The glue gun is becoming more popular; in many homes it is used for a variety of purposes, because it is convenient to use. But to work with it you need to purchase special gun glue. They come in various types, and often the choice depends on the type of gun itself. The features of adhesives for hot-melt guns, types and selection rules will be discussed below.
Types of hot melt adhesive
Hot melt adhesive (hot melt adhesive, hot melt adhesive) is a thermoplastic solid substance with a specific operating temperature.
When heated, the consumables soften, acquire a viscous-flow state, and connect various materials, and when cooled, they polymerize, reliably gluing the surfaces.
Hot-melt adhesive gained popularity primarily due to its wide range of applications, short setting time and, of course, versatility.
To apply hot melt adhesive use:
- Standard manual glue guns.
- Professional pistols with connected foot pedal.
- Glue machines.
- Rollers or glue heads.
- Other special equipment.
For ease of use, hot melt adhesive is supplied in various release forms, which are also called cartridges, due to the fact that, by analogy with a firearm, they are loaded (filled) into a glue gun.
As mentioned above, cartridges can be in the form of rods, pads or granules, used in some types of professional tools and automatic packaging lines.
Properties of hot melt adhesive
Thermoplastic adhesive has a number of interesting properties, due to which it has become widespread:
- Tensile strength. According to the manufacturers, in order to separate glued objects from each other, a force of up to 150 kg will be required.
- Short polymerization time of a few seconds, however, depending on the thickness of the applied layer and the ambient temperature. Good fusibility should also be noted. So hot melt adhesive begins to liquefy at a temperature of 80 degrees, depending on the composition.
- Long service life, frost resistance, resistance to excess moisture, direct sunlight.
- Relatively low cost.
- Adhesiveness that allows you to reliably connect a huge number of different materials.
- Hot-melt adhesive, depending on impurities, may have increased stickiness and reduced viscosity. To do this, in the first case, rosin is added, and in the second, paraffin or wax. Also, the addition of heat-resistant antioxidants when heated slows down the oxidation reaction. However, all this applies only to organic glue.
- High temperature resistance. Some types of hot-melt adhesive have a softening temperature of 80°C, while for others this figure reaches 150°C.
- Heated hot melt adhesive does not have an unpleasant odor, and when heated there are no toxic fumes. But despite the low toxicity of the composition, safety precautions must still be observed.
Characteristics of hot melt adhesive
As already mentioned, hot melt adhesive has several forms of release:
- Rods (sticks) – we will talk about them separately.
- Granules – due to their flowability, they are easy to deliver to the heating chambers of semi-automated and automated lines, suitable for professional heat guns. Among the advantages are convenient transportation and storage, a wide selection of compositions for any task. It should also be noted that it can be applied in a variety of ways, including applicators.
- Pillows are small rectangular pieces, used in professional heat guns. Also produced for various tasks.
- Cylinders - similar to the previous option.
The main advantages and features of hot melt adhesive
Hot-melt adhesive is understood as an adhesive composition that, when it reaches the melting point (100-200 degrees), becomes liquid, then, when cooled, turns into a solid state, and such “metamorphoses” can be repeated. In furniture production, hot glue has long been known and is called hot melt glue. It is in liquid form that the material has the unique property of penetrating into the slightest cracks and dents and has the highest adhesion. Once the glue is hard, the seam created will be incredibly strong.
The hot-melt adhesive composition is produced in a special form - in rods. It looks like this because it can be used with a heat gun. The latter has a channel for inserting such a rod and is designed specifically for heating and applying the product. Hot-melt adhesive has a number of advantages:
- Super strong bonding. The material glues parts together better than many compounds and has the highest tensile strength. To peel off the products, you need to apply a force of at least 150 kg. The strength of fixing with hot-melt adhesive is similar to that of metal fasteners.
- Fast drying. Polymerization of the glue occurs in a few minutes, and at a certain temperature – in seconds. This characteristic of the product is ideal when working with small parts, although when assembling large-sized products you will have to show skill.
- Long-term operation. The glue does not react to aggressive factors - cold temperatures, water, ultraviolet radiation, household chemicals. Thanks to these properties, the adhesive seam will last for many years.
- Reasonable price. Hot-melt adhesive is sold everywhere, is inexpensive, and can have different rod lengths (you can choose the product for even the smallest part and not overpay).
- No traces when removing glue. If you need to remove the adhesive seam, after heating and cleaning it there will be no unsightly stains left and the product will not be damaged.
