Also known as credit card glue or booger glue, fugitive glue is a low-tack hot melt adhesive that forms a temporary bond. It’s often used in marketing and direct mail campaigns to attach samples, credit cards, or promotional items to larger pieces of mail.
The bond it forms is strong enough to keep the items in place during shipping, but weak enough that the recipient can easily remove the item without damaging it or the mail piece. Fugitive glue is designed to leave no residue on either surface when the items are separated.
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Why Is It Called Fugitive Glue?
The term “fugitive” in fugitive glue refers to the adhesive’s temporary or “fleeting” nature. The bond it creates is not permanent and is designed to be easily broken, allowing the glued items to be separated without leaving residue or causing damage.
This is similar to the way a fugitive, in the common sense of the word, is someone who is trying to escape or remain elusive. In this case, the bond created by the glue “escapes” or is easily removed, hence the name “fugitive glue. Clever, right?
What Are Fugitive Adhesives Made Of?
The exact composition of fugitive glue can vary depending on the specific formulation, but it’s typically made from synthetic polymers. These polymers are designed to be sticky at room temperature, which allows them to form a bond when pressure is applied.
However, they also have low tensile strength, which means the bond can be easily broken when the item is pulled away. Fugitive glues also typically contain a high amount of alcohol or another solvent to aid in their ability to be applied and removed easily.
How is Fugitive Glue Applied?
The application of fugitive glue involves the use of hot melt machinery. The glue is supplied as solid pellets or slugs that are fed into the machine where they are heated until they melt. The temperature is carefully controlled so that the glue becomes liquid but does not degrade.
Once in a liquid state, the fugitive glue can be applied to the material. Depending on the machine and application, this could be through nozzles in a pattern, dots, or a continuous line. Once applied, the glue cools and solidifies quickly, forming a bond that can hold items in place but is also designed to be removable.
Hot melt machinery allows for high-speed application of fugitive glue, making it ideal for commercial printing and mailing operations where thousands or even millions of pieces may need to be processed quickly. The machinery is typically programmable or adjustable, allowing the operator to control the pattern, amount, and placement of glue applied to ensure consistent results.
What Are The Applications of Fugitive Glue?
Due to its ability to be applied and removed, fugitive glue is ideal for a variety of applications where items need to be attached together temporarily and then separated without causing damage or leaving a residue.
Here are some common applications of fugitive glue:
Marketing
Direct Mail Marketing
Fugitive glue is widely used in direct mail campaigns. It allows marketers to attach promotional items, such as samples, coupons, or reply cards, to a larger piece of mail. The recipient can easily remove the attached item without damaging it or the mail piece.
Credit Card Mailing
As the nickname “credit card glue” suggests, fugitive glue is often used to attach credit cards to the carrier letters in credit card mailings. The glue holds the card securely in place during shipping, but allows the recipient to easily remove the card upon receipt.
Magazine Inserts
Fugitive glue can be used to attach inserts, such as perfume samples or promotional DVDs, to the pages of a magazine. The reader can easily remove the insert without tearing the page.
Point-of-Purchase Displays
Fugitive glue can be used to attach product samples or promotional materials to point-of-purchase displays in retail stores. The items can be easily removed by the customer.
Packaging
In the packaging industry, fugitive glue can be used to temporarily hold items in place inside a package. For example, it can be used to attach a product to a display card within the package.
Product Stabilization
Fugitive glue can be used to temporarily secure products within their packaging. This helps to prevent movement and potential damage during transportation. For example, it can be used to hold a perfume bottle in place within its box.
Attaching Additional Items
Fugitive glue can be used to attach additional items to the main product. This could include instruction manuals, accessories, or promotional items. The end user can easily remove these items without damaging the product or the additional items.
Sample Packaging
In the cosmetics industry, for example, fugitive glue is often used to attach sample sachets of products to the pages of magazines or the inside of product packaging. This allows consumers to try a product before purchasing the full-size version.
Temporary Sealing
Fugitive glue can be used to create a temporary seal on packaging that is designed to be resealable. This can be useful for food packaging, where the product needs to be kept fresh but also easily accessible.
Display Packaging
In retail settings, fugitive glue can be used to attach products to display packaging. This allows customers to see and handle the product while ensuring it remains attached to the packaging.
Electronics
Component Positioning
During the assembly of electronic devices, fugitive glue can be used to temporarily hold components in place until they can be permanently attached. This is particularly useful for small or delicate components that need to be precisely positioned.
Protective Films
Fugitive glue can be used to attach protective films or covers to electronic components or screens during manufacturing or shipping. The protective film can be easily removed by the end user without leaving any residue.
Temporary Fixtures
In the manufacturing process, fugitive glue can be used to create temporary fixtures or jigs that hold components in place during assembly or testing. These can be easily removed when they are no longer needed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, fugitive glue is an innovative adhesive solution that provides a temporary and non-destructive bond for a wide range of applications. From direct mail marketing and packaging to electronics manufacturing and retail displays, its unique properties make it an invaluable tool in many industries. Its ability to form a bond that can be easily broken without leaving residue or causing damage offers a level of versatility that traditional adhesives cannot match.
However, to fully leverage the benefits of fugitive glue, it’s important to apply it accurately and efficiently. This is where Glue Machinery comes into play. High-quality glue machinery can ensure precise application of fugitive glue, minimizing waste and maximizing bond effectiveness. Whether you’re running a large-scale manufacturing operation or a small boutique business, investing in the right glue machinery can make a significant difference in your production process.
So, if you’re looking for a temporary bonding solution that offers flexibility, ease of use, and clean removal, consider fugitive glue. And to ensure you’re getting the most out of your adhesive, reach out to Glue Machinery today!
Enhance your production process, improve your product quality, and meet your customers’ needs more effectively with the right adhesive solutions and equipment.