Pressure Sensitive Acrylic Adhesive Manufacturer Basics
When we say “pressure sensitive acrylic adhesive”, what do you think? This product is specific enough to be confusing, but don’t worry: Conversion Technologies International has the experience necessary to answer your questions. Let’s begin!
What is a pressure sensitive acrylic adhesive?
A pressure sensitive acrylic adhesive is a type of pressure sensitive adhesive. Unlike many other types of adhesives, pressure sensitive adhesives (or PSAs) simply require pressure. This is what makes them adhere to the desired surface, and from there you can use them as needed.
Pressure sensitive materials come in several different forms. A pressure sensitive acrylic adhesive obviously differentiates itself through its acrylic base. We prefer this adhesive for projects subject to high heat and pressure, as well as UV rays. Acrylic PSAs are harder, resisting a great deal of erosion. They’re particularly heat resistant, while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing surface. They also last longer than other adhesives, and adhere well to glass, plastics, and metals.
Though other PSAs do exist, in many damage-prone circumstances this PSA adhesive is your best option.
Who are the best PSA manufacturers?
There isn’t a single definitive PSA manufacturer that stands above all others. Rather, you should look for the manufacturer that best suits your specific needs. You might feel overwhelmed as you initially look for a manufacturer, but there are a few key components you can keep in mind. While searching, consider factors like:
- Longevity. While a manufacturer being new to the industry doesn’t mean they’re inherently bad, it does mean you won’t have anything to go wrong. A new company is a risk, especially for less experienced clients, or clients in the midst of expanding and scaling. CTI has years of history, and that means years of evidence that backs our reputation.
- Efficiency. Longevity equals experience, and experience equals efficiency. The more experienced a company, the more likely they are to get you the results you need quickly. Flaws, redos, and corrections take time and cost money, while also creating waste. This just isn’t something you have to worry about quite as much with an experienced company that knows what they’re doing.
- Reviews and testimonials. An experienced company can offer reviews and testimonials from prior clients, which lets you know about the past experience of companies similar to yours. CTI offers a page full of success stories. Curious about what customized PSA adhesive production looks like in real life? Check out this story about how we created an adhesive coating our wind energy client can apply to fiberglass!
- Accessibility. You don’t have to live near your manufacturer—not in this day and age. The adhesive manufacturing industry has evolved to the point that you can work with your third party indirectly. However, “far away” doesn’t mean “inaccessible”. A great manufacturer will collaborate with you, offering transparency and cooperation. We work for you, after all!
Who offers custom adhesive services?
Third party manufacturers like CTI can offer custom PSA material solutions. Whether you’re looking for a pressure sensitive acrylic adhesive you can apply to unorthodox surfaces or a specialized hot melt adhesive, we can explore your options. What’s important is less the size of the manufacturer and more their specialty and capabilities. We recommend familiarizing yourself with the different types of third party manufacturers before moving forward. The two main types, for the purpose of manufacturing pressure sensitive materials, are toll manufacturing and contract manufacturing.
- Toll manufacturing is a process in which you pay a fee or “toll” for manufacturing services. The manufacturer processes the order, while the client (you) provides the raw materials necessary for processing. The benefits to this approach are that it ensures you have more control over the process. If there’s a particular type of raw material you prefer, or a provider, toll manufacturing could be the way to go.
- Contract manufacturing, in contrast, covers everything in the manufacturing process. This includes any raw materials. While this means giving more control to the third party, a lot of business owners prefer this from an efficiency perspective. If you and your manufacturer have a strong working relationship, contract manufacturing could be ideal.
- Generally speaking, the facilities and equipment used for these types of manufacturing processes—like a pressure sensitive adhesive coating machine, for example are the same. It’s really the procedures the differ. Once you find your perfect manufacturer, we recommend moving forward with full transparency. Voice your questions. Ask if you have any uncertainties!
Frequently Asked Questions
Have further questions? Don’t worry! We have the answers.
Are there other types of pressure sensitive adhesives?
Yes. We mentioned pressure sensitive acrylic adhesive materials above, but they’re far from alone. Other pressure sensitive adhesives include rubber-based adhesives and silicone-based adhesives.
What do we use the other types of adhesives for?
Different types of adhesives have different purposes. Consider:
- Rubber-based adhesives. These adhesives are tacky, which makes it easier for them to adhere to a variety of surfaces. They adhere quickly, and we frequently use them for short-term adhesion.
- Silicone-based adhesives. These adhesives are more heat resistant than acrylic-based adhesives. They’re also resistant to chemicals. For that reason, we often use them for medical and electrical applications.
How can I move forward in the process?
That’s simple. Call CTI at 419-924-5566 or contact us here. Let’s start a conversation about your goals!