ADHESIVE CHALLENGES WE HELP SOLVE
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Set Speed and Open Time
The Adhesive Is Setting Too Slowly—or Too Quickly
Open time and set speed must match the manufacturing process.
An adhesive that performs well in one application may create problems when line speed, materials, temperatures, application conditions, or compression requirements change.
If the adhesive sets too slowly, products may shift, spring open, telescope, move before the bond develops, or require more compression than the process can provide.
If it sets too quickly, the adhesive may lose tack before the substrates come together, resulting in poor wet-out and an unreliable bond.
Factors That Can Affect Set Speed and Open Time
HAR looks beyond the adhesive itself to understand how the entire application is working. Factors may include:
Line speed
Time between adhesive application and substrate contact
Adhesive application temperature
Substrate temperature
Ambient temperature and humidity
Substrate porosity, coatings, or recycled content
Adhesive coat weight or bead size
Application pattern
Compression pressure and duration
Required open time
Required set speed
Finished-product and distribution requirements
A change in any one of these conditions can alter how an otherwise familiar adhesive performs.
HAR helps customers evaluate the complete process and determine whether the best next step involves the adhesive, application equipment, operating conditions, or a combination of improvements.
Has your process outgrown the open time or set speed of your current adhesive?
Why Manufacturers Contact HAR About Set Speed and Open Time
Products are shifting, springing open, telescoping, or moving before the bond develops.
The adhesive is setting too slowly for current production speeds.
The adhesive loses tack before the substrates come together.
Faster line speeds have reduced available open time, compression time, or drying time.
Seasonal temperature or humidity changes are affecting adhesive performance.
New board, paper, film, coatings, recycled content, or other materials have changed the way the adhesive sets.
Production requires excessive compression or dwell time to achieve a dependable bond.
The manufacturer needs help determining whether the problem involves the adhesive, application equipment, materials, or operating conditions.
