3 Adhesive Technologies to Consider When Replacing Mechanical Fasteners

Across markets, manufacturers are replacing mechanical fasteners with adhesives. This is because adhesives offer many advantages over traditional bonding methods, such as:

• Improved end product durability and aesthetics
• Enhanced assembly ease of use
• Increased process efficiencies

However, it may be difficult to determine which adhesive technology to choose. Check out these key features of certain types to aid in your replacement efforts.

Reactive Solvent-Based Adhesive Technology

Reactive adhesives are one type of adhesive technology being used to replace traditional mechanical fasteners. Offering clean application and versatile performance capabilities, they help improve and simplify manufacturing processes.

Reactive adhesives also possess excellent adhesion to plasticized PVC and superior creep resistance over other options.

Hot Melt Polyurethane Adhesive Technology

Polyurethanes are another adhesive replacement for mechanical fasteners. These adhesives offer superior flexibility and strength. Ideal for materials with differing elongation, polyurethanes also display good UV and weather resistance. This means they work well for applications that are exposed to the outdoor elements.

Furthermore, polyurethane adhesives resist cracking and have the capability to bond low surface energy substrates together.

Silyl Modified Polymer Adhesive Technology

Silyl Modified Polymer (SMP) adhesive technology is another option instead of mechanical fasteners. Lightweight, they provide inherent vibration and sound dampening properties. Furthermore, SMP adhesives offer excellent durability with limited surface treatment. This aids in production efficiencies.

This adhesive technology is also free of isocyanates, improving worker safety.

Tips for Choosing an Adhesive Over a Mechanical Fastener

In addition to understanding the various types of adhesive technologies, it’s important to consider:

• Application needs
• Design requirements
• End-use criteria
• Storage conditions

For more information making the switch to adhesives, view this relevant content:

• SMP Elastic Bonding vs. Mechanical Fasteners
• Bonding vs. Fasteners: Time to Switch?
• How Adhesives Improve Quality of Life

You also can take a look at this helpful article from Machine Design on the value of using adhesives.