To Automate or Not to Automate: Making the Right Adhesive Application Choice
- eben905
- Oct 31
- 3 min read
When it comes to applying adhesive in a production environment, one of the most important decisions you’ll face is whether to stick with manual methods or invest in an automated or semi-automated system. While manual glue guns or hand-applied tapes may seem sufficient at first glance, the long-term impact on efficiency, consistency, and cost can be significant.
At HAR Adhesive Technologies, we’ve worked with companies across industries—from industrial shipping crates to casket manufacturing—helping them make the transition to automation. The results? Stronger bonds, fewer errors, less adhesive waste, and major savings in time and labor.
Let’s explore the key benefits of automation and share a few real-world success stories that show how the right adhesive application system can transform your process.
Why Automation Pays Off
Investing in an automated or semi-automated adhesive application system often feels like a big step—but it’s one that pays dividends quickly. Here's why:
Reduced Adhesive Waste: Automated systems apply the exact amount of adhesive needed, eliminating overuse.
Consistent Bonding: Machine-applied adhesive ensures a uniform, reliable bond every time.
Increased Production Speed: Automation accelerates cycle times and reduces bottlenecks on the line.
Lower Labor Costs: Free up your team from repetitive gluing tasks for higher-value work.
Cleaner Operations: Say goodbye to glue drips, spills, and cleanup headaches.
Adaptability: Modern systems can be tailored to accommodate custom shapes, sizes, and production demands.
In short, automation provides a streamlined, cost-effective way to improve product quality and keep up with increasing demand.
Real-World Case Study 1: Shipping Crates That Stay Intact
A manufacturer of large, custom plywood crates used to manually apply hot melt adhesive with a glue gun to bond polyethylene foam inside the crates. This foam, chosen for its vibration-dampening qualities, is critical for protecting the contents during shipping.
The problem?
The adhesive started cooling before full coverage was achieved.
Too much glue was being applied in an attempt to compensate.
The result was a weak, inconsistent bond—and foam that peeled away during handling.
We stepped in to evaluate their process and installed an ITW Dynatec swirl spray system paired with one of our pressure sensitive hot melt adhesives. The results were immediate:
No more bond failure, even during heavy movement or long-distance shipping.
Adhesive usage dropped by nearly 40%.
Manual labor was reduced, speeding up production and cutting costs.
This automated solution provided not only a stronger bond, but also greater operational efficiency across the board.
Real-World Case Study 2: A Better Way to Build Caskets
Yes, even casket manufacturing involves complex adhesive challenges. One manufacturer came to us using a costly adhesive tape to seal casket lids for air- and water-tight integrity. While effective, the process was slow, expensive, and inefficient.
Our solution?
We engineered a custom semi-automated adhesive application system using ITW Dynatec equipment and our pressure sensitive hot melt adhesives.
The system now seals each lid in half the time.
Cost per unit dropped by more than 50%.
The production line is faster, cleaner, and more reliable.
This example shows how automation doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Even semi-automated systems can deliver major performance improvements and substantial savings.
Is Automation Right for You?
If your team is spending excessive time applying adhesives manually—or you're seeing wasted material, inconsistent bonds, or rising production costs—it may be time to explore automated adhesive solutions.
Our team at HAR Adhesive Technologies can analyze your current process, recommend the right equipment and adhesive combination, and customize a solution that works for your exact needs.
Let’s Talk Automation
If you're ready to explore how an automated adhesive application system can improve your bottom line, we’re here to help. From custom solutions to off-the-shelf equipment and everything in between, we’ve got the experience and tools to deliver results.
📞 Eric Eckert
Technical Sales Manager
(716) 852-7955
Readers are invited to use the links below to find and contact a local adhesives representative that can help with your company's industrial adhesives needs: HAR Adhesive Technologies has a presence in seven distinct states, uniquely focused on serving the adhesives, adhesive application, and equipment needs of each region in: Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia
