Why manufacturers are switching to hotmelt adhesives and cutting production costs by up to 35%

Adhesive plays a critical role in modern manufacturing, and finding the right adhesive system can really help to streamline production processes, save money, reduce waste and enhance product reliability. It’s always worth reviewing a glueing process if it’s been used for some time – there may be a new glue or a better process that can improve manufacturing efficiencies. Take the hotmelt glue system for example. We’ve been helping customers switch from conventional glue spray booths to a much simpler hotmelt system using Timbond hotmelt adhesive and the results have been astounding.

The hotmelt glue system in a nutshell

The Meler B4 hotmelt glue machine can be used in many different applications, manually or via automation, and can be tailored in a number of ways. The solid, high-strength glue slugs are melted and the glue is applied to the surface via a gun and hose, where it cools and solidifies rapidly, forming a strong bond. Unlike solvent or water-based glue, it doesn’t require drying time, and there is no need for a spray booth.

Save money with a hotmelt system

Switching to a hotmelt system can save money in a number of ways:

No more hazardous waste disposal.

Hazardous waste disposal costs are steadily rising, often taking up a sizeable chunk of operational costs. Switching to a solvent-free hotmelt glue will remove the need for expensive hazardous waste disposal, making a dramatic difference to bottom lines.

No more spray booths.

Spray booths take up a lot of floor space, not to mention the PPE required. Switching to a safer, solvent-free hotmelt glue takes all that away, providing flexibility on the factory floor and allowing for streamlining of production processes.

Cut energy bills.

Spray booths require extraction systems by law to control exposure to hazardous substances. Extraction systems can be energy intensive, further adding to operational costs (and let’s not forget changing the filters regularly!).

Limit downtime.

All machinery requires maintenance but a faulty extraction system means the spraying booth is out of order, halting operations whilst an alternative is sourced.

Cut maintenance costs.

Hotmelt glue stays in the machine, so there is no messy build-up, and no need for daily cleaning or replacing clogged pipes. In an operation using multiple spraying booths, it’s very easy to soak up a lot of man hours cleaning and servicing equipment and extraction systems. With hotmelt, that labour time can be spent on something else.

Save on glue use.

The hotmelt system applies glue in a controlled manner, in a swirl pattern and typically to only one surface surface, so glue-use is very efficient. There is no overspray, no evaporation, no need to reapply and no residue build-up or wasteful washing away of product. It should also be noted that solvent and water-based glues are often only 40% raw glue, so per kilo, our Timbond H509 hotmelt glue is by far and away better value.

Increase production.

The hotmelt system provides almost instant bonding, solidifying on cooling and allows for immediate handling. No time is wasted transferring the product to a glueing booth, or waiting for it to dry. This means much greater workflow efficiencies can be employed.

No large capital investment required.

You can hire a hotmelt glue machine from Adkwik, making it much easier to balance the books. We offer flexible hire, for one-off projects or for long-term use.

Switch and notice immediate benefits

Switching to a hotmelt glue system can make substantial savings in operational overheads, and enhance production efficiency. The benefits will be noticeable immediately – many of our customers are quick to switch over after a short trial period. If you’d like to find out if a hotmelt system can transform your operation, you can book an exploratory chat today with one of our specialists. We’re happy to arrange an on-site demo to show you what hotmelt can do!

Get started with hotmelt machine hire:

Enquire now