- Works as a sealant. Using hot glue, you can firmly seal grooves and cracks.
- Safety. The glue melts without releasing harmful components, so it can be used even for children's creativity.
The disadvantages include the low plasticity of the product. The glue forms a rigid connection that does not shrink. Therefore, you cannot always use it. If construction, finishing materials, or household products have a high coefficient of thermal expansion, the connection may be broken. True, we are not talking about all types of glue. Now there are modern polymers that are elastic in structure and perfectly withstand vibration and other mechanical influences.
There are no restrictions regarding hot melt adhesive if you need to glue dissimilar materials. It is suitable for plastic and wood, and can even bond metal to ceramics if required.
How to use a heat gun
Tarkett art vinyl flooring (tarket art vinyl)
There is no adhesive in the core itself. The adhesion property appears during heating. Liquid polymer adheres to almost any element and surface.
The rod melts in the heating chamber of the tool and comes out through the nozzle. Low temperature cartridges are ready for use in approximately 2 minutes, after which the adhesive can be applied. The second part must be pressed firmly against the first and not released until they set.
If there is a lot of glue squeezed out, you will have to wait a couple of minutes. One drop sets in a few seconds. After five minutes, the working surfaces have completely cooled down and the adhesive layer becomes waterproof.
Charger
You can charge the device without disassembling it or using special devices. The first charge is also the simplest. The inlet and nozzle are still free of glue residue and undamaged. You need to insert the cartridge into it all the way.
The glue hardens quickly and is not afraid of waterSource fastbox.su
It is convenient to work with a heat gun with temperature indicators. The LED will show whether the device is still heating up or is ready for use.
When purchasing a device, you need to find out which rods fit it. Low-temperature transparent cartridges are universal. Rods are also widely used:
- Black. They are used to seal joints instead of sealant.
- Colored. The polymer has a uniform color, so it is not visible on the element that it is glue. It is popular among needlewomen, as it allows not only to fasten parts, but also to decorate them.
- Decorative. They are also used for decoration and contain mother-of-pearl, sparkles, and special fibers.
- High temperature. Suitable for fastening parts for which increased load is planned in operation.
When purchasing rods, it is important not to make a mistake with the diameter of the rod, which is usually indicated on the device itself, on the packaging and instructions for it. You cannot insert a consumable item of the wrong size into the device.
Please note that rods with a large diameter are not suitable for gluing small rhinestones, beads, and seed beads. The drop will be too large and will spread throughout the product and ruin its appearance.
Warming up
On the packaging of the rods you need to look at their melting point. If the tool is of low power, then transparent low-temperature ones are suitable. If you use consumables with a high heating temperature, you will not be able to glue anything.
At best, the glue will simply soften, but working with it will be very difficult or even impossible. The heat gun parts may break due to excessive pressure.
The polymer heating time varies from 2 to 8 minutes and depends on the power of the device and the quality of the glue. If you cannot squeeze out the molten glue, then the device is broken or the material does not fit it.
Strong heating has a bad effect on the performance of the instrument. The liquid polymer will flow out of the nozzle itself and may get into the coupling, which will need to be cleaned before the next use. If different types of consumables are often used, then the best option is a device with an automatic heating temperature regulator.
Even a beginner can charge and operate a glue gun. Source noginsk.leroymerlin.ru
Replacing rods
Beginning craftsmen often encounter such a difficulty as the remains of consumables in the heating chamber and guide coupling. In this case, the glue may come out of the feed mechanism. You can simply push the remaining piece with new polymer. But it’s better to drop some melted glue onto the end of the new cartridge and press it against the consumable, which is located in the tool.
If you need to change the polymer in an unheated device, you must first heat it up. A solid, frozen mass cannot be removed from the tool, as this threatens to break it. Therefore, it is worth plugging it into the network, carefully removing the old cartridge, and then installing a new one. This procedure may be necessary, for example, when changing colors when working with decor and finishing.
It is better if multi-colored consumables are from the same manufacturer. Then the operating mode will not be disrupted, and there will be no noticeable differences in the texture of the decor on the part. You can change not only the color of the polymer.
Hot glue gun: design and operating features
The shape of a glue gun is similar to a regular gun, which is why it got its name. The device is filled with a glue stick, which, when heated, melts to a fluid consistency. The rod must be installed from the back of the tool, tucking it into a special receiver. During operation, its tip enters the heating module, and in about 4-5 minutes the glue melts. When the trigger is pressed, the composition comes out of the nozzle onto the surface of the product.
