Many HMPSA (Hot Melt Pressure Sensitive Adhesives) users frequently request good products at low prices without knowing or telling suppliers what they actually need. In reality, there is no ideal product for a variety of applications. Each application may need a specific performance of the HMPSA.

How does a manufacturer select an appropriate HMPSA for a specific use? Adhesive users should always consider the following subjects:

Price: Price is not always related to the raw material cost, processibility and adhesion performance. However, it is directly related to the volume purchased, color, and lot-to-lot consistency. Most water white HMPSAs contain hydrogenated hydrocarbon tackifying resins, which are generally more expensive than non-hydrogenated yellow tackifying resins. Quality raw materials normally offer narrower specifications and result in more consistent products. These quality materials are normally more expensive.

Quality: Quality is not equivalent to processibility and adhesion performance. Instead, quality is a reflection of aging stability and the consistency of color, clarity, and other physical and adhesion performances. Adhesives with the correct bonding and machining characteristics do no always have to be the most expensive product to be considered of high quality. It is worth emphasizing … Read Article >>

What Are “Good” Hot Melt Pressure Sensitive Adhesives?
- by Pierce Covert, Glue Machinery Corporation