Hot Melt Adhesive Application and Service Specialists

How To Prevent Stringing In Hot Melt Adhesives

 

 

If you regularly use holt melt adhesives in your business, you’ll know that a careful, measured approach to application is advisable. Carelessness or inefficiency can be wasteful, increase your costs and, in some circumstances, can cause operational problems with your equipment. The last thing a business needs is unplanned downtime, which affects productivity and profits, particularly in industries where packaging and the rapid assembly of products is critical to meet demand.


A common problem experienced with hot melt systems is stringing. But what is it, how does it occur and, most importantly, how can it be prevented?

What Is Adhesive Stringing?

Adhesive stringing occurs when glue remains on the nozzle of the hot melt system and is pulled into thin string like substance. This is often produced when the handgun is pulled away after application, and the adhesive doesn’t cleanly separate from the nozzle; however, it can also occur automatically further along the production line. These thin strands of adhesive can float in the air, become attached to equipment or products, and cause several problems.

What Problems Does Adhesive Stringing Cause?

In all hot melt applications, stringing can be problematic, but it poses an increased risk in certain industries. For instance, in food production and pharmaceuticals, pieces of dried adhesive may break off inside packaging and contaminate food or medicines.

In packaging, adhesive strings may attach to the outside of the carton or product, affecting its appearance and saleability while also impacting the bonding capabilities of the substrates being used. In whichever field your business specialises, adhesive stringing is to be avoided to ensure products are clean, attractive, and safe for consumers.

The Importance Of High-Quality Equipment And Maintenance

Adhesive stringing in hot melt systems can be caused by many factors, including:

  • Incorrect temperature set for adhesive.
  • Air temperature of the gluing environment.
  • Excessive distance between the nozzle and the application surface.
  • Inappropriate nozzle diameter for the application.

Identifying the cause of adhesive stringing can be challenging, so it pays dividends to consult a specialist who can troubleshoot your hot melt system and give it a thorough service. By implementing a programme of high-quality maintenance, emerging problems can be spotted and rectified, reducing the chance of adhesive stringing and ensuring your equipment performs effectively in the long-term.

Contact The Adhesive Laundry For All Your Hot Melt System Needs

If your hot melt system needs troubleshooting or maintenance, get in touch with our experts at The Adhesive Laundry, or click here to send us a message.

Image source: Hotmelt.com

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