By now, we have all heard about Zion Williamson’s “Sneaker Disaster.” The fact that this incredible athlete sustained injuries, through no fault of his own, shows that “Just Glue It” is not a joke.
We hope that Mr. Williamson will have a speedy recovery and that this product failure will highlight the importance of gluing in manufacturing and the serious nature of product testing.
We, at Glue Machinery Corporation, know you “Don’t Just Glue It.” We have seen similar non-performance issues in product assembly applications from boxes to shoes to cars. As such, we always caution manufacturers against assuming that a strong initial bond is a permanent bond.
It is our recommendation that manufacturers perform extensive tests, using the appropriate gluing equipment and with a range of adhesives to confirm that the bonding characteristics are sufficient for the particular substrates.
Further, we advise that manufacturers develop rigid production guidelines and extensive on-going life testing.
Certainly, not all possibilities can be replicated as shown by the stresses Mr. Williamson’s shoes sustained. He is, after all, one of the biggest, fastest and most talented athletes competing today. Nonetheless, manufacturers of all products have the responsibility to do their own “Glue Diligence.”
Glue Machinery Corporation specializes in industrial gluing equipment and adhesives. We are here to assist with your “Glue Diligence” by:
- Evaluating and improving your current gluing processes
- Producing samples with various adhesives specific to your application
- Producing samples on the best equipment used in manufacturing
- Recording the process and returning videos and samples as part of your overall Glue Diligence
- Saving your team time and money if you “Don’t Just Glue It!”