The design of the glue gun includes the following elements:
- Heating module. Located in the barrel, it is a metal reservoir, at the bottom of which there is a heating unit. More expensive models have multiple heating units to melt the glue.
- Ring pusher. This is the glue supply mechanism that most often breaks, mainly due to excessive force by the user.
- Clutch. It looks like a tubular receiver located under the glue heating chamber. The coupling is needed to seal the system elements so that the molten composition does not get into them.
- Nozzle (nozzle, nozzle). Allows you to direct the flow of glue in the desired direction. There is a shut-off valve inside that prevents the solution from flowing out freely. The outside of the nozzle is coated with a heat-resistant alloy that protects it from damage. This part of the gun must be cleaned regularly to remove any glue residue.
Distinctive features of hot glue guns
When choosing, you need to pay attention to the quality of the hot glue gun body. The box itself should be made of durable polymers that can withstand heat without burning your hand. There are models with a viewing window where you can see the remaining glue. The handles often have anti-slip inserts, and the package includes a stand. An interesting design is the spray gun, which significantly speeds up the application of glue to large surfaces. When purchasing a gun, you must compare the diameter of its barrel with the size of the glue stick - they must match.
Required glue heating temperature
The glue begins to melt already at +80 degrees, but the process will be very slow. Therefore, guns make it possible to melt the material at +150…+200 degrees, which seriously increases productivity. In expensive professional models, the heating temperature of the glue reaches +500 degrees.
Glue feed speed
Typically glue guns can dispense 5-20g of glue per minute, although the rate depends on heating time and user need. The upper limit of the indicator, in fact, is the limit of the capabilities of both the device and the master, otherwise there is a high risk of making a mistake. However, special high-speed guns (30 g of glue per minute and above) are sold for professionals.
Choosing glue gun refills
How to remove labels and adhesive from plastic and metal surfaces?
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.
Types of glue
Depending on the characteristics (composition, color, size and other features), there are different types of hot-melt adhesive.
By composition
All adhesives have a similar composition. The basis (up to 50% of the mass) are thermoplastic polymers, the rest is distributed between resins and plasticizers. This type of glue does not contain organic solvents that are harmful to health. Most often on sale you can find products based on ethylene vinyl acetate and polyamide, although there are other types of materials.
Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) adhesives
Hot melt adhesives made from EVA have the best price-quality ratio, which is why they are the most popular. They are produced in the form of gun rods; the products can be used to glue any household products and be used in repairs and construction. For industry, hot melt adhesives based on ethylene vinyl acetate are most often supplied in granules for automatic use. In furniture production, such funds are used for gluing edges, profiles, and veneers. With their help, spring blocks for mattresses and car filters are produced.
Polyamide (PA) adhesives
Such products are usually used for gluing materials that have special requirements. This is due to the resistance of polyamide compounds to high temperatures and temperature changes (-35...+135 degrees). Polyamide adhesives do not deteriorate from the action of water, mineral and vegetable oils, and lubricants. Does this hot melt adhesive conduct current? Due to its low electrical conductivity, the material is widely used for repairing electrical equipment and LEDs, and producing insulation for electrical wires.
Polyolefin adhesives
Such products have even higher adhesion rates. Such adhesives are economical in consumption and have the highest flexibility among all types of hot-melt adhesives. Thanks to excellent adhesion, the products can be applied using a linear dot method or by spraying. Such adhesives are used in the manufacture of polyethylene packaging because they provide the highest performance.
Polyester adhesives
If the hot melt adhesive contains polyester resins, this product can be used to reliably glue fiberglass products, attach metal to glass, foil to cork, and even asbestos to copper, other metals, and alloys. Powerful adhesion comes from the presence of hydroxyl and carboxyl groups in the polyester molecule. Most often, polyesters of maleic acid, polyethylene glycols, and various comonomers (vinyl acetate, styrene) are used to create adhesives. Adhesives can withstand up to 40 freezing cycles and exposure to atmospheric factors for 5 years.
Synthetic rubber for adhesives
Adhesives with residual tack contain artificial rubber. After drying, they retain some stickiness, but the heat resistance of the products is very high, as well as elasticity and moisture resistance. Typically, rubber adhesives are used to fasten the spines of books and magazines, they are also used to glue probes together and attach plastic cards. This type of material is suitable for impregnation of nonwoven materials and wire insulation.
