Q1.
What is an adhesive?
Answer:
A polymeric material capable of forming an attachment between two materials.
Q2.
Where are adhesives used?
Answer:
In many different applications in almost any industry one can think of.
Q3.
What can adhesives bond?
Answer:
Most materials--plastics, paper, composites, metals, wood.
Q4.
How does an adhesive bond to materials?
Answer:
There are many theories. Regardless of the mechanism, an adhesive must thoroughly
wet the material surface for adhesion to take place.
Q5.
What types of adhesives are available?
Answer:
There are two broad classifications - thermoplastic and thermosetting. Within these
two broad classes are many different types.
Q6.
What forms are they in?
Answer:
Thin liquids, thick pastes, dry films and powders.
Q7.
What is important in developing an adhesive bonded assembly?
Answer:
Knowledge of the material to be bonded, manufacturing requirements, production economics,
environment, product specifications and required tests.
Q8.
Do parts need to be cleaned before bonding?
Answer:
The degree of surface cleaning needed depends on the type and condition of the surface.
Q9.
How should the adhesive be applied?
Answer:
Application of the adhesive depends on its form, type, production rate, economics, and
desired automation.
Q10.
How long will a bonded joint last?
Answer:
Proper joint design, adhesive selection, adequate testing, good production control and
quality assurance are key factors in product durability. Good understanding and
control of these factors should ensure optimum bond life.
Contact Thomas L. Wilkinson or Marilyn West at M. H. West & Co., Inc. to discuss
your adhesive bonding application, and to find out how we can help you make your product
successful.
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