Hot Melt Glue Applications and Adhesive Types Compared

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Melted cheese stretching from a hot grilled cheese sandwich being pulled apart, showcasing its gooey texture.
Credit: pexels.com, Melted cheese stretching from a hot grilled cheese sandwich being pulled apart, showcasing its gooey texture.

Hot melt glue is incredibly versatile, and its applications are numerous. It's used in packaging, crafts, and even in the automotive industry.

There are several types of hot melt adhesives, including EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) and SIS (styrene-isoprene-styrene). These types of adhesives have different properties that make them suitable for specific applications.

Hot melt glue is a popular choice for crafts because it's easy to apply and dries quickly. It's also a great way to bond lightweight materials like paper and fabric.

In the automotive industry, hot melt adhesives are used to bond components together, such as in the manufacture of car seats and dashboards.

Materials and Adhesives

Hot melt glue is a versatile material that comes in many forms. Adhesives for packaging are numerous because there are so many different applications and needs.

We have a wide variety of products to choose from, including glue sticks for low-odor packaging applications. Bulk hot melts are also available, which are freezer grade.

If you're looking for a specific type of adhesive, our selection should have something that suits your needs.

Materials Used

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When working with materials and adhesives, it's essential to choose the right ones for the job.

Epoxy resin is a popular adhesive choice due to its high strength and durability, often used in applications such as bonding wood and metal.

Polyurethane adhesives are also widely used, particularly in the automotive industry, where they provide excellent bonding properties and resistance to heat and chemicals.

Silicone sealants are commonly used in construction and DIY projects, offering flexibility and resistance to extreme temperatures.

Rigid foam insulation is often used in building construction to provide thermal insulation and reduce energy costs.

Polyethylene and polypropylene are common plastics used in packaging and industrial applications, known for their versatility and durability.

Shop Adhesives

We have a vast selection of adhesives for packaging, which is no surprise given the numerous applications and needs.

There are many different types of packaging adhesives to choose from, including glue sticks for low-odor applications and bulk hot melts that are freezer grade.

If you need a low-odor adhesive, we have glue sticks specifically designed for packaging.

We carry a wide variety of packaging hot melt adhesives to suit different needs, so you can find the right one for your project.

High Temperature

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High Temperature hot melt is a more common formulation, and it can typically be dispensed anywhere between 350-410 Degrees Fahrenheit.

Most non-adjustable guns run right around 380F, so you can expect consistent results with standard temperature guns.

High temperature 3M glue sticks don't have an LT in the part number, indicating they're meant for standard temperature guns.

These glue sticks are specifically designed to work with orange 3M glue guns, so make sure to use the right combination for the best results.

Ae

The 3M AE stick size is the only 3M stick size that will work in all standard ½” glue guns.

This makes it a versatile option for various projects.

It's compatible with the 3M Polygun AE or any other standard ½” glue gun.

For low to mid-volume applications, the 3M AE stick size is a suitable choice.

Benefits and Uses

Hot melt glue offers a superior bond, making it a reliable choice for various applications.

Using hot melt glue can be a cost-effective solution, as it tends to be less expensive than other techniques like tape.

Hot melt adhesives allow for continuous operation, enabling equipment to run for an entire workday if needed.

Benefits of Adhesives

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Hot melt adhesives offer a superior bond, making them a reliable choice for packaging and other applications.

Using hot melt adhesives can be less expensive than other packaging techniques like tape.

Hot melt adhesives provide quick and easy solutions, allowing you to work efficiently and effectively.

The equipment for hot melt adhesives can run continuously for your entire workday if needed, increasing productivity and reducing downtime.

Your packaging and products can arrive safely where they need to be, thanks to the strong bond provided by hot melt adhesives.

Simplified

Hot melt adhesives for packaging offer a superior bond and tend to be less expensive than other packaging techniques like tape.

Using hot melt for packaging can provide quick and easy solutions, allowing your equipment to run continuously for your entire workday if needed.

