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Polyurethane adhesives, also known as PU adhesives, provide extremely strong and secure bonds. Polyurethanes cater to a wide variety of application requirements due to their sheer versatility and are used in numerous industries including automotive and electronics.

Available to purchase in both one and two component formulations, polyurethane adhesives can be altered to suit the user’s specifications. Part of the structural adhesive family, polyurethanes bring a whole host of advantages to bonding applications.

Read on to find out which characteristics make polyurethanes a popular choice…

Polyurethanes adhesives are truly versatile:

Polyurethanes can be used to bond a wide variety of materials, including those which are dissimilar. This includes metals, plastics, composites, wood and rubber. The ability to form strong bonds between these diverse materials is crucial to the longevity of the application.

Furthermore, polyurethanes are available in numerous different custom formulations to suit specific application requirements. Additional features include optical clarity, low odour, colour and cure times. The ability to adapt these characteristics makes polyurethanes a truly functional choice.

 

PU adhesives are extremely flexible:

Polyurethanes have very good elongation and recovery properties and can be used in applications which require a degree of flexibility. This makes them an excellent choice for bonding applications where the materials have different coefficients of expansion, or those with differing elongation properties when bearing high loads.

 

Design freedom is endless with polyurethanes:

Unlike mechanical fasteners, structural adhesives allow for the easy joining of complex shapes. They also allow for the bonding of dissimilar materials with ease. Due to these characteristics, polyurethanes are often used by manufacturers in light weighting applications. Polyurethanes provide smooth and invisible bond lines and do not take away from the aesthetic of the finished materials.

 
 

They also provide high strength bonds:

Polyurethanes can form a strong bond even before the adhesive has dried and sealed completely. This initial bond has enough strength that it does not require any form of clamps or fastening materials, making the manufacturing process much quicker and simpler.

These robust bonds make polyurethanes a highly effective choice in demanding applications. In addition to a strong bond, polyurethanes also provide a tight seal.

 

And are suitable even in harsh environments:

Polyurethane adhesives are resistant to temperature fluctuations and remain undamaged when exposed to high temperatures for prolonged periods of time. They are also available with varying degrees of chemical and heat resistance which ensure the material does not deteriorate in harsh conditions.
 

Our Best Selling Polyurethane Adhesives:

Robnor Resinlab EL420LV

3m 550

Robnor Resinlab EL171H

Lord 550

Shop our complete range of polyurethane adhesives here.

 

Additional links:

At Ellsworth Adhesives, we supply a wide range of polyurethane adhesives from leading brands Lord, 3M, Henkel Loctite, Robnor Resinlab and Permabond. View our entire range of polyurethane adhesives here.

Do you want more information about structural adhesives? Read our Quick Guide to Structural Adhesives here.

Not sure if polyurethanes adhesives are right for you? Our Glue Doctor is here to answer any technical questions you may have. Simply fill out our enquiry form.

A threadlocker is an anaerobic, single-part adhesive which is applied to the threads of fasteners such as screws or bolts to prevent loosening. Threadlocking adhesives are increasingly replacing traditional locking devices in threaded assemblies as a way of overcoming challenging production issues and increasing reliability.

Read on to find out 4 benefits of threadlockers over mechanical locking devices, as well as our top product recommendations…

1. Ability to Gap Fill

 

Traditional methods are not always effective as they cannot completely fill the gap between the substrate and the fastener. In fact, there is only around 15% contact between the engaging threads of the mechanical locking device, leaving an 85% air gap.

The liquid consistency of threadlockers means they can overcome these design flaws and fully fill the gap with ease, locking out air and other contaminants.

We recommend: Henkel Loctite 245 Medium Strength

2. Reduce Vibration

The air gap which is produced when using mechanical locking devices allows for vibration and a side to side movement of the screw or bolt to occur. This movability leads to the fastener becoming loose and can cause the threaded assembly to fail. When a threadlocker has been used to set the fastener in place, it fills the gap and solidifies to form a tough thermoset plastic. This plastic is resistant to vibration and has strong polymeric chain properties which prevent any lateral movement.

We recommend: Permabond MM15 Threadlocker

3. Resistant to Environmental Factors

 

Locking threads and bolts can seize together when used in areas with humidity or high temperatures. They are also prone to corrosion and rusting, all of which affect the ability to disassemble the parts for future repair or rework. By implementing threadlockers, they act as a thread lubricant and seal the metals against corrosion.

Furthermore, threadlockers are resistant to extreme temperatures and exhibit high chemical resistance which ensures a strong, robust bond.

We recommend: Henkel Loctite 278 High Strength Threadlocker

 

4. Less Materials Required

The use of traditional mechanical locking devices requires the user to have a diverse selection of shapes and sizes to ensure there is one suitable for all application requirements. This isn’t an issue with threadlockers however as they are universally applicable to a wide range of substrates regardless of their structure. They also have a lower cost per unit during application when compared to using individual locking devices.

Furthermore, threadlocking adhesives are available in a range of different strengths to suit each application. Low and medium strength threadlockers allow for easy removal for rework using traditional hand tools, whilst high strength variations suit more permanent applications.

We recommend: Permabond HM129 Threadlocker

 Shop our wide range of threadlockers now.

Additional links:

At Ellsworth Adhesives, we supply a wide range of threadlockers from leading brands Henkel Loctite and Permabond. View our entire range of threadlockers here.

Unsure which threadlocker is right for you? Our Glue Doctor is available to answer any technical questions you may have. Simply fill out our enquiry form.

Silicone adhesives and conformal coatings are known for forming robust bonds which exhibit high levels of flexibility, as well as excellent chemical and heat resistance. Whilst these characteristics are a huge advantage in bonding applications, they can make the process of removing silicones from surfaces or equipment a difficult task.

We’ve highlighted 5 key adhesive cleaners from our extensive portfolio which excel at the removal of both cured and uncured silicone.

Dowsil (Dow Corning) OS-2 Solvent

Dowsil OS-2 Silicone cleaner and surface prep solvent was developed specifically to be used as a cleaning agent and carrier. It is effective at removing uncured silicone sealants, oils and greases and can be used to soften many cured silicones. It can also be used as a way of diluting and tailoring the viscosity of silicones to suit the user’s application requirements.

Key Features:

• Safe on plastics and is non-corrosive to metals
• Evaporates completely at room temperature
• Can be used to prep surfaces prior to sealant or lubricant applications
• Low toxicity

Shop here. 

 

 

Dowsil DS-1000 Aqueous Silicone Cleaner

Uncured silicone fluids and residues which are left behind during production can be easily removed with the use of Dowsil DS-1000 Aqueous Silicone Cleaner. The specialised cleaning solvent has been developed to emulsify silicone oils, greases and uncured silicone elastomers.

Key features:

• Effective at degreasing in a wide range of manufacturing or processing applications
• EU Detergent Regulation Compliant
• Aqueous solution for ease of use
• Non-flammable

Shop here. 

 

Dowsil DS-2025 Silicone Cleaning Solvent

Cured silicone is traditionally tougher to remove from surfaces as it is highly resistant to changes in temperature, as well as exhibiting unique elastomeric properties. Dowsil DS-2025 Silicone Cleaning Solvent is a highly effective method of removing silicone as it rapidly depolymerises and dissolves cured silicone, allowing it to be simply wiped away with water.

Key Features:

• Can be collected, stored and re-used up to ten times making it a cost-effective purchase
• Low viscosity
• Does not contain aromatic or halogenated solvents
• Compatible with most construction materials
• Non-flammable

Shop here. 

 

 

Microcare Ultraclean VOC-Free Flux Remover

Silicone coatings can be challenging to remove due to their durable composition and chemical resistance properties. However, Microcare’s Ultra Clean VOC-Free Flux Remover can quickly and easily remove silicone conformal coatings as it is based on innovative siloxane technology. This means that the chemical composition is very similar to that of most silicone conformal coatings, allowing for easy and effective removal.

Key Features:

• Fast drying formulation
• Completely halogen-free
• Strongest non-chlorinated PCB cleaner on the market
• Highly effective on no-clean fluxes and pastes
• Can also remove acrylic conformal coatings, as well as oil, grease, roisin-based fluxes and paste

Shop here.

 

 

Microcare MCC-DC1G No-Clean Flux Remover VeriClean

Another key product from the Microcare range is the Microcare MCC-DC16 No-Clean Flux Remover. The moderately-aggressive cleaning fluid excels at dissolving and removing silicone conformal coatings, oils and silicone adhesives quickly and easily. It is even effective on fully cured-conformal coatings and swell silicone tubing.

Key Features:

• Fast drying
• Low Odour
• Safe for use on plastics
• No residue/rinsing required
• Excellent at cleaning no clean fluxes and pastes

 

Shop here 

 

Shop our extensive range of surface cleaners here.

Additional Links:

Want to know more about effective surface preparation? Check out our “Ultimate Guide to Surface Preparation.“ blog post to read our in-depth guide.

If you have any other queries regarding adhesive cleaners or selecting the correct product for your application, please don’t hesitate to ask our Ellsworth Glue Doctor who can answer all your technical questions. Simply fill out our enquiry form here.

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.