Hot melt technology is widely used in various industrial and manufacturing processes. It can provide extreme adhesion when assembling parts and sealing packages. Here are the different applications of hot melt technology:
1. Packaging - Inside the packaging, the adhesive should not be that strong as it will be removed when the product is taken out of the packaging. You don't want the product sealed in the box (or other container used) forever. However, the adhesive should be strong enough to keep the product in the package in a completely safe and dry condition (especially when it comes to food).
There are specially designed industrial hot melt adhesive lines for packaging. These equipments can be used for closing carton, bag, carton, tamper evident closure, carton making, tray making, etc. Get more here about electronics assembly adhesives.
2. Nonwovens - Nonwovens are widely used in clothing and other home furnishings due to their strength and resilience. Hotmelt technology helps achieve these properties of nonwovens.
Nonwovens are fabrics that are not knitted or woven. The fibers used in nonwovens are bonded together through the application of heat and pressure. There are special resins called binders that are used to hold the fibers together.
The fibers most commonly used in the manufacture of nonwovens are cotton, rayon, polyester, wool, acetate and acrylic.
Some binders used in nonwovens are acrylic, vinyl acrylic, vinyl acetate, and styrenated acrylics.
3. Device Assembly - Hot melt adhesive technology is gradually attracting the attention of device manufacturers because of its low cost without sacrificing strength.
Specialized industrial plants emit molten thermoplastic resins that are used as adhesives when assembling a device. The strength of the adhesive is achieved as the flexible resin cools. This is a great time saver for manufacturers as it reduces clamping time.
4. School Projects, Crafts - This is the most basic application of this technology, the traditional consumer glue gun. It is the simplest glue dispenser readily available in homes and schools.
The conventional glue used is the glue stick, which can be clear or colored. There are also novel glue sticks like glitter sticks and glow-in-the-dark that are made specifically for artwork.
If it's the most basic, why do we have to mention it? As far as we know, advanced technology always springs from traditional practice. The conventional adhesives used (in addition to glue sticks, there are other thermoplastic resins that are traditionally used) are subject to limitations. They tend to melt at high temperature and become brittle at low temperature; thereby losing the strength of the bond.
To address the temperature sensitivity of traditional adhesives, advanced adhesives are being developed. Companies like Nordson also built high-performance hot melt equipment to better utilize these adhesives.
5. Other applications - The use of hot melt technology covers a wide range of disciplines. These include jewelry making, medical and dental applications, floral arrangements, hair extensions, etc. There are special equipment and adhesives that are designed for a specific application.
To know more here: https://www.epoxyadhesiveglue.com/consumer-electronics-assembly/