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Purchasing Glue Guns and Hot Melt Adhesives
September 7, 2010
Glue guns are available in low temperature and high temperature hot-melt versions. Low temperature units heat up to about 120º C and are more suitable where a high temperature is undesirable. High-temperature units} heat up to about 195°C and give a stronger bond. Also on the market are dual glue guns which include a switch so that both low and high temperatures can be used for different purposes.
For industrial applications, there are a broad range of heavy duty glue guns available which are designed to optimise production efficiency. These range from high output compressed air glue guns to adjustable temperature guns.
Glue sticks are on the market in various sizes for different varieties and sizes of glue guns. The commonest size has a diameter of 11mm. Glue sticks are also available in various lengths, from about 10cm upwards. However, the majority of glue guns will accommodate glue sticks of any length. Hot melt and low temperature glue sticks are available for the different types of glue gun. Hot melt adhesives do not contain any solvents or water. They bond when they decrease in temperature and this means that they can set quickly.
For industrial applications, different types of glue sticks are available for specialist uses. The most common diameters are 12 and 43mm. For domestic use, there are only a few types of glue sticks that are available. Glue sticks have different open times, which is the time taken to form a bond. This varies from a few seconds to a few minutes.
Glue guns should be turned on several minutes before they are used so that the heating element and glue stick can warm up. As the glue stick increases in temperature it melts and then it can be used to bond various materials together. Care should be taken when operating hot glue guns as hot glue can be hazardous.