Achieve Smart Adhesion for Case and Carton Sealing

Typically, hot melt adhesives are used in case and carton sealing applications. Several variables impact adhesion for case and carton sealing. These are:

• Temperature: Several factors determine the adhesive temperature to achieve desired wet-out:
  • Adhesive heat stability
  • Substrate heat tolerate
  • Equipment limitations regarding open time/compression time
• Add-on (coat weight): This refers to the amount of adhesive applied to make a bond. It determines adhesive set up speed and the surface area of the finished bond.
• Compression: Compression time must be long enough to allow the hot melt adhesive the ability to develop the cohesive strength needed to overcome substrate memory or stress.
• Open time: In theory, open time should be as short as possible to achieve maximum wet-out and penetration of the secondary substrate. However, other considerations play a role, such as:
  • Set speed of the adhesive
  • Physical space on the line
  • Pressure sensitivity of the adhesive

Next, package manufacturers must also consider the adhesive application pattern. Most case and carton seal applications are applied in bead form from automatic glue guns. Items to consider when applying the adhesive include:

• Pattern length and width
• Amount of pull desired to open the package flap

Also, it’s important for materials within the package to be the appropriate fit. Over-filled or under-filled packages may cause inadequate case and carton sealing. This is due to additional pressure or lack of consistent pressure between the package’s flaps.

Additionally, package manufacturers must consider environmental conditions that each box may encounter. For example, shipments may be packaged in a hot area but pass through a cold area during delivery. If the incorrect amount of or improper application of the adhesive is used, it may cause bond failure.

Bostik manufactures smart adhesives for case and carton sealing applications. These adhesive products are flexible, strong and offer superior thermal stability. Additionally, our case and carton sealing adhesives:

• Have the right open and set times
• Are optimized to perform efficiently
• Are designed to handle a wide range of end-use temperatures
• Have high performance on difficult-to-adhere substrates

For more information about these adhesives for case and carton sealing and how to obtain smart adhesion, call 800-7-BOSTIK, or contact us.