If you’re like many manufacturers, you may experience a problem with adhesives on your packaging line, leading to slower packaging, higher expenses, and potential product damage or loss. Let’s take a look at four of the most common adhesive problems manufacturers face today and explore possible solutions.
Problem 1: Using Too Little Adhesive
If your packages are accidentally opening during the assembly, storage, or distribution process, it’s likely a sign that you’re using too little adhesive. While you may be trying to use less adhesive as a way to help lower your overall packaging cost, you’re being foolish. The time and effort it takes to go back and re-apply adhesive to open cases — not to mention the costs of products that are lost or damaged because of packaging falling apart – outweigh any potential savings. Make sure you’re using enough adhesive to form a secure bond.
Problem 2: Using Too Much Adhesive
The flipside of the problem mentioned above brings its own problems. Not only is it wasteful and expensive, it may also lead to additional packaging issues, such as a longer set time or stringing that mars the package’s exterior. When it comes to adhesives, more isn’t necessarily better. Work with your adhesive supplier to determine just how much adhesive you need for your application.
Problem 3: Not Considering Temperature Extremes
It’s important that you keep temperature and humidity/moisture levels in mind when selecting the right adhesive for your packaging needs so that you don’t end up with issues. Remember to consider not only the temperature of your product when it is placed in the packaging, but also the temperatures your product will be exposed to during the production, storage, and distribution process.
Some types of adhesives perform better at extremely high temperatures and moisture levels, while others are better suited for cold temperatures and low humidity levels. Work with your supplier to explore adhesives that are best suited to your specific needs.
Problem 4: Using the Wrong Glue Pattern
The glue pattern you select — along with the pattern’s length, width, compression requirements, type of glue, and even age/maintenance level of your equipment — all have an impact in determining the right amount of adhesive to use. Also, if you use the wrong glue pattern you could be wasting money creating less-than-ideal package bonds.
To determine your ideal glue pattern, figure out what you want your end user to experience. Does the package need to be difficult to get into, or should it be relatively easy to open? Is the glue bond part of the structure of the package? Do you need the package to indicate if tampering/previous opening has occurred? Share your answers with your glue supplier, who can help you make informed decisions based on your requirements and end-user goals.
Adhesive Solutions to Common Problems
Certainly, there is no shortage of potential problems that adhesives may present in your packaging process. Thankfully though, there are plenty of solutions, too. If you find yourself facing an adhesive dilemma, or simply want to find out if there’s a better, more cost-effective adhesive available for your packaging needs, Glue Machinery’s Glue Diligence program can help.
This free service helps you find the right adhesive, the right amount, and the right pattern for any application. Give us a call at 888-202-2468 to learn more about Glue Diligence or send us a message.