Author: Ellis Fowler

Tecbond 261 – The tough but flexible product assembly adhesive

Written by Ellis Fowler on January 3, 2023. Posted in Construction, Product Assembly. No Comments on Tecbond 261 – The tough but flexible product assembly adhesive

Tecbond 261 is a versatile and strong product assembly adhesive with the ability to bond a variety of substrates, including wood, metal, glass, ceramics, and many plastics, including polypropylene. The adhesive’s high bond strength and flexibility also make it ideal for many general-purpose applications.

Along with its high bond strength, tecbond 261 features class-leading output, reducing effort on the glue gun trigger and ensuring the user can dispense as much adhesive as required. Additionally, 261’s longer open time allows for the accurate positioning of substrates before compression, at which point the adhesive dries quickly with enough bond flexibility to withstand small substrate movements.

With the ability to run through both hot and low melt applicators, the properties of tecbond 261 can be tailored to suit the needs of the user. Running the adhesive at the highest temperature lowers its viscosity, increases its open time, and ensures the strongest possible bonds. When run at lower temperatures, not only can the adhesive be used on heat-sensitive substrates, but the higher viscosity also decreases sag.

Available in 12mm and 15mm sticks and 43mm slugs, tecbond 261 has been formulated in tandem with the range of tec and b-tec applicators. This ensures both the adhesive and tool deliver optimal results when used together. For the highest possible output, we suggest using 261 with the 3000, 6000, and 7000 series applicators.

Like all adhesives in the tecbond range, tecbond 261 doesn’t contain any organic solvents or harmful chemicals that are given off in the application process. This negates the need for respiratory PPE. The adhesive also has a near-unlimited shelf life with no wastage, as any unused adhesive left in the applicator is simply remelted whenever the tool is next switched on.

Foundrytec – The hot melt adhesive for sand cores and foundry systems

Written by Ellis Fowler on December 15, 2022. Posted in Industrial & Manufacturing. No Comments on Foundrytec – The hot melt adhesive for sand cores and foundry systems

Foundrytec hot melt adhesives have been designed for use with sand cores, lost foam, and lost wax/investment processes for mould and core assembly. Each grade in the foundrytec range has been specially formulated to meet the user’s specific needs while providing fast and accurate results.

Compared to traditional water-based adhesives used in core assembly, foundrytec hot melts have much faster setting speeds, with almost instantaneous bonding after initial compression. This allows cores to be moved, dipped, or dried immediately after construction, increasing productivity and removing the need for storage spaces required for drying.

Along with their fast setting speeds, each foundrytec grade has been formulated to provide additional benefits for specific use cases. Grades such as foundrytec 104 have very long open times, allowing users to accurately position core components before substrate compression, whereas foundrytec 705 and 708 have very high heat resistance, allowing constructed cores to be dried at much higher oven temperatures.

Foundrytec adhesives also have a much lower ash content and outgassing risk in comparison to both water and solvent-based adhesives. These are particularly important factors in the lost wax/investment casting process, as it reduces the risk of porosity or imperfections in the finished mould. Furthermore, the bulk formulations used in the lost foam process are designed to maximise thermal stability, minimising viscosity buildup inside the holding tanks, and ensures string-free application for longer.

All grades in the foundrytec range are available in 43mm slugs and are compatible with the 3400, 6000 and 7000 series of tec bead applicators. The adhesives and tools are designed to work in tandem with each other to provide the user with the highest possible output with minimal effort. Additionally, foundrytec adhesives are clean to handle, with no organic solvents or harmful chemicals present, and have a near-unlimited shelf life.

If you’d like any additional information or would like to request a sample, do not hesitate to contact our sales team.

sales@poweradhesives.com

tel: +44 (0)1268 885801

Tecbond 240 – The colourful all-purpose adhesive for the hobby and craft industry

Written by Ellis Fowler on November 30, 2022. Posted in Construction, DIY, Home & Recreation. No Comments on Tecbond 240 – The colourful all-purpose adhesive for the hobby and craft industry

Tecbond 240 is a versatile and cost-effective all-purpose adhesive designed to provide tough, long-lasting bonds on a wide variety of materials, including wood, paper, card, light-gauge metals, and many plastics.

Typically used in the hobby, craft, and educational industries, tecbond 240 is a clear adhesive that can be pigmented almost any colour. Not only does this enable it to be used as a decorative material as well as an adhesive, but it also allows customers to match colours to their projects or brands.

Tecbond 240’s molten tack ensures that bonding is almost instantaneous with a sufficient working time so that substrates can be adjusted and repositioned for a short period after initial compression. To complement this, the adhesives’ ample open time enables users to spend more time positioning materials before compression.