Hot melt adhesives are a cost-effective option for packaging, making them ideal for businesses as they grow.

Our hot melt experts are here to help answer any questions you may have about these products and their applications.

The 3M catalog of glue sticks can be confusing, but breaking down the 3M Scotch Weld stick sizes can help determine the correct size for your needs.

Hot melt adhesives can help ensure your packaging and products arrive safely where they need to be.

For the Environment: Biodegradable

Credit: youtube.com, Biodegradable Adhesives: A More Sustainable Hot Melt Packaging Solution

Tecbond 214B Biodegradable Glue Sticks are 45% bio-based and certified biodegradable.

They're great for manual packaging applications and safe for indirect contact with food.

These eco-friendly glue sticks offer a sustainable alternative to traditional packaging adhesives.

They're perfect for industries looking to reduce their environmental footprint without compromising on performance.

Tecbond 214B Biodegradable Glue Sticks are a great choice for companies prioritizing sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Adhesive Types and Sizes

Hot melt glue sticks are available in different sizes to suit various applications. You can choose from ½” or 5/8” in diameter and 12” long sticks.

Gluefast offers a range of hot melt glue sticks with different sizes and applications. For example, the GF 15-12 and GF 15-58 sticks are both ½” and 5/8” in diameter and 12” long, but they have different color and application options.

Here is a list of some popular hot melt glue sticks and their specifications:

Freezer-Grade Adhesive

Infinity FreezerPack is a freezer-grade adhesive that was formulated to stand up to even the most demanding of cold temperatures.

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It is often used in food packaging when a fast set time and the ability to withstand cold environments for extended periods of time is required.

You can find Infinity FreezerPack as a bulk hot melt product.

Low temperature glue sticks are also suitable for refrigerator or freezer applications.

They can also be safer to use if burns from hot melt are a concern.

Look for the LT (Low Temp) in the part number to identify a low temp glue stick.

If your glue stick part number ends in LT, it is a low temp glue stick which means it has a lower melting temp.

Low temperature 3M glue guns are blue, indicating a low temp applicator.

This is in contrast to high temperature 3M glue guns, which are orange.

Bulk hot melts that are freezer grade, like Infinity FreezerPack, are available for demanding cold temperature applications.

Tecbond 110B Biodegradable Adhesive

The Tecbond 110B Biodegradable Adhesive is a high-performance packaging adhesive designed for high-speed case and carton sealing applications.

Credit: youtube.com, Glue For Bonding Polypropylene (Hot Melt Adhesives)

It's biodegradable, which means it's gentler on the environment compared to traditional adhesives. This adhesive can replace traditional petroleum-based packaging adhesives without compromising on quality.

The Tecbond 110B is specifically designed for high-speed applications, making it a great option for businesses that need to seal cases and cartons quickly and efficiently.

Infinity Bond M2080 Adhesive

Infinity Bond M2080 Adhesive is a great option for food-grade applications. It's a low-odor bulk hot melt adhesive that's safe for direct food contact.

Its components are considered safe for direct food contact, making it perfect for packaging many different foods and food-related products.

Infinitypack Premium

InfinityPack Premium is a top contender in the world of packaging glue sticks. It's a low-odor, high-quality option that performs as well as or better than many of its pricier counterparts.

One of the standout features of InfinityPack Premium is its fast-setting properties, which allow for instant tack and quick setup. This makes it ideal for applications where speed is of the essence.

InfinityPack glue sticks are available in a variety of sizes, but the specific details of these sizes are not mentioned in the article section facts.

Q Size

Close-up of a melting blue game controller engulfed in flames on a rusted surface.
Credit: pexels.com, Close-up of a melting blue game controller engulfed in flames on a rusted surface.

The Q size glue stick is a 5/8” X 8” glue stick with a special ribbed pattern.

3M is the only manufacturer to create glue sticks in this size, which means you won't find any alternatives from other brands.

This size of glue stick will only work with specific glue guns, including the Polygun TC w/Quadrack, Polygun LT w/Quadrac, or the 3M EC glue guns.

The Q glue stick is suitable for mid to high volume applications, making it a good choice for businesses or individuals who need to use a lot of glue.

TC Size

The TC Size is a unique hot melt stick size offered by 3M, measuring 5/8” X 2” and specifically designed for use with the 3M Polygun TC or Polygun LT.

This size is not compatible with other guns, making it a proprietary offering from 3M.

Other manufacturers have created knock-off sticks in the TC size, but these may not be compatible with 3M guns.

The TC glue stick size is ideal for low to mid volume applications.

Heading:

Credit: youtube.com, Different types of adhesives

Hot melt glue sticks are a popular choice for packaging and crafting applications. They form very strong bonds to most materials, including EVA, polyamide, polyester, and more.

You can find hot melt glue sticks in a variety of sizes and colors, including yellow, clear, and colored/glitter sticks. Some popular sizes include ½” and 5/8” in diameter, and 12” long.

Hot melt glue sticks are suitable for a range of applications, including case/carton sealing, gluing plastic, metal, wood, fabric, ceramics, and cartons. They're also FDA approved for food packaging.

Here are some specific hot melt glue stick products and their applications:

Keep in mind that hot melt glue sticks are heat sensitive and should not be used in high-temperature environments or with heat-sensitive substrates.

Adhesive Applications and Recommendations

Hot melt adhesives are a popular choice for packaging due to their quick and easy application, superior bond, and cost-saving benefits. They can be used continuously throughout the workday, making them a convenient option for businesses with high production demands.

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For packaging applications, hot melt adhesives offer strong bonds to most porous substrates, including wood, and can be used to seal cartons for medium to larger cartons. Some hot melt adhesives, like product #1707, even bond to metal, plastics, ceramics, and other difficult substrates.

Our most common hot glue sticks include product #1701, which has a fast initial tack and set, and product #1725, which has a long open time of 1 minute or more.

Some of Our Most Common

Some of our most common hot glue sticks are designed for a variety of applications, from packaging to electronics. We carry a range of products, including glue sticks for low-odor packaging applications and bulk hot melts that are freezer grade.

Our most popular hot melt adhesive for packaging is the 1701, which is great for sealing cartons and bonding to porous substrates like wood. It has a fast initial tack and sets in just 15 seconds.

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Here are some of our most common hot glue sticks:

These hot glue sticks are made from high-quality materials and are available in different sizes and shapes to suit your specific needs. Whether you're working with sensitive substrates or need a hot melt adhesive that can withstand high temperatures, we have a product that can help.

Adhesive Questions

Need help finding the right adhesive for your packaging needs? Our hot melt experts are here to assist you.

If you're unsure about what adhesive is best for your application, don't worry, we can help. We have experts who can answer your questions right away.

Our experts can help you find the perfect adhesive for your packaging needs. They'll get you answers quickly so you can get back to work.

You can submit your questions to us and we'll get back to you with the information you need.

Guide and Resources

The 3M Hot Melt Glue Stick Guide is a great resource for navigating the world of hot melt adhesives. It highlights the variety of 3M's hot melt glue sticks, which are suitable for every type of application and bonding need.

Credit: youtube.com, HOT MELT ADHESIVES! What they are and how they are used. - DIY TOOLS #2

One of the most widely recognized hot melt brands in the world is 3M, which has created an amazing selection of hot melt glue sticks. 3M's Scotch Weld glue stick is a great choice for many applications.

3M offers a range of hot melt glue stick formulations and sizes to suit different needs. This variety makes it easier to find the perfect glue stick for your project.

3M's hot melt glue sticks are designed for use with their Scotch Weld brand. This brand is known for its high-quality adhesives and bonding solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does hot melt glue not stick to?

Hot melt glue doesn't stick well to smooth surfaces like metal, silicone, vinyl, and wax. It also struggles with greasy and wet surfaces, making it a good idea to prepare your materials before gluing.

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