Is Hot Melt Adhesive Film Superior To Traditional Adhesives?

You’ve probably heard of hot melt adhesive film. More and more often, business owners and manufacturers have been adopting this product. It serves as an intriguing alternative to traditional options like tape and adhesive. But, if you’re not yet familiar with the product, you may be hesitant to jump on board. Let’s walk through what hot melt adhesives have to offer.

What is hot melt film?

Think about the glue that you use for a hot glue gun. That’s a lot like hot melt film. The difference? It comes in the form of fabric. Yes, it’s available in 500-foot rolls, with widths of up to five feet. Typically speaking, glue really does compose much of hot melt film—nothing else (or in some cases, very little else). In certain cases, it may come with a peel-off liner or backer paper. In others, however, the film comes “as is”. You grab it and go, as it were.

The great thing about a hot melt sheet is that it offers all the qualities you want from an adhesive. It’s durable, it has a strong bonding quality, and it’s relatively easy to use. What takes it over the top for certain projects is that it’s easier to transport. Hot melt adhesive film isn’t “activated” when you first receive it. The adhesive arrives in solid form, which means it travels in solid form. It’s a lot easier to transport a hot melt sheet than it is to transport a gelatinous or liquid substance. This also makes it much easier to store… which comes in handy when you’re ordering a product in large quantities.

How does hot melt adhesive film work?

Once you’re ready to put that product to the test, here’s how it breaks down. As the name suggests, hot melt adhesive film activates (or melts) with heat. That activation process is fast. The adhesive bonds to the product in question almost immediately. There isn’t any water in this adhesive, which means it doesn’t have a cure time. In other words, it works a lot faster than many other types of glue. You’re not waiting hours for hot melt laminating film to finish drying. You can start working with—and altering—the laminated product within minutes.

Keep in mind that hot melt adhesive, like any adhesive, changes quality somewhat upon activation. Whereas this film is six to seven millimeters thick in its raw form, it’s two to three millimeters thick in its activated form. So, if you’re a little worried about the thickness of the product at first glance, don’t worry. It will, quite literally, melt down.

Here’s another great thing about this product: it lasts. The struggle many manufacturers have with industrial adhesives is that they have a relatively short shelf life. It’s easy to overbuy an adhesive that expires and becomes unusable. When you’re manufacturing products and growing your business, you want more flexibility. Hot melt adhesive gives you just that, because you can store and keep it for up to two years in its standard form. A solvent-based adhesive typically lasts closer to one year.

Is hot melt adhesive cost-efficient?

Piggybacking off of that, let’s talk about the cost-efficiency of this adhesive. As previously mentioned, this product is easier to transport… which means you spend less on that transportation. You don’t have to be as delicate with hot melt adhesive film. It’s more durable during the transportation process. That aforementioned storage time also makes for a more cost-efficient product. The longer it lasts, the less frequently you need to replenish the product. You’re buying less hot melt adhesive over time.

That rapid curing time adds to the general cost-efficiency of this film, too. You’re finishing the process faster which means you’re finishing the product faster. That means more overall value (and less labor time, which cuts costs as well). Additionally, we can adjust the curing time based on the project. The curing time of hot melt also makes it easier to incorporate into an assembly line.

We should mention—hot melt adhesive tends to have a stronger seal, too. The bonding quality of hot melt adhesive is equivalent to that of UF and PVA adhesives. However, hot melt is furthermore resistant to chemicals, water, and humidity. It simply lasts longer and is less prone to damage. You won’t have to repair a product continuously, or duplicate it over and over in an effort to get the desired result. It’s faster, it’s stronger, and it’s higher-quality.

Outright, hot melt often undercuts tape in terms of cost. You’re spending less from the beginning, and you’re getting more value overall.

Why Do We Use Adhesive?

One of the most common usages for hot melt adhesive film is packaging. When you’re packaging any product, you want to ensure that it’s safely sealed and protected. Hot melt adhesive handles that better than tape, with the above-mentioned benefits to the business owner as well. Many business owners have made the switch from tape to hot melt adhesive film, simply because it cut costs. The added benefit of a higher-quality product is icing on top of the cake.

The automotive, printing, and construction industries also utilize hot melt adhesive. Additionally, we can apply the product to smaller projects—even crafting hobbies, like woodworking and labeling!

In conclusion:

If you’re curious about converting services that can help you properly utilize hot melt adhesives, Conversion Technologies International can help. Contracting manufacturing could be exactly what you’re looking for. Contact us here or call 419-924-5566 for more info!