The adhesive’s formulation also means it can be used with both hot and low melt applicators. Applying at the highest temperature maximises the adhesive’s bond strength and reduces viscosity, resulting in tighter joints between substrates. Applying at lower temperatures enables tecbond 240 to be used on heat-sensitive substrates without the risk of damage.

Available in 7mm, 12mm, and 15mm sticks as well as 43mm slugs, the adhesive works best with the range of tec bead applicators. All adhesives and applicators from Power Adhesives are designed to work in tandem with each other to achieve the highest output and best possible performance for the user.

Tecbond 240, like all adhesives in the range, is non-toxic, with no organic solvents or airborne particles released during the application process. The adhesive also has a near-unlimited shelf life and produces no waste material. Any unused adhesive left in the applicator can simply be remelted the next time the device is switched on.

Tecbond 5 – The woodworking and carpentry adhesive to replace tacks

Written by Ellis Fowler on November 1, 2022. Posted in Construction, DIY, Home & Recreation, Industrial & Manufacturing. No Comments on Tecbond 5 – The woodworking and carpentry adhesive to replace tacks

Tecbond 5 is a specialist woodworking and carpentry adhesive developed for use on both soft and hardwoods. As well as replacing the need for tacks and screws in many circumstances, tecbond 5’s properties make it the ideal holding adhesive for temporary bonding applications.

A polymer-based hot melt adhesive, tecbond 5 is designed for bonding interior trim, drawer bottoms, templates, cabinet backs, and glue blocks. Although designed to be used predominantly on wood, its high tack and excellent adhesion mean tecbond 5 can also bond many plastics, ceramics, and light gauge metals.

Tecbond 5’s high molten tack ensures that initial bonding is almost instantaneous, with minimal clamping or holding required. Many comparable woodworking adhesives need to be clamped for several minutes before an initial bond is made, adding to your work time, and requiring additional tools to complete the job. Additionally, the use of tacks or screws in these situations is much more destructive to the substrates.

With a much lower viscosity than many other tecbond adhesives, tecbond 5 offers the user the ability to form tighter joints between substrates. On more porous substrates, the adhesive flow means greater absorption can be achieved, further adding to the overall bond strength. The lower viscosity also removes the issue of glue stringing when dispensed, resulting in less mess for the user.

Tecbond 5 is especially effective for holding wooden clamping blocks in place when attaching Corian, granite, and quartz worktops. These blocks stop the clamps from damaging the worktop material and need to be removed once the worktop has been constructed. With the use of a heat gun or white spirit, tecbond 5’s bond can be loosened and removed easily, with minimal cleaning needed.

Available in 12mm sticks and 43mm slugs, tecbond 5 works together with the range of tec applicators, forming a complete hot melt system. Both adhesives and applicators are optimised to provide the user with the highest possible output whilst minimising effort. The system is also designed to minimise waste, with any unused glue left in the applicators simply remelted when the applicator is next switched on.

Vactac – The non-toxic positioning adhesive for use in vacuum infusion processes

Written by Ellis Fowler on October 19, 2022. Posted in Industrial & Manufacturing, Vactac. No Comments on Vactac – The non-toxic positioning adhesive for use in vacuum infusion processes

The Vactac hot melt system from Power Adhesives is used for positioning reinforcement materials and peel ply layers in the mould prior to resin infusion.

This versatile, safe, and solvent-free hot melt technology delivers higher levels of tack than is possible with traditional aerosol cans. The high levels of tack reduce the amount of adhesive required, which minimises both the cost, and the risk of impacting the composite structure.

The adhesive is dispensed in a swirl pattern, which provides the same coverage and bonding properties as spray cans but is free from any solvents or propellants. This negates the need for respiratory PPE while preventing overspray, which is another common problem with aerosol spray adhesives.

Aerosol spray adhesives are currently widely used to hold the fibreglass reinforcement layers together during the dry lay-up process. Not only are these spray can adhesives harmful to both users and the environment, but a large proportion of their contents are solvents that do not form part of the adhesive, and are therefore wasted. Aerosol cans also need to be specially disposed of once used, resulting in additional costs on top of the purchase cost.

Adhesion and cost benefits

Vactac adhesives provide higher levels of tack than is possible with aerosols, lasting up to five minutes so that core materials can be positioned and adjusted. This gives the user more time and flexibility to work.

Vactac is not only cooler on contact than regular hot melts, but the lack of VOCs means it can be used on any material commonly used in dry lay-up processes.

