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Author: Ellis Fowler

Tecbond 238 – The hot melt designed for electricians

Written by Ellis Fowler on . 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 . 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 . 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 . 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.”

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.

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 . 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 . 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

Spraytec: The hot melt system that’s kinder to people and the planet

Written by Ellis Fowler on . Posted in Construction, Industrial & Manufacturing, Product Assembly, Sprayable Adhesives, Technical Information. No Comments on Spraytec: The hot melt system that’s kinder to people and the planet

Environmentally responsible sprayable hot melt technology

Power Adhesives have pioneered the innovation of sprayable hot melt technology in the adhesives industry.

The company’s spraytec system dispenses hot melt glue in a unique “swirl” pattern and is designed to be kinder to people and the planet than other kinds of spray adhesive.

Sprayable aerosol cans contain highly flammable and hazardous solvents that produce airborne particles when used, necessitating the need for respiratory PPE and air extraction equipment. Up to 70% of the aerosol can contents is solvent that you pay for, but does not form part of the adhesive that makes the bond. In comparison, spraytec adhesives are non-toxic, solvent-free, and will not become airborne when applied. This negates the need for PPE; reducing costs, waste and creating a safer environment for operators.

Spraytec adhesives are non-toxic, solvent-free, and will not become airborne when applied

Furthermore, spraytec adhesives generate minimal waste, which is better for the environment. They have an indefinite shelf life, and any adhesive leftover in the gun can be remelted when it is next turned on. The glue guns and adhesives are packed in recyclable cardboard packaging wherever possible, too. Aerosol cans require appropriate disposal when empty and can contain residual solvent, creating waste issues and increasing the cost of the manufacturing process.

Efficient and cost-effective

Used in a number of industries, the spraytec system offers its users a more efficient and cost-effective way to bond substrates. The adhesives’ high tack and coverage mean a thinner filament can be applied whilst still maintaining excellent bond strength. This higher instant tack also means that less adhesive can be used—preventing overconsumption and making the adhesive go further.

This also means the glue can be applied to heat-sensitive materials without causing damage to the substrate. Unlike a bead application, the spray glue is less likely to run or drip once applied due to its thinner coverage and high tack. There’s no overspray either, which reduces the risk of contamination and the cost of cleaning.

Spraytec adhesives have been specially formulated to work in tandem with the 6300 and 7300 tec glue guns to achieve fast and even coverage with the minimum amount of effort.

Spraytec adhesives have been specially formulated to work in tandem with the 6300 and 7300 tec glue guns to achieve fast and even coverage with the minimum amount of effort. Both guns have adjustable spray patterns to aid coverage and application time. After initial warm-up, tec glue guns are designed to melt the adhesive “on-demand,” avoiding unnecessary energy consumption. They come with a warranty and service options included, extending the life of the gun.

Get in touch

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

sales@poweradhesives.com
tel: +44 (0)1268 885801

Introducing Power Adhesives

Written by Ellis Fowler on . Posted in Company. No Comments on Introducing Power Adhesives

We are Power Adhesives, Europe’s leading manufacturer of shaped hot melt adhesives and applicators.

What we do

Working from our manufacturing facility in Essex, we strive to improve the performance and application of hot melt adhesives for users around the world.

With nearly 50 years’ experience, we have established ourselves at the forefront of the hot melt adhesives industry, building a strong reputation and recognisable brand within our sector.

We are the only manufacturer that produces a full hot melt adhesive system, with our glue guns and adhesives designed to work in perfect partnership with each other, ensuring maximum efficiency and the highest possible performance for the user. Our products are sold into a range of sectors, including construction, woodworking, packaging, product assembly, automotive, composites, DIY, and hobby.

Our history

Power Adhesives began life as a distributor of hot melt glue guns and adhesives in the 1970s, but we quickly recognised the potential of emerging hot melt technology and moved to become a manufacturer in 1981.

Since then, we have positioned ourselves as innovators in the hot melt industry, pioneering inventions such as sprayable hot melts, polyamide adhesives, 43mm adhesive glue cartridges and temperature control systems on all our glue guns.

Our ethos

To remain at the forefront of the industry, our research and development team are committed to a program of constant improvement and innovation across our product portfolio.

As a company, we’re committed to reducing our impact on the environment and continue to investigate how we can manufacture more sustainable and energy-efficient products.

We believe in forming strong, lasting relationships with all of our distribution partners. Their specialist knowledge and feedback mean we can continue to develop new products to best suit the needs of the end user.

Power Adhesives’ continued innovation and growth is all thanks to our hardworking, committed team. All staff members are equipped to provide the best possible service, from our friendly and helpful sales teams, right through to our production teams, who make all of our products with care and efficiency. We’re also an equal opportunities employer, and are passionate that all our staff have the ability to develop and grow within our company.

If you’d like more information about our products and services, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

sales@poweradhesives.com
tel: +44 (0)1268 885801