Amorphous polyalphaolefin (APAO) in the manufacture of adhesives
Such a composition includes a solid thermoplastic polyolefin, at least one polyester (usually based on urethane, polycaprolactone), and one amide. This type of adhesive has good adhesion to any surface except Teflon - this material cannot be retained with an adhesive composition. The product is used in the automotive industry (for example, for headlights, filters), the furniture industry and in the creation of interior decoration.
Reactive polyurethane (PUR) as adhesive base
After polymerization, hot melt adhesives based on polyurethane form a high-strength, elastic film that does not deteriorate at high and low temperatures. The difference from other types of hot-melt adhesives is the long curing time - it lasts 1-2 days and depends on humidity and the thickness of the adhesive layer. The unique ability of reactive polyurethane is the possibility of further processing of the seam after drying. The strongest in the line of such adhesives are considered to be POR adhesives, which are excellent for polypropylene, polyethylene, and rubber vulcanization.
By color
Depending on the color, adhesive compositions may also vary. Each of them has its own purpose:
- translucent white glues are universal tools that allow you to both glue any objects and make crafts with your own hands (for example, snowflakes);
- opaque white adhesives - used for fastening white parts, well suited for glass;
- transparent yellow adhesives - usually used for paper, cardboard, have universal properties;
- colored opaque adhesives - used for gluing colored products to create an invisible seam;
- black, gray glues are sealants, due to the safety of the composition they can be used in an aquarium, they are also suitable for insulating wires.
By diameter and length of glue rods
The diameter of the glue rod is most often 7 or 11 mm. There are also non-standard solutions - a little larger or smaller than the specified size, but when purchasing, you must take into account the diameter of the existing glue gun. The length of glue rods is usually 4-20 cm; they should be selected depending on the need and the size of the surfaces to be glued.
Color coding
For colored glue sticks, there is a rule - if it is opaque, then it is a universal glue with pigment. A translucent rod with a color tint is intended for special purposes. The only exceptions are white and black. Of course, the glue will be effective when joining any materials, but it achieves maximum performance in a narrow segment. Eg:
- white opaque cylinder - glue is intended primarily for glass-metal combinations;
- translucent yellow glue shows maximum performance when working with wood, paper and wood-containing fibrous materials (fibreboard, chipboard, OSB, MDF, plywood);
- Black opaque glue has pronounced properties of a sealant and insulator, so it can be used to process live wires, electronic components, and strengthen seams.
The specific purpose of a particular glue stick can be found by reading the technical specifications on the packaging.
Methods of applying glue
The easiest and most cost-effective ways to work with glue are to apply it manually, spreading the mass with a small roller with preheating. Still, it is much more convenient to use a glue gun, especially if you need to attach not too small parts. The glue stick in the gun will warm up, after which the composition will be ready for use.
Gluing is carried out in this way:
- clean the parts from dirt, dust, completely degrease the working surface (fats can be dissolved with acetone, alcohol);
- dry its base, otherwise the degree of glue adhesion will greatly decrease;
- smooth parts should be treated with sandpaper to improve adhesion to glue;
- heat elements that are too cold or bring them into the room so that there is no sudden temperature change and the glue lays evenly;
- insert the glue stick into the cartridge, turn on the gun (into the outlet or with the button if the device is battery-powered);
- by pressing the trigger, apply glue in strips, dots or sine waves;
- quickly connect the parts together, firmly press them together without delay, and fix them.
How long the glue dries is always indicated in the instructions. Usually it completely hardens in 15-30 minutes, but it is better to start using the product after 2-3 hours.
Safety precautions when working with hot glue
The toxicity of the substances that make up hot-melt adhesive is low, but to prevent inhalation of its fumes during prolonged use, it is still worth using a respirator. When gluing small products quickly, good ventilation of the room is sufficient. More often other problems arise - burns, because the glue comes out very hot. Care must be taken when working with the composition; if necessary, work with gloves.
Removing glue from clothes
It happens that during work, glue gets on things, the wall and even the upholstery of the car. How to remove such stains from clothes or wash from the car? When hardened, hot melt adhesive is a solid substance, but when hot, it easily penetrates between the fibers of the fabric. There are a number of ways to remove glue if you accidentally glued clothes and other things:
- Place the stained item in the freezer, wait for the glue to harden and scrape it off with a knife or spoon.