Despite the initial outlay for the Vactac system, the subsequent costs saved greatly outweigh the purchase costs. In addition to reducing adhesive waste due to overspray, Vactac adhesives are up to £0.45 cheaper per square metre when assessed by coat weight. Along with the reduction in disposal costs, users can also save on respiratory PPE, air extraction equipment, and disposable workwear.

The Vactac adhesive system is available with the choice of two applicators and two adhesives. Both the 6300 and 7300 applicators are pneumatic spray guns with an adjustable spray pattern for accurate coverage. The 7300 applicator features a speed loader, allowing the user to load up to four glue cartridges at a time.

Vactac 100 and 200 both feature a five-minute open time and very high tack. Vactac 100 is off-white in colour and becomes almost invisible once applied, making it best for when the user is bonding transparent materials. Vactac 200 has a slightly higher output than 100 due to its lower viscosity and is dark amber in colour, making it much easier to see when applied.

If you’d like any additional information about Vactac or would like to request a demonstration, do not hesitate to contact our sales team.

sales@poweradhesives.com

tel: +44 (0)1268 885801

LM41 – The low melt adhesive for the hobby and craft industries

Written by Ellis Fowler on October 5, 2022. Posted in Construction, DIY, Home & Recreation, Product Assembly. No Comments on LM41 – The low melt adhesive for the hobby and craft industries

LM41 is a clear, all-purpose adhesive, formulated for use in low melt glue guns. Featuring impressive output with minimal stringing, its class-leading bond strength provides excellent adhesion to a range of substrates, including paper, card, wood, ceramic, fabric, foam, and some plastics.

Mainly used in the hobby, craft, and educational industries, the adhesive can be easily pigmented, making it one of the very few low melt adhesives on the market that can be made into almost any colour.

Compared to traditional hot melts, LM41 is designed to be dispensed at lower temperatures without compromising bond strength. Conventional hot melts are dispensed at temperatures ranging from 160°C upwards. LM41, on the other hand, is dispensed at around 130°C. This enables it to be used on heat-sensitive substrates such as balloons and polystyrene without the risk of thermal damage.

Available in 12mm sticks, the adhesive is designed as part of the hot melt system supplied by Power Adhesives. Both equipment and adhesives are optimised to work in partnership with each other, resulting in the highest possible performance and output for the user. LM41 works with any low melt or temperature adjustable gun in the Tec range.

As with all the products in the tecbond range, LM41 is non-toxic, contains no organic solvents, and doesn’t produce any airborne particles when dispensed. This not only makes LM41 more environmentally friendly than any solvent-based adhesive but also safer to use as operators don’t require any respiratory PPE.

Tecbond 238 – The hot melt designed for electricians

Written by Ellis Fowler on September 13, 2022. Posted in Construction, DIY, Home & Recreation. No Comments on Tecbond 238 – The hot melt designed for electricians

Tecbond 238 is a clear construction adhesive for attaching PVC and ABS plastics to a variety of materials, including wood, brick, plasterboard, steel beams, and painted surfaces.

Designed for use by electricians and trades people, tecbond 238 is suitable for mounting trunking, junction boxes, PIRS, smoke detectors, CCTV cameras, and cabling to walls and beams. It provides a faster and less destructive alternative to nails and screws, which would typically be used to attach these items.

Tecbond 238’s properties can be modified to suit the desired application, simply by applying it at different temperatures. When applied using the tec cordless tools at the high setting, it provides the strongest possible bond, ideal for heavy-duty fixing. The lower setting of 160°C speeds up grab and set time for cable attachment.

With a long open time, providing users more time to position the substrates, tecbond 238 is resistant to temperatures as low as -20 °C and as high as 70 °C. This means it can withstand both winter and summer conditions.

Available in 12mm sticks, 238 can be used in any 11.5 or 12mm glue gun, but works best with the tec range of 12mm applicators. The adhesive and applicators have been designed in partnership with each other to provide the best possible performance for the user.

As with all adhesives in the tecbond range, tecbond 238 is non-toxic with no organic solvents, making it kinder to the environment than other comparable adhesive systems. It also means 238 can be applied without the need for PPE.

Introducing our new CEO – Brendan Colgan

Written by Ellis Fowler on September 13, 2022. Posted in News. No Comments on Introducing our new CEO – Brendan Colgan

Power Adhesives is delighted to introduce its new CEO, Brendan Colgan.

Brendan will be taking the company forward into its next phase of growth, drawing on his previous experience working in a range of global manufacturing and engineering markets. He has led market-leading companies offering technical solutions in air and gas handling, metal fabrication, fluid and motion control, and technical plastics.

