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Industrial Adhesives

Adhesives Economics

In considering cost, consider more than just the cost per gallon or roll. The true value of a 3M adhesive or tape is determined by applied cost per unit. This includes adhesive coverage and the time and labor to apply it. Coverage is usually expressed in terms of adhesive thickness or weight.

For a true cost picture, there are a number of facts and questions to consider; questions not only about the adhesive itself, but also substrates, application methods, and more.

Q. Has a realistic acceptance test conclusively screened out a lower cost bonding solution?

A common error is excessive or meaningless test standards that might rule out satisfactory products. Use the lowest cost adhesive consistent with end use performance.

Q. Has a minimum coverage been determined that consistently meets performance requirements?

100% adhesive coverage is not always necessary. 50% may be completely satisfactory. Or even a single bead of adhesive or strip of high strength tape.

Q. Have all physical properties of the substrate been considered?

High absorption materials, for example, soak up low viscosity adhesives and need multiple coats. In that case, a higher viscosity product or spraying is needed.

Q. Does the adhesive require special ventilation or safety equipment?

Many adhesives are now low or no VOC's, or 100% solids, and require little or no special ventilation equipment. PSA tapes in application are solventless.

Q. Can the adhesive or tape be applied with low cost equipment, or even no equipment?

Equipment needs only be consistent with the desired production rate. A collapsible squeeze tube may be all that’s necessary to bond plastic parts. Tape can be simply rolled on by hand. If more demanding equipment is needed for the application, 3M technical service will work with you to evaluate processes and equipment.

 Adhesive Economics

Q. Is the adhesive or tape easy to use to save training time?

The level of training will vary. A one-part structural adhesive will require a more skilled operator than is necessary to seal a carton with a hot melt adhesive.

Q. Does the adhesive or tape give the engineer greater flexibility in design and materials?

Less expensive substrates and simplified designs can reduce overall cost and increase the market appeal of the end product.

An evaluation of your answers will indicate an appropriate selection of adhesives for the job and true cost. The final adhesive selection will be based on a comparison between applied cost per unit and specific required performance.