- Cover the ironing board with a white cloth, place the item on it, and cover the stain with a rag on top. Iron the contaminated area with an iron, this will transfer the hot-melt adhesive to the flap.
- Wipe the stain with a cloth soaked in acetone. You can replace acetone with any organic solvent. Before work, it is advisable to check on an inconspicuous area how the product will act on the fabric; perhaps it will dissolve the pattern.
It is better to work with hot melt glue carefully or wear special unnecessary clothing. Sometimes even after removing the stain, a lighter stain remains on the fabric, so you need to foresee this in advance and prevent damage to the item
Application area
To solve certain problems, rods are produced in both a wide range of shades and transparent ones. This is very convenient for those who love handicrafts. Having selected the desired color, the product will look solid, no traces of glue will be visible. Models of filled rods have appeared.
For example, glitter and mother-of-pearl are added to the mass. The glue itself becomes a decorative element of the product, part of the composition. Thermal gun can be used in construction and repair. However, it is worth remembering that setting time is limited. After application, it is advisable to fix the part in place in the first few seconds.
There are also some restrictions. For example, where heavy loads are expected, it is not recommended to use a hot-melt adhesive connection; it is not designed for this.
You can glue decorative elements to shoes, but the soles will not last long. Do not use a gun to secure power structures during construction and repairs. It is not recommended to apply glue to plasters and putties without first treating them with primers and paints.
Sealing and insulation of seams
During operation, cracks and gaps appear in various structures. They appear in window and door systems, openings, and shafts. Often such a defect occurs in finishing materials. In addition to the untidy appearance, there are also undesirable consequences in the form of drafts and further destruction of the structure.
If there are no building mixtures or sealants at home, but you have a glue gun, then you can quickly solve this problem. With its help, you can easily make the desired connection and seal the seams. It is recommended to purchase special black or gray rods for this work. But first you need to clarify whether the gun is capable of maintaining the required temperature.
Video: Glue gun - why and how
The edges of the crack are cleaned of debris, foreign substances, and degreased. Then, after heating the gun for the required time according to the instructions, fill the seam. The result is reliable, durable insulation.
After cooling, you can cut off excess glue with a knife. The connection is not afraid of moisture, is not subject to corrosion, and will not emit substances harmful to health, so it can be used both in utility rooms, and in kitchens and children's rooms.
Tile
What to do when a tile falls off at home? You can get to the nearest hardware store and buy the required mixture. But it is usually sold in large packages and most of it will probably simply disappear. Repairs can be made with a glue gun.
Before starting work, you need to remove all remaining mixture from the tiles and the seat. It is advisable to do this even with a small margin, so that the tiles fall through with a small gap, no more than 1 mm.
Before applying the glue, it is recommended to warm the part with a hairdryer, and after installing it in place, hold it in the desired position for 2-5 minutes until it cools completely.
Furniture
The interior will lose greatly if any element is broken or missing altogether. Front parts of furniture often fail during use. Decorative decorations and overlays can be restored with hot glue. There is no need to fix the glass with a gun.
The operating temperature of the glue is from 105 °C to 200 °C. These are critical values for glass; it may crack or break. A wooden surface easily tolerates this temperature.
Excess glue can be easily removed from it later. It is not recommended to glue load-bearing structures and functional mechanisms of furniture. The loads are too great and the glue cannot withstand them.
Removing glue from clothes
It happens that during work, glue gets on things, the wall and even the upholstery of the car. How to remove such stains from clothes or wash from the car? When hardened, hot melt adhesive is a solid substance, but when hot, it easily penetrates between the fibers of the fabric. There are a number of ways to remove glue if you accidentally glued clothes and other things:
- Place the stained item in the freezer, wait for the glue to harden and scrape it off with a knife or spoon.
- Cover the ironing board with a white cloth, place the item on it, and cover the stain with a rag on top. Iron the contaminated area with an iron, this will transfer the hot-melt adhesive to the flap.
- Wipe the stain with a cloth soaked in acetone. You can replace acetone with any organic solvent. Before work, it is advisable to check on an inconspicuous area how the product will act on the fabric; perhaps it will dissolve the pattern.
It is better to work with hot melt glue carefully or wear special unnecessary clothing. Sometimes even after removing the stain, a lighter stain remains on the fabric, so you need to foresee this in advance and prevent damage to the item
By power and warm-up time
The more powerful the heat gun, the less time it needs to warm up the nozzle and start working. Professional devices are usually more powerful than household ones. Pistols with 11mm rods are also more powerful than pistols with 7mm components. The power of the tool ranges from 10 to 100 W and higher for some professional glue guns.
The average heating time for the metal nose of the gun takes 5 minutes. There are models that heat up faster, in a maximum of 1 minute. Low-power household budget machines can start dispensing glue no earlier than 8-10 minutes. If speed is important, then such a tool will not work. For example, in needlework, floristry or working with polyurethane foam ceiling decor.
Types of glue guns and their prices
Thermal guns are divided into types, depending on their design, functions and other indicators.
So, according to the method of heating the glue, the tool can be divided into:
Gas
Used primarily in field conditions due to its mobility.
The source of energy for heating here is butane gas, one charge of which is enough for an hour to an hour and a half of work.
The gas heater is started by pressing a key (button, lever), which is simultaneously responsible for the piezoelectric ignition and the gas valve.
This tool is refilled from lighter cans.
The cost of gas glue guns is 3 – 4 thousand rubles.
Electric
The design contains a heating element powered by electric current.
The source of the latter can be a household network or a battery.
Network heat gun
The tool is “tied” by a wire to an outlet, and therefore working away from electricity is out of the question.
On the other hand, it does not require recharging and can be used without prior preparation, you just need to wait until it heats up to a certain temperature.
Its cost starts at 250 rubles. and on average is about 1000 - 1500 rubles.
Rechargeable
Cordless glue guns are more portable, however, they require a fully charged battery.
The operating time without recharging of battery models is about 40 – 60 minutes.
However, the autonomy of such a pistol is only temporary, since the battery must be periodically charged, which again requires an electrical outlet.
The price is approximately 3 - 4 thousand rubles.
According to the method of applying glue, the tool can be divided into:
- Automatic - option with connection to a pneumatic line or electromagnetic system. In both cases, the glue is supplied to the heating element by pressing the start button.
- Semi-automatic - like the next method, provides mechanical feed. Here the rod is pushed towards the heater by a trigger, which can be rotary or fixed. The trigger is connected to a slider that moves along the barrel of the gun, pushing the glue.
- Manual - no trigger at all. Feeding is carried out by pressing the hand on the end of the glue stick.
Pneumatic
A hot glue gun with pneumatic feeding of glue cartridges is a professional tool, when working with which you can fully concentrate on the operation, since there is no need to load your hand to feed the glue stick.
Such models are designed to perform large volumes of work; they often have a power of over 300 W and are connected to a compressor capable of delivering a working pressure of 3–7 bar.
This pneumatic heat gun weighs more than 1 kg and requires simultaneous connection to the electrical network and a pneumatic line.
These are industrial models that are used for finishing and construction work.
High-power 600 W options are used in various furniture factories and factories for the production of windows and doors.
Professional
The more powerful tool is distinguished by the fact that it is capable of heating adhesive stickers within a few seconds, and is equipped with various auxiliary functionality that allows not only to increase labor efficiency, but also to maintain full control over the heating temperature.
Professional heat guns can be loaded with glue sticks, granules, pads and cylinders.
Household glue gun
It has a power that does not exceed 60 W.
To melt a drop of glue, such a tool can take up to 4 minutes of time; this primarily includes mini models with 20 - 25 W ratings.
According to heating temperature, the tool is divided into:
- Low temperature - most often the operating temperature is 110 degrees, sometimes a little higher. Used primarily for working with heat-sensitive materials.
- High temperature – the heating temperature is usually at least 195 degrees.
Glue pen
A separate type of glue gun that should also be mentioned is a glue pen.
This option is great for delicate work, in particular for needlework, their price is approximately 1,200 rubles per piece.
This is a cordless, battery- or AA-powered tool that can use up to 60 glue sticks on a single charge.
Actually, the name itself speaks about the shape of this device, the dimensions of which are comparable to a marker.
Melting temperature
The composition of glue sticks can vary significantly, which affects their melting point.
Products created on the basis of EVA melt already at +80°C, and the operating temperature is considered to be within the range of +120... 150°C. It is recommended to use such rods for the household type of glue gun. Rods consisting of polyamides and polyolefins begin to soften at +155°C, and the operating temperature for this type is +180... 200°C. Such rods are already used in professional equipment that can withstand heating up to +500°C. To glue surfaces that can withstand heating to high temperatures, high-temperature compounds are used.
The choice of rods must be made based on the type of surfaces with which the work will be done and the equipment that is planned to be used in the process.