The voice of the customer will be driving our agenda, with Brendan saying: “Power Adhesives is a company with a reputation for delivering technical solutions and agility in meeting customer needs”.

“I’m looking forward to meeting our distributors and customers to gain a full understanding of the current and emerging market needs and how Power’s capabilities can be developed to meet those expectations. Having both lived and worked internationally for over 20 years in demanding business environments, I am looking forward to bringing that experience and knowledge to Power Adhesives’ team.“

In his previous roles, a focus on new product and process development – to meet critical market trends – has delivered growth in both mature and developing markets. With experience in a diverse range of end markets including packaging, energy, automotive, ship-building, life sciences, consumer and professional appliances, Brendan has the experience to help shape Power’s product development and customer experience to deliver growth.

‘Power Adhesives is a specialised UK-based manufacturer with good international exposure, and it’s a leader in its chosen markets,’ he said. ‘I’m excited about the challenge of how we can take Power Adhesives to a new level of growth.’

Power Adhesives manufactures the largest range of industrial glue guns and high performance shaped hot melt adhesives at its Basildon plant in the UK. Its products are sold through a network of specialist distributors around the world under the tec and tecbond brand names.

With almost 50 years’ industry experience, Power Adhesives is able to offer expert help on all aspects of commercial gluing operations using hot melt adhesives.

Using knottec wood filler over wood putty

Written by Ellis Fowler on August 24, 2022. Posted in Construction, DIY, Home & Recreation, Knottec. No Comments on Using knottec wood filler over wood putty

Knottec is a fast and effective wood-filling system that has been specially formulated for the repair of knots, splits, deep scratches, and other forms of deep wood damage.

Its tough characteristics make it perfect for repairing wooden doors, window frames, furniture, floors, and more. Compared to other wood fillers on the market, knottec fillers are very simple and easy to use due to their composition and required application method.

Applied using a 12mm tec glue gun, knottec repair sticks fill wood defects quickly and efficiently, with a lower working and setting time than many wood putties or waxes. Once the area has been filled, the material quickly sets to a hard finish, enabling the excess to be trimmed with a plane tool such as the Mouseplane. The area can then be sanded down and treated in the normal way.

Many other wood repair systems, such as putties, require higher levels of preparation to achieve the right consistency before they can be applied to the affected area. In contrast, knottec is fast and easy to apply, making it perfect for repairing several wood defects in a short space of time. Once the applicator has heated to the correct temperature, repair material can be dispensed consistently up to a maximum of 1kg an hour (larger amounts possible with b-tec 808 and tec 820 applicators).

Some putties may also require mixing with other colours to achieve the correct shade. This not only means more product needs to be used, but creates and lengthier preparation process too. In comparison, knottec repair sticks are available in 17 different colours to match any kind of wood finish and can be applied without the need for mixing. This allows the user to dispense as much filler as required, cutting down on waste product.

Users can switch between colours, and reduce waste even further with the use of the Glue Saver. Any unused glue left in the applicator can be dispensed into the Glue Saver to mould up to four new 12mm sticks, which, when cooled, can be removed and used in the glue gun.

Knottec’s setting process can be accelerated using metal heat sink blocks or a heat sink tool. These rapidly cool and compress the filler into the defect, ensuring the entire area is properly filled. The heat sink blocks can also be used to create a ‘form’ around corner or edge defects which would otherwise be unfillable.

When stored correctly in the air-tight zip-seal bags, knottec repair sticks have a guaranteed shelf life of at least two years. They are also non-toxic as they do not contain any harmful chemicals, negating the need for PPE.

If you’d like any additional information about the knottec range or would like to request a sample, do not hesitate to contact our sales team.

sales@poweradhesives.com

tel: +44 (0)1268 885801

Power Adhesives welcomes new CEO and investment from Longacre Group

Written by Ellis Fowler on August 12, 2022. Posted in News. No Comments on Power Adhesives welcomes new CEO and investment from Longacre Group

Power Adhesives is pleased and excited to announce that Longacre Group has acquired a majority shareholding in the business.

The manufacturer, which has a long history in the design, development and production of hot melt glue guns and shaped hot melt adhesives, also welcomes Brendan Colgan in his new role as CEO.

Brendan is an entrepreneurial manager with extensive experience in a number of global industrial businesses.

Brendan says; “Power is a high-quality business with talented and enthusiastic people and great potential for continued growth. I am extremely excited to be joining Power and to be involved in this next phase of the company’s growth. I look forward to working with all the various stakeholders in driving Power forward.”

