What it is
Hot glue, what is it, people wonder before deciding whether to purchase it or not. The product is a chemical substance that can be converted into liquid and solid form more than once. For the transition, it is necessary to expose the composition to a hot temperature in the range of 80-150 degrees. The glue is produced in the form of a rod; for comfortable application, use a glue gun for crafts.
The demand for hot-melt adhesive is high due to the high quality of the connection obtained and its versatility of use. The product is suitable for: paper, glass, wood, leather, metal, cardboard and other materials.
The glue is produced in the form of a rod; for comfortable application, use a glue gun for crafts.
What is hot melt adhesive
Hot melt adhesive or thermoplastic substance is a special chemical compound that can repeatedly change from solid to liquid form. For the reaction to occur, a certain temperature is needed, from 80 to 150 degrees, depending on the chemical composition of the glue. It is supplied to the market in the form of elongated flexible rods that are inserted into a special tool, a glue gun.
The gun heats up when the required temperature is reached, the glue becomes liquid, ready for use. And after use, after a while it hardens. Typically, the rods contain polyamide or ethylene vinyl acetate; in addition, they may contain other polymers and polyolefins.
The substance owes its popularity to its connecting properties, as well as its convenient principle of use. Hot-melt adhesive can be used to connect almost anything, namely, parts from:
- wood;
- glass;
- skin;
- metal;
- paper, cardboard;
- ceramics;
- rubber;
- textiles;
- plastic, PVC;
- polystyrene foam
Video about a glue gun and the rules for choosing a good hot melt glue
Functional and design features
Before you understand what can be made from a glue gun, you need to understand its features. The device is called a pistol because of its external resemblance to a weapon. A special hole has been created for the glue stick, where it is inserted and when the device is turned on, it begins to heat the mass, after which it can be applied by pressing the trigger. The design includes the following parts:
- Heating model;
- Ring pusher;
- coupling;
- Nozzle.
The device is called a pistol because of its external resemblance to a weapon.
How to use a heat gun
The design of the glue gun is not so complicated and it is also unpretentious to use. But as with any tool, it takes a little practice to get used to it to use it effectively.
Don’t try to take on complex work or crafts the first time; take some unnecessary material, scraps, pieces of plastic or wood and try to practice on them. Glue different materials together and check the result, time the glue hardening time.
The application procedure looks like this:
First, you should take care of your workplace. The surface must be protected from glue, for which a silicone mat or cardboard sheet is placed on it. To prevent hair from getting in the way, it is removed and protective gloves are put on your hands. It is better to keep children and pets away from the work area. It is good if the room is well ventilated. We install the gun in an inclined position, resting it on a special stand with the nose down
Make sure that the nozzle is pointed at the protected area, as a little glue may leak out during heating (no more than 7 mm). We connect the heat gun to the network and press the power button, if there is one. If there is no button on the case, the heating process will begin immediately upon connection. It’s easy to manually refill the glue gun - there is a hole for glue sticks at the end of the tool
The “cartridge” is installed smoothly, all the way. Do not insert foreign objects into the hole. Only glue of the appropriate diameter is suitable. Hot melt adhesive cannot be reused. Depending on the manufacturer of the heat gun, the tool will take 3 to 5 minutes to heat up. At this time, do not press the trigger too hard, which could cause the device to malfunction. If the heat gun supports temperature adjustment, then set the desired one. The recommended range is 170 to 200 degrees Celsius. If you set the temperature lower, the tool will take longer to melt the hot melt adhesive in the chamber. A high temperature will cause the glue to boil, causing “threads” to appear. Some models of hot-melt guns are equipped with a trigger stroke regulator, which allows you to set the volume of glue supplied. To do this, tighten the screw smoothly. To start dispensing glue, simply press the trigger gently. The supplied volume of molten adhesive mass depends on the pressing force. The parts to be glued should be cleaned, degreased and dried. After applying glue, the surfaces are tightly connected to each other, pressing them with thick fabric. It is necessary to understand that the adhesive mass at this stage is still very hot, so we do everything carefully. If glue stops coming out of the nozzle, it means the rod has run out. A new portion is inserted into the hole at the end. While pressing the trigger, hold the rod so that it is in the feed mechanism. After finishing the work, disconnect the tool from the network. Next, set it in an inclined position and leave it for 10 minutes to cool. At this time, residual glue may leak out of the nozzle, so you should be careful. After the tool has cooled, it can be stored in any position. It is advisable that the place be protected from dust and debris.
When gluing the parts, thin threads will form, similar to a cobweb. They are easy to remove after hardening. If the work surface allows, you can use a vacuum cleaner (with a small brush attachment for cleaning clothes).
Professional and household hot glue guns
The cost of a hot glue gun varies; all guns are basically similar in design, but professional models are more powerful and can be equipped with additional features. This is done due to the specific nature of the use of devices by professionals; in such cases, a large amount of work is implied, and it is necessary that the glue be heated for a long time without interruption.
For simple household use, this property is not necessary; when you glue a little, you can get by with an inexpensive gun.
A model with a power of 40-150 watts is suitable for everyday use. Professionals may require up to 500 watts of power.
A model with a power of 40-150 watts is suitable for everyday use.
How to use
Electric glue gun, what can you glue, and how to do it correctly? The base must first be cleaned and degreased; glue can only be applied to a dry surface, preferably not cold, otherwise the glue will harden too quickly.
Place the glue in the gun, turn on the device and wait about five minutes until the composition warms up, pull the trigger and apply a layer to the base. Afterwards the parts need to be connected together.
Glue can only be applied to a dry surface.
What can be glued with “hot glue”
What can be made from a glue gun, is it worth purchasing? A similar device in the home will help glue a wide variety of objects; its use is not only comfortable, but also gives high-quality results. It is suitable for handicrafts, construction work, minor repairs and more. The following types of materials can be glued:
- Paper, cardboard;
- Metal;
- Wood;
- Ceramic;
- Glass;
- Textile, leather;
- Plastic;
- Foam.
The list of bases that hot-melt adhesive can be reliably applied to is huge. It is easier to mark materials that cannot be joined with it: plaster and concrete.
A similar device in the home will help glue a wide variety of objects; its use is not only comfortable, but also gives high-quality results.
Use in construction
The product is widely used in construction. With it you can quickly perform the following types of work:
- Eliminating gaps in window frames;
- Filling tile joints;
- Sealing wooden products;
- Filling of connecting areas in plumbing;
- Closing door recesses.
You can glue fallen parts of finishing materials with glue, repair broken objects, etc.
The product is widely used in construction.
Application for creating decorative products
Recently, hot glue is often chosen for creating creative crafts. You can use it to create a variety of decorative elements. Girls make jewelry for dolls and for themselves; glue reliably glues rhinestones, stones, fabrics, and leather. Needlewomen create toys for Christmas trees with their own hands, connecting the parts with hot glue.
It is noted that the adhesive solution is applied precisely; you can apply a small drop so that it is invisible, but at the same time the adhesive strength will be high. Therefore, glue is used economically, and the seam is more accurate.
Recently, hot glue is often chosen for creating creative crafts.
How to make hot melt glue yourself
In a situation where it is not possible to purchase or order hot-melt adhesive, you can make such a product yourself.
To do this you will need to do the following:
- Heat glycerin to +200°C.
- Do the same with lead oxide, but here the temperature should be brought to +300°C.
- When all the liquid from glycerin has been removed, it and the lead oxide must be cooled at room temperature and then mixed in a ratio of 25 ml per 200 g (glycerin/lead oxide).
- Stir quickly and use immediately after preparation.
The consistency of homemade hot melt glue should resemble batter. Before use, the glue can be poured into a regular syringe. This will make it much easier to apply. The composition does not act for long - only 20-25 minutes. After this, the mixture loses its fixing properties.
There is nothing complicated in making hot melt glue. The only negative is that it cannot be made “in reserve”.
Thermally conductive adhesive mixtures are an excellent option for fixing small parts on chips and microcircuits. They are highly durable, moisture resistant and UV resistant. The convenient release form makes application much easier. Simply remove the cap and the glue is ready to use.
Rules for using a glue gun
Understanding what a glue gun glues together, you should also know the rules for working with it. Indeed, due to the hot type of gluing, use is dangerous if the device is used incorrectly. Basic working conditions:
- Only rods of suitable size can be inserted into the coupling;
- To ensure uniform distribution of glue from the nozzle, it must be cleaned after use;
- The part that is held in the hands is made of plastic, so it does not heat up; you do not need to wear gloves, but sometimes they are required;
- The gun comes with a stand, where it is placed during a break from gluing;
- It is not allowed to touch drops of glue, this can cause burns, so the device should not be laid on its side.
To ensure uniform distribution of glue from the nozzle, it must be cleaned after use.
Vintage wax seals
In the same way, you can heat wax to make seals and impressions, for example, to seal a letter of congratulations or a personal message.
Using coins or other embossed metal objects, you can even achieve a resemblance to wax seals that have gone out of use. A letter with such a stamp will not only delight the addressee with its originality, but will also introduce some intimacy and mystery into the correspondence. Oh yes, wax is quite fragile, unlike sealing wax, so do not trust these letters to the mail, present them in person.
What you need to know about glue sticks
What to make from hot melt adhesive is not the only question that needs to be sorted out; you need to understand that there are different stickers for a gun. They vary in diameter, shade and length. The diameter of the glue is important; it must be chosen strictly according to the permitted size for the device. The colors of the adhesives are as follows:
- Colorless, an option that matches any product;
- Multi-colored, the colors are matched to the color of the product so that the layer is invisible against the general background;
- Black ones are selected for sealing work;
- Yellow ones are suitable for paper, cardboard, finishing products;
- Shiny ones are used for crafts, white ones are suitable for seams between tiles.
The diameter of the glue is important; it must be chosen strictly according to the permitted size for the device.
What are the rods made of?
The main element, which is contained in the rods up to 50%, is polyester polymer. Also included are resins and plasticizers. The following types of stickers can be distinguished by polymer type:
- Ethyl vinyl acetate;
- Polyamide;
- Polyester;
- Modified silicone;
- Made from synthetic rubber;
- Made from reactive polyurethane.
The main element, which is contained in the rods up to 50%, is polyester polymer.
Types of hot melt adhesive rods
It is difficult for novice artists to understand how to choose the right sticker. To make it easier to recognize the purpose of the rods, it was decided to mark them by color. So, knowing the designation of shades, you can understand what material the sticker is suitable for.
To make it easier to recognize the purpose of the rods, it was decided to mark them by color.
Colorless Transparent Glue Sticks
Universal stickers that work with most substrates. The seam is soft and reliable, the level of adhesion is high.
Universal stickers that work with most substrates.
Yellow transparent rods
This type is suitable for paper, cardboard, wooden bases. Can also be selected for some metals and plastics. It has an average level of adhesion and moisture absorption.
It has an average level of adhesion and moisture absorption.
Opaque white rods
This option is great for glass and metal products. Also able to cope with plastic, textile and wooden bases.
This option is great for glass and metal products.
Opaque multi-colored rods
Their characteristics are the same as colorless rods, but they can blend well against the background color of the product if you choose a similar shade. Created on the basis of EVA.
They can blend well against the background color of the product if you choose a similar shade.
Black and gray hot melt adhesive
These are specialized stickers. There are two types of their purpose: for filling and protecting the seam areas of objects from moisture; for insulating electrical contacts.
There are two types of their purpose: for filling and protecting the seam areas of objects from moisture; for insulating electrical contacts.
Decorative rods for arts and crafts
The presence of sparkles in color is in demand for creating creative crafts. The composition is safe and can therefore be used by children under adult supervision.
The presence of sparkles in color is in demand for creating creative crafts.
Types of hot melt adhesive
The building materials market today offers the widest selection of hot-melt adhesives: opaque and transparent stickers, multi-colored, white, black, etc. Each of them has its own purpose.
Translucent white adhesive has universal properties and is designed for gluing a wide range of materials. It can be used for both home and industrial purposes.
Colored opaque glue also has universal use, and their color is not a marking, since it is used for gluing colored products. For example, two broken red plastic parts can be glued together with a red sticker, and the connection will be completely invisible.
Opaque white rods can be of two types, so you need to be careful when purchasing them. In the first case, it may be an adhesive composition for gluing parts that are white. Otherwise, glue is used when joining glass. When purchasing, you should find out the purpose of the glue from the seller.
Transparent yellow rods are most often used for gluing paper, cardboard, and wood. However, it should not be confused with opaque yellow glue; this is a composition that has universal properties, and the color is just a filler.
Gray or black rods have nothing to do with adhesives; they are a sealant used to seal seams, as well as to insulate electrical wires. It has elastic properties and is therefore not used for rigid gluing.
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We have given only some of the differences between existing hot-melt adhesive rods. In some cases, they may have some other differences. And since there is no clear distinction between these products, before purchasing an adhesive composition, you must consult the seller or read the manufacturer’s instructions.
Melting point of hot melt adhesive
The constituent components affect the temperature at which the rod will melt. So, for household appliances, ethyl vinyl acetate types are used, which turn into a liquid state at 80-150 degrees. Polyamide will melt when heated to 150-200 degrees. Accordingly, the gun must heat up to similar temperatures.
For household appliances, ethyl vinyl acetate types are used, which turn into a liquid state at 80-150 degrees.
Glue gun refill sizes
The most popular types of stickers are 7 and 11 mm in diameter. They are designed for most household pistols. They can handle minor repairs.
Professional pistols can be refilled with rods of 12, 15, 43 mm.
The most popular types of stickers are 7 and 11 mm in diameter.
Safety precautions when operating the device
When working, do not forget about safety, the device operates from the mains, and high temperatures are also used, so the operating standards are observed:
- Study the instructions for the device, which states how long the gun can be used without interruption;
- Do not turn on the device without hot glue;
- The cable must always be placed at the rear of the device;
- The tip of the nozzle and the adhesives themselves become very hot during operation; they should not be touched during this period;
- Working in wet conditions is prohibited; hands should not be wet either;
- During operation, the glue is placed on a stand; it is not installed horizontally, otherwise the melted glue will damage the equipment.
The tip of the nozzle and the adhesives themselves become very hot during operation; they should not be touched during this period.
Safety precautions
To begin with, it is worth mentioning the safety precautions when working with hot-melt adhesive. Many housewives have experienced with their own hands the danger of high temperatures in the kitchen and at home, so you need to remember about safety.
Glue, sticking to the skin, releases a significant amount of heat not only when cooling, but also when hardening. Therefore, it can cause much deeper burns than a hot frying pan or tile, from which you can pull your hand away in time, receiving minimal damage. Additionally, you should carefully read the instructions for the device and follow the recommendations specified by the manufacturer.
How to change the rod in a gun after it has cooled down
Removing the rod from the device after use is not considered a mandatory action. If you still need to remove the sticker, you can only do this by heating the hot melt adhesive, otherwise you may break the parts of the device.
Removing the rod from the device after use is not considered a mandatory action.
How to use glue sticks without a gun
If the device is not at hand, but you need to glue the parts with a similar tool, then needlewomen have come up with options for heating the glue without a special device:
- The sticker is placed in a ballpoint pen and melted with a burning candle;
- A little heated glue is dripped onto the sulfur part of the match, when the gun requires a break in operation, then light the match and drip glue from it.
The sticker is placed in a ballpoint pen and melted using a burning candle.
How to change the color of the rod correctly
If you work with different shades of rods, then you need to remove them correctly. You should not do this with force; you need to press the trigger to squeeze a piece of the rod through the nozzle; for this, a new color is charged next, and it will push the remainder forward.
If you work with different shades of rods, then you need to remove them correctly.
Features of choosing a tool
A tool is usually purchased with the intention of using it for a long time, so it is important to choose an option that is convenient for you. The following parameters need to be taken into account:
- The presence of a battery will make it possible to work anywhere without being tied to the mains;
- Type of rod feeding mechanism, there is a slider and carousel version. The second one is less comfortable because you need to turn the handle and not press it, as in the first type;
- The number of heating elements, if there are several of them, then this is better. They will replace each other during operation, but the cost will also be higher.
The presence of a battery will make it possible to work anywhere without being tied to the mains.
Features of hot melt adhesive
Thermally conductive glue, as a rule, is a slightly thickened solution of white color and uniform consistency. Unlike paste, glue can be used to fix the smallest parts in places where thermal paste is difficult to apply.
On sale you can find special syringes and tubes with hot-melt adhesive, which are equipped with sharp spouts that allow you to reach hard-to-reach places. The glue spreads easily over the surface, so it is convenient to work with even a non-professional.
The adhesive mixture has heat-removing properties. This means that it prevents the elements from overheating. Hot melt adhesive is non-toxic. This is known for sure, although most manufacturers do not provide complete information about the composition, which is often a trade secret.
Advantages
Thermally conductive glue can be safely used in the home without fear for your health (yours and those around you). It does not require the use of protective equipment (gloves, masks).
Among the advantages of this type of glue should be mentioned:
- the composition retains its properties even in conditions of high humidity;
- UV resistance;
- ability to resist corrosion on metal, including steel, aluminum and silver.
Using hot melt glue you can join parts made of plastic, metal, ceramics, glass and rubber. When properly stored (closed cap, dark place), the glue retains its properties for a long time. You can buy hot melt adhesive on Aliexpress, where prices are much lower.
Application of Thermal Conductive Adhesive
The use of glue most often depends on the size and shape of the components. In some cases, it is necessary to treat the entire surface of the part, and somewhere to apply the composition pointwise.
Work algorithm
When working with metals, spot application using various plasticizers or additives is recommended. For glass, you should choose a variety that is based on organic components.
The gluing technology itself involves the following steps:
- Degreasing the surfaces of both parts (heat exchanger and source) with alcohol or acetone.
- Applying glue to treated surfaces.
- Connecting (with force) the parts by pressing tightly and fixing them in this position for 12-15 minutes.
Next you need to dry the connection. This takes at least a day. During this time, the composition will completely set. In this way you can glue, for example, a radiator from a chip.
How to