Acrylic adhesives are part of the structural adhesive family, making them a great multi-purpose and versatile bonding choice. They can bond a wide range of substrates and are available in two-part catalyst cure or one-part UV and heat cure formulations.
Read on to find out 6 common uses of acrylic adhesives and the reasons why they work so well in each application.
1. Sign Making
Acrylic adhesives can be used to bond thinner materials, such as prepared or unprepared metals and engineered plastics, which traditional mechanical fastening methods could not. This gives sign makers much more design freedom as well as reducing manufacturing costs. The adhesives clear formulation and ability to gap fill means that it is virtually undetectable on translucent substrates, such as plastic point of display signs. The weather resistance and anti-corrosion properties of acrylic adhesives allow them to also be used to create signs designed for outdoor display purposes.
We recommend: 3M ScotchWeld Acrylic Adhesive DP804
2. Sporting Goods
The manufacturing of sporting goods such as golf clubs or goal frames involves the bonding of robust materials such as aluminium and steel. These bonds are placed under extreme stress and rigorous wear and tear when in use. Acrylic adhesives provide the joints with high levels of impact resistance which ensures they are long-lasting and durable. They can bond the robust materials with ease, as well as joining any smaller, complex parts to the goods without any restrictions. Furthermore, there is no additional finishing work required when using acrylic adhesives meaning a faster turnaround and a polished aesthetic.
We recommend: Permabond TA4200
3. Automotive Manufacturing
The possibilities and uses for structural adhesives within the automotive sector are truly extensive. Acrylic adhesives are being implemented in this area as a replacement for traditional bonding methods such as welts, rivets and brazing. Acrylic adhesives work exceptionally well in the bonding of aluminium, steel and composite materials. They are used for the bonding of exterior vehicle components such as door panels and frame work. These components are subject to high impact and stress daily, however acrylic adhesives provide a durable and flexible join which can withstand these pressures. They also improve aesthetics and reduce manufacturing costs making them a highly popular bonding method with vehicle manufacturers.
We recommend: Lord 403E/17 10:1 Cartridge
4. Aerospace Manufacturing
Similarly, the aerospace industry uses acrylic adhesives for the bonding of exterior components. Acrylic adhesives have excellent environmental resistance properties, meaning they can withstand solvents, moisture, salt spray, oils and weathering. They also have brilliant resistance to UV exposure and anti-corrosion properties, making them an ideal choice for the aerospace industry. Many Lord Corporation acrylic adhesives are aerospace approved and have been specifically formulated to provide the highest impact & peel strengths available. The Lord range of aerospace adhesives are specially formulated to excel in both high and low temperature conditions.
We recommend: Lord 410/19B
5. Window Mount Bonding & Sealing
The construction industry frequently opts for acrylic adhesives as their chosen bonding method thanks to their high performance and durability. One of the most common uses within this sector is the joining and sealing of window mounts. They can be used to fill large gaps between substrates with ease, whilst also increasing long term wind and UV resistance. These durable bonds can withstand other environmental factors and can also be used to join external metal frame works where required.
We recommend: Lord 204
6. Magnet Bonding
Acrylic adhesives are used to bond magnets in a range of industries, with some of the most prominent being those within electrical motors and speakers. Acrylic adhesives play a crucial role in the manufacturing of electrical motors as they provide an effective method of bonding magnets, shafts, housings and rotors together. They are also used for bonding ferrites and wire tacking. Acrylic adhesives can withstand the high operating temperatures which exist within these devices, as well as providing excellent impact resistance. They excel in this field as they do not require any heating ovens and are quick curing.
We recommend: Henkel Loctite AA F241 Toughened Acrylic
Shop our range of acrylic adhesives now.
Additional links:
At Ellsworth Adhesives, we supply a wide range of acrylic adhesives from leading brands Lord, 3M Henkel Loctite and Permabond. View our entire range of acrylic adhesives here.
Want to know more about structural adhesives? Check out our Quick Guide to Structural Adhesives here.
Unsure if acrylic adhesives are right for you? Our Glue Doctor is here to answer any technical questions you may have. Simply fill out our enquiry form.