Brendan’s experience, coupled with the support and investment from Longacre Group, will allow Power Adhesives to continue producing quality hot melt products and delivering great customer service, whilst simultaneously positioning the business for further growth and innovation.

Steve Sweeney will continue to be involved with Power Adhesives as a Director, saying: “We are very proud of Power’s success to date. Over the past 40 years, we have grown Power to be the world leading business it is today. We see this next step as a new and exciting chapter in Power’s history.

“The involvement of Brendan and Longacre Group will bring new energy to the business, building on its strong foundations to drive growth and deliver its potential in the years ahead. The opportunities for Power and its employees are tremendous.”

With almost 50 years’ industry experience, Power Adhesives is able to offer expert help on all aspects of commercial gluing operations using hot melt adhesives.

Its new majority shareholder, Longacre Group, focuses on the sustainable long-term development of B2B companies. A UK headquartered group of highly specialised, technical products and services companies, Longacre is focused on attractive and growing B2B end markets in core sectors of Technical Manufacturing, Business Services, Speciality Chemicals, and Healthcare Products and Services.

Tecbond 345 – The fast setting packaging adhesive for difficult substrates

Written by Ellis Fowler on August 8, 2022. Posted in Packaging & Print. No Comments on Tecbond 345 – The fast setting packaging adhesive for difficult substrates

Tecbond 345 is a fast-setting, white packaging adhesive, providing versatile adhesion to difficult substrates.

Designed to be used mainly on paper and board, its instant grab capabilities mean it can bond coated surfaces, such as UV varnish, that other adhesives would otherwise struggle with. The adhesive structure is based on the latest metallocene catalysed polyolefin elastomers.

Formulated to have a short open and working time to maximise efficiency, the adhesive’s excellent bond strength provides packages with a tamper-proof seal. This adds structural rigidity to cartons and trays, meaning the packaging material can be thinner.

Along with its class-leading bond strength and versatility, tecbond 345 has been designed to withstand temperatures as low as -40 °C, making it the ideal adhesive for products stored in deep freeze.

When compared to staples or tape, which can damage packaging or obscure graphics, tecbond adhesives are non-destructive to apply, safe to use, and have strong holding capabilities. When stored in a cool, dry environment, they can last almost indefinitely without degrading, giving them a nearly unlimited shelf life.

Available in 12mm sticks and 43mm slugs, tecbond 345 is compatible with the tec range of bead application glue guns. As with all tecbond adhesives, 345 is engineered to work together with the applicators to improve overall efficiency and provide the best possible performance for users.

Casttec: The hot melt system for the precast concrete industry

Written by Ellis Fowler on July 15, 2022. Posted in Construction. No Comments on Casttec: The hot melt system for the precast concrete industry

The casttec system is the cost-effective, non-destructive way to create and customise moulds and forms used in the precast concrete industry.

The adhesives are designed to hold weld plates, foam inserts, wood, plastic, and metal reveals to steel and resin-coated surfaces throughout the concrete forming process. Once the forming process is complete, the adhesives can be easily removed from the finished form and mould.

Instant bonding with easy cleanup

Casttec adhesives bond almost instantly when substrate contact is made, with no need for holding or clamping to the surface. The high-power tec glue guns provide ample molten adhesive to cover large sections and long runs with ease.

All casttec adhesives have a generous open time, so they remain tacky for several minutes until substrate contact is made. This gives the user more time to position the inserts into the formwork without the adhesive setting. They can also be applied at an optimised temperature for more heat-sensitive substrates, such as polystyrene foam.

After 8–24 hours, depending on the grade, the adhesive crystalizes and becomes very brittle. This process means that not only can the insert be easily removed from the mould, but the adhesive residue can be effortlessly scraped from the substrates without causing damage. Other methods of attaching these inserts can damage the formwork or be more time-consuming to remove once the concrete has set.

Environmentally friendly

All the adhesives in the casttec range are solvent-free and non-flammable, making them far safer and kinder to the environment than aerosols and solvent-based adhesives. Available in 43mm slugs and small pillow format for bulk applications, the adhesives are safe to handle, have an unlimited shelf life and don’t have any special storage requirements.

The casttec range of adhesives is designed to work in partnership with the tec range of industrial glue guns to achieve maximum output and efficiency. This includes the tec 3400 as well as the 6000 and 7000 series guns. The applicators melt the adhesive on-demand, enabling continuous use with no downtime. Any unused glue left in the gun can be remelted the next time the gun is switched on.

Get in touch

If you’d like any additional information about the casttec range of adhesives or would like to request a sample, do not hesitate to contact our sales team.

sales@poweradhesives.com

tel: +44 (0)1268 885801