Does your business manufacture materials which need to be sealed or glued? If so, you can choose from a wide range of industrial sealants and adhesives. Two popular choices for bonding materials are hot melt glue and epoxy but which one should you choose for your applications? Here is information on both products to help you make an informed decision.
Epoxy
Epoxy is one of the most popular industrial sealants and adhesives. To make epoxy, you need a resin and a setting agent, which begins the curing process. It creates an exothermic reaction which releases heat. Epoxy uses special polymers which make it a strong adhesive, and yet it remains flexible.
Hot Melt
Hot melt glue is usually made from thermoplastic materials. It contains polymers which become sticky when heated and then cooled, it sets up to form an excellent bonding agent. Hot melt glue is used in a wide range of production applications.
Epoxy Benefits
Epoxy forms a permanent bond once set. It can be used to glue both porous and nonporous materials. It is one of the top industrial sealants and adhesivesbecause it seals surfaces like concrete, and is an exceptional bonding agent. For example, epoxy floor sealer is a common material used to seal garage floors.
Hot Melt Glue
If you need to glue porous materials quickly, hot melt glue is one of the quickest and most effective methods. It is often used in mass production processes to seal cardboard boxes and other containers. Once the hot adhesive hits a material like cardboard, it penetrates and then sets up after cooling.
You can glue containers on an automated assembly line, and by the time they reach their destination, they can be loaded onto trucks or stacked in warehouses. To find the best adhesive applications for your business, talk to your industrial supplier.