Hot-melt adhesive for a glue gun can have different characteristics and purposes. First of all, they take into account what material the surfaces to be glued are made of. When purchasing, it is also important to evaluate the diameter and length of the glue cartridge and its melting speed. The most in demand is universal, inexpensive hot-melt adhesive based on ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). When working with special materials, a special adhesive composition is used.
Choice
A wide area of use, fast fixing time and versatility ensured the popularity of this product. Its release form can be any - pillows, blocks, granules and rods, which have become most widespread and have a variety of diameters and sizes. The main advantage is the ability to use glued elements within a few minutes. Before choosing a hot melt adhesive gun, the characteristics of which depend on the shape, you need to purchase the tool with which it is used. Of course, working with this product is possible without a special gun. For example, using heating with a candle or soldering iron. But this is at least inconvenient.
Melting point of hot glue
The melting point of hot-melt adhesive depends on its composition. Rods made of ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) melt at a temperature of 120-150° C. Polyamide and polyolefin melt at a temperature of 180-200° C - these compounds are the most refractory; working with them requires the use of a professional gun capable of providing powerful heating.
Melting point must be taken into account when working with materials that can be damaged by extreme heat. Parts that will be subject to heating after gluing, on the contrary, must be fixed with a special high-temperature compound.
Size
Glue sticks are suitable for any material, including fabric, paper, cardboard, metal, wood, plastic and others. The exceptions are PVC, plaster and concrete. The tool provides a strong bond with all other materials. Hot melt glue gun is divided by diameter. The most common are 11 and 7 mm. There are many other sizes available. In this case, the choice of one or the other depends on the available pistol. Also, stickers can have different lengths: in the range from 4 to 20 cm.
Characteristics of rods and features of use
In the absence of specific requirements when carrying out work, gluing surfaces is carried out with standard size guns. Therefore, materials with diameters of 7 and 11 millimeters, the price of which is quite low, are most often found on sale. Such rods have the following characteristics:
- Visually, the material is almost transparent.
- In addition to diameter, glue gun refills vary in length. This parameter can reach 300 millimeters.
- The material has sufficient bending strength and does not break.
- When storing, it is necessary to maintain room temperature.
- Compliance with storage and operating conditions allows you to achieve an unlimited period of use of the material.
The rods are a universal composition that can be used in many industries. As a rule, almost any materials can be glued with 11 mm and 7 mm rods. In some cases, black rods are used to make the adhesive composition invisible on surfaces of the corresponding color.
An exception to the use of adhesive composition are surfaces that require high adhesion. Some types of polymer materials also cannot be glued with a gun.
Transparent glue
Hot melt adhesive guns, whose specifications may vary, are suitable for certain materials. It comes in many shades. All types of this substance differ in properties and component composition. The white transparent sticker has become most widespread due to its versatility. It can be found in any relevant store. It is suitable for working with any base. Therefore, this option is optimal for household use and creating crafts. The transparent yellow compound is used on cardboard, paper and wood.
Characteristics of hot melt adhesive
Hot-melt adhesive is characterized by the fact that when heated to a certain temperature, its composition becomes fluid. The adhesive penetrates into the smallest holes and pores on surfaces, and after hardening provides reliable adhesion.
Characteristics of hot melt adhesive:
- The material is superior in strength to conventional compounds. This glue dries quickly and fixes in just a few seconds. When applying a thick layer of adhesive, the curing process may take up to 10 minutes. After the adhesive has hardened, the item can be used without restrictions.
- This glue has a long service life and is not affected by external factors such as ultraviolet radiation, temperature changes, etc.
- The composition can be used as a sealant, as it provides a completely waterproof seam.
- Glue sticks can bond dissimilar surfaces, such as ceramics and metal, plastic and wood.
When working with it, the adhesive mass does not emit substances hazardous to human health. If hot glue accidentally stains the surface, it can be easily removed by reheating.
Colored rods
The universal category also includes options with any shades, with the exception of black. A wide range of colors allows you to choose hot melt adhesive for the gun that matches the palette of parts. For example, when working with a red vase, in order to get invisible joints, you need to take a scarlet cartridge. Opaque white stickers are suitable for gluing a white base and elements stylized as metal or glass. When purchasing, you should pay attention to the properties. But, as a rule, the shade performs only decorative functions, and the adhesive mass is universal. Hot-melt adhesive for the 11 mm "Bison" gun, gray and black, can act as an insulating material and sealant. It is ideal for sealing joints and insulation.
Types of glue sticks
To make it easier for the buyer to choose hot melt adhesive, manufacturers use special markings. Types of adhesive composition can be easily distinguished by the color of the cartridge:
- Transparent and colorless. This rod is considered universal. It glues together most types of surfaces. This creates a soft elastic seam.
- Transparent yellow. This cartridge for a hot glue gun is used when it is necessary to provide an adhesive connection to cardboard, paper, and wood. The adhesive is also suitable for gluing plastic and some metals. The composition of the rod is characterized by low adhesion and the ability to absorb moisture.
- Matte white. The use of this glue is suitable for glass and metal surfaces. Although these rods can also fasten together pieces of plastic or wood, textile elements.
- Opaque colored. The advantage of colored rods is the ability to match them in color to the surfaces being glued, thereby making the seam as invisible as possible. This hot melt adhesive is made on the basis of EVA and is considered universal.
- Black and grey. The manufacturer produces specialized glue in these colors. The cartridge is used to create particularly tight sealed seams and is used in electrical engineering to insulate contacts.
Craftsmen often fill a gun for needlework with decorative rods, which include sparkles. This hot melt adhesive is completely safe, even children can work with it.
The price of glue sticks depends on the brand, the number of cartridges in the package, their diameter and length. For 6 pieces you will have to pay at least 90 rubles. A package of 33 transparent glue sticks measuring 11x300 mm can cost a little more than 600 rubles. A standard set of sticks for a glue gun measuring 11x100 mm in the amount of 12 pieces costs an average of 150 rubles.
Temperature
Melting point is an equally important characteristic. For some rods it is 150 degrees. For others, a lower temperature is enough to work. It is worth noting that for places characterized by slight heating, less fusible glue should be selected. When choosing, it is necessary to take into account the characteristics of the heat gun and the materials used for the work. Hot melt adhesive for a gun can be applied using various tools:
- Glue roller or head.
- With a special machine or applicator.
- Foot pedal used for equipment of professional devices.
- Household glue gun.
How to use a glue gun
First, the surfaces to be bonded must be cleaned and degreased. For better grip, go over the parts with sandpaper. After this, the glue stick is inserted into the gun, then the device is connected to the mains.
Before starting work, you must wait 3-5 minutes until the gun warms up. It is advisable to carry out the work with gloves so as not to accidentally get burned. The glue comes out of the gun when the trigger is pulled.
Immediately after applying the adhesive mass, the parts must be pressed tightly against each other and held for several minutes. Professional heat guns are not filled with rods, but with so-called pillows. The consumption of hot-melt adhesive depends on the diameter of the applied dots or the length of the stripes.
Which hot glue to choose depends on the scope of its application. Hot melt adhesive sticks based on ethyl vinyl acetate, which have a relatively low melting point, are suitable for most materials. Such cartridges are filled into a regular glue gun. Working with refractory compounds requires the use of professional, expensive equipment.
Compound
Ethylene vinyl acetate compounds have become most widespread. They allow you to work with a variety of substrates, including fabrics, ceramics, certain types of metals, plastics, wood and paper. There is also a polyophinol hot melt adhesive for the gun, the use of which is necessary for items exposed to a wide range of temperatures. The chemical formula ensures that the bath, nozzle and the entire tool system are cleaned of the composition that was previously used. Products based on this type are more stable, which is why they have become widespread in the electronics, packaging and automotive industries. They can be used on light metal, foil, leather, hardwood and other materials characterized by the presence of synthetic and hard resins.
Classified as a pressure-sensitive adhesive, the adhesive maintains tack. The scope of application is wide. It includes difficult-to-glue planes. It is used in the construction, automotive and large surface areas. Hot glue gun (black or any other color) with medium pressure sensitivity provides a sticky surface for 5 minutes. This is the best option for connecting elements that are not resistant to heat and large surfaces.
What do you need to know?
There are many different characteristics. But, first of all, it is necessary to build on the intended materials. It can be polypropylene with the addition of aluminum, spunbond, plastic, laminated surface, paper and cardboard coated with ultraviolet varnish. The subsequent impact on the material must also be taken into account. For example, transportation, contact with food and water, and temperature conditions are taken into account.
To obtain reliable bonding, characteristics such as shade, hardening time, and structure viscosity play a special role. The feed rate of the mass can be different. The application method is divided into automatic and manual. At the same time, a different form of composition is suitable for each type of base: tablets, pads, blocks, pins. The speed of preparation of the mass and its fluidity directly depend on the melting rate of the rod. As a rule, a tool is designed to work with a certain type of composition. Some professional options have a temperature change function.
Choosing glue gun refills
Diameter and overall dimensions are the main requirements for rods. In most cases, material with a thickness of 11 mm or 7 mm is suitable for solving typical problems. The length of the rod is determined by the parameters of the gun. Rods are available for sale, the length of which varies from 40 to 300 millimeters. Accordingly, the price of the material increases depending on the size of the rod.
If special requirements are placed on the quality of the connection, the material is selected accordingly. Black rods are used when it is necessary to achieve maximum seam identity with the surface. Special compositions are used for increased requirements for structural rigidity. Bonding dissimilar materials is also possible when using special brands of glue.
When choosing glue, color marking is taken into account. The opaque composition is universal and intended for use in most cases. Translucent material having a certain shade has a special purpose. White and black glue gun refills are also universal and designed for general use.
Cylinders of white color and opaque consistency are used for gluing glass and metal. Translucent materials are suitable for working with wood, paper and combinations thereof. Black rods are characterized by insulating and sealing properties, therefore they are used for processing stressed elements, as well as for strengthening seams.
When working with materials that heat up significantly during operation, special adhesive compositions are used. Such rods are high-temperature and do not lose their characteristics when heated significantly. As a rule, cylinders with a melting temperature of about 100 or 150 degrees are presented on the market. The choice of one or another rod is determined by current needs.
The choice of cylinders with a diameter of 11 mm or 7 mm is made based on the characteristics of the hot glue gun used. Diameter, melting point, fluidity of the material and its melting rate are the main criteria for selection.
Features of application
Hot-melt adhesive for the gun, the photo of which is presented above, can have different viscosity, depending on the distribution method. Compositions with a dense structure are applied using a disk or roller method, and a nozzle or nozzle is suitable for low-viscosity material. Compliance with the operating cycle of the equipment and the setting time is required. Also, if there is a need to replace the gluing base, you need to make sure that you do not need to replace the glue itself. Rods from different manufacturers may have different component compositions. Therefore they should not be mixed. Otherwise, the structure and characteristics may change.
Safety precautions
Hot-melt adhesive for a gun, the melting point of which depends on the composition, belongs to the category of substances with a medium degree of danger. It is characterized by low toxicity. But vapors entering the respiratory tract can contribute to short-term depression of the central nervous system. Short-term use does not require equipment with protective tools. In this case, it is advisable to ensure ventilation of the room. It is also worth noting the damage that the working method can lead to. In particular, these are burns that occur when the molten composition gets on the skin.
