There are a number of adhesive applicators available, so how do you choose the right one for you?
The type of adhesive and substrates you use are crucial factors to consider. This blog details the best adhesive applicators for different glues and surfaces, so you can make the right choice.
Here are just some of the adhesive applicators available:
- Pfohl Glue Rollers – extremely efficient and fast method of applying many types of both resin and water based adhesives. Used extensively for laminating, veneer and panel production.
- Klebo Adhesive Spreader – extremely clean, quick and perfect application of solvent based contact adhesives. Klebo contact adhesive spreaders apply a regular and consistent thin film of glue to any flat surface.
- Heavy duty Cox Sealant Gun– suitable for pu adhesives and sealants in cartridges. Known as the powerflow gun and is designed for long periods of use.
- TS Glue Boy – suitable for both water based and solvent based adhesives. Ideal for use at the workbench for woodwork and furniture making including craft work, shoe and leather repairs.
- Hotmelt Glue Gun – the perfect choice for demanding industrial applications.
- Cox Pneumatic Cartridge Applicator 310ml– Ideal for continuous applications involving PU Adhesives and sealants.
- Empty Glue Bottles – suitable for dispensing PVA and other water based adhesive products (Decent into bottles using a drum tipper).
- Hotmelt machine- contact us for more details on hotmelt machines.
- Gun and Hose Kit– larger canister adhesives require a gun and hose kit to apply the adhesive. This is a fast and efficient way of applying glue. (See the gun and hose in action- pictured)
Best adhesive applicators by glue type
PVA, resin and water based adhesives
A glue roller like the Pfohl uses a hopper and roller so you can apply the adhesive to flat substrates quickly, effectively and consistently. Improved glue coverage also reduces adhesive consumption. The adhesive roller washes easily with warm water.
You can also apply these adhesives using more basic methods including a brush and hand foam roller, but a glue roller is the most effective method.
The Glue boy system allows you to dispense adhesive using a brush but keeps a small quantity of adhesive fresh and ready for the next use. Quick and simple this is a great system for workshops and factories doing repeat application of adhesive in small works.
The Metal Drum Tipper allows you to decant PVA adhesive more easily into equipment or empty bottles, without having to keep lifting a heavy weight. It can be mounted to the wall, floor or work bench.
Polyurethane (PU) based adhesive
You can apply liquid type PU adhesive with a glue roller but you’ll need to clean the roller regularly using solvent cleaners. For this reason long open time PU adhesives are more suitable for this type of applicator.
For gel based PU adhesives use a sealant gun type applicator or foil applicator. These allow for accurate, rapid and controlled dispensing of the adhesive and are excellent for repeat tasks.
Sprayable PU adhesive comes in two forms:
- bulk containers – apply through a spray gun suitable for PU based products
- pre-pressurised containers such as the Tytex PU spray adhesive that use a gun and hose to dispense
Solvent based contact adhesives
Most solvent based contact adhesives come in bulk containers. The adhesives are either liquid hand applied, thixotropic gel or sprayable neoprene based adhesives.
For liquid contact adhesives such as A26 and CT704 a Klebo contact adhesive spreader is best. This applies the adhesive in a thin, consistent film on any flat surface. Fast to use it reduces waste and is cleaner than other methods. You can apply liquid adhesive using a single use or reusable hand held spreader or with disposable brushes.
Gel based contact adhesives such as TX613 are best applied using a hand held spreader. You can apply these adhesives with a brush but for flat surfaces a spreader is best.
Sprayable Neoprene – apply Timbond neoprene adhesive using a spray gun which either takes adhesive directly from the bulk container or through a spray pot. This allows most of the solvent to atomise before hitting the substrate.
Spray contact adhesives
Spray contact adhesives come in pre-pressurised containers such as portable canisters or aerosols. With canister systems apply using a gun and hose.
The hand held gun/hose system is quick and accurate, fully sealed and airtight so you can leave it attached ready for the next time you need it.
Hotmelt adhesives
Hotmelt adhesives come in many forms including pellets and slugs.
Sprayable hotmelts such as H509 allow rapid bulk application and are suitable for a wide array of applications including case making, insulation and plastic bonding.
Edgebanding hotmelt adhesives should be applied using an edgebanding machine and come in various types. The machines apply the adhesive in line with the edging, creating a seamless automatic application.
Best adhesive applicators for different substrates
Flat Panels
Use a glue roller or Klebo dispenser for quick, consistent and even coverage.
Curved panels
Using a spray adhesive gun/hose system allow you to spray the adhesive at all angles and easily apply across the substrate.
Polystyrene
Depending on the adhesive type you can use a spray system or simply brush on.
Wooden frames and structures
For windows and doors you can apply directly from the container and brush into the joints. For gel based adhesives use a sealant gun.
Edges of panels
Apply edging strip using an adhesive such as Kleiberit 308 suprabond directly from the container to the edge of the board. Most edging uses an edgebanding machine which applies the adhesive directly to the board at the same time as applying the edging strip.
Contact Adkwik today
If you’re still not sure what the best adhesive applicator is for you then why not reach out to our technical team on 01223 737091, via our live chat or email our team online HERE and we’ll be happy to help.
Explore a range of adhesive applicators below we have discussed…