7 Industrial Hot Melt Adhesive Applications

Within the manufacturing sector as a whole, thermoplastic hot melt adhesive (HMA) systems are revolutionizing numerous industries, offering a faster-drying, safer and more environmentally friendly alternative to water and solvent-based adhesives. Manufacturers large and small have discovered that using hot melt adhesive applicators — whether automatic or manual glue guns — can streamline their production lines, reduce their overhead and even improve their products overall. There is a wide range of applications that are frankly too staggering and numerous to count. From woodworking and bookbinding to food packaging and manufacturing of non-woven fabrics, let’s look at seven of the most common industrial hot melt adhesive applications as they pertain to product assembly.

1. Furniture Assembly and Woodworking

From quick-bonding joint connections to large surface lamination, from cabinet assembly to living room furnishings, hot melt adhesive systems allow furniture to be assembled quickly and safely without the need for extended times for clamping or setting.

2. Mattress Product Assembly

Not only does the use of fast-setting hot melt adhesive greatly speed up the mattress assembly process by reducing drying times — it also has improved the overall quality and safety of mattresses today. In particular, hot melt adhesives offer mold and heat resistance — both highly valuable features for mattresses.

3. Automotive Product Assembly

HMA systems are now used at many points along product assembly lines for vehicles, including mounting the trim and interior panels, dashboard assembly, upholstered seats and more — all while reducing production costs. In addition, high-temperature HMA is a lightweight substance that reduces the overall weight of the vehicles and therefore improving their fuel efficiency.

4. Electronic Product Assembly

Nearly every electronic device in use today contains some type of HMA, including smartphones, televisions, computers, remotes, etc. Not only does it used in the casings of these devices — it also connects many of the intricate components and circuits. HMA is also flexible enough to withstand movement and jostling while keeping these sensitive components in place.

5. Book Binding

Thankfully, the days of hand-sewn leather binding are well behind us. Hot melt adhesives are used extensively to attach a book’s pages to its spine, drying quickly to speed production as well as keeping costs lower, both for the book publishers and the consumers.

6. Packaging Assembly

Not only do hot melt adhesives help improve the manufacturing process of many items — they also play a major role in the packaging industry for the items we use every day. Carton sealing is crucial for food packaging as well as other consumer packaged goods. Shipping boxes are another packaging application that often relies on HMA due to its temperature resistance and ability to endure jostling and “abuse” during transit.

7. Non-woven Fabric Product Assembly

From disposable diapers and hygiene products to carpeting and insulation, non-woven fabrics make our lives easier in a multitude of ways. HMA plays a key role in the creation of all-sorts of non-wovens because it’s able to bond the fibers without affecting their character. HMA systems also keep non-woven fabrics production costs low and output high.

Learn More About Hot Melt Adhesive Systems

These are just a few examples of the many types of industrial hot melt adhesive applications. Whatever type of products you are manufacturing or assembling, there’s a good chance that a hot melt adhesive system can make your process faster, safer and more cost-effective. The experts at Sure Tack Systems can assist you in customizing and configuring a high-performance hot melt adhesive system perfect for your needs — and we’ll even provide expert training for you and your team. To learn more about our HMA equipment, call us today at 770-926-3419.