways to go “Hands Free.”  Benchtop units and XY Tables can provide more consistent and controlled adhesive application.

With proper training, monitoring, supplies and tools operators can produce better products, in less time with less adhesive.  Please visit www.gluemachinery.com/ergo-erector for an example of a system that has produced significant adhesive usage reductions in the case erecting industry.

Be sure to check in next month for information about reducing adhesive consumption in auto glueing applications.

Contact Pierce Covert to discuss your particular process and application needs to find out how we can improve your consumption rates.

New Product Feature:

Why use unreliable equipment that needs to be consistently replaced? Why settle for hobby grade guns for your advanced or professional stick glue needs? Give your production and customers the quality and reliability they deserve!

Hot Melt GlueStick Guns are typically not considered “Industrial” or “Heavy Duty”. The Champ Stick 400 Hot Melt Stick Glue Gun is both and more.

This Hot Melt Stick Glue Gun heats up and pumps hot melt faster than other hot melt glue stick guns. This gun features a superior 400 watt heater and four finger trigger pump. The high powered and large heater reduces glue dripping, or “Stringing”, and the ergnomic trigger and break-resistant body
provide ease of use and added durability.

Standard features of the Champ Stick 400, that are not found on other hot melt stick guns, are the adjustable temperature and shot size controls. These features improve performance and increase production capabilities by reducing costs and increasing productivity. With this Industrial Sitck Gun’s affordable purchase price, its serviceable and rebuildable design, spare parts, and variety of adhesives available- this gun is an investment that will easily pay for itself.

	Buy the Champ Stick 400 Hot Melt Stick Glue Gun TODAY for only $155.00 and choose one of our three industrial packaging and assembly Champ-Stick adhesives for $3.65 per lb.(+ shipping) and you will experience the best hot melt glue stick gun the industry has to offer.
Reducing the need for equipment replacement, makes the Champ Stick 400 a logical and practical investment for your production needs.	Champ Stick 400 Industrial and Heavy Duty Hot Melt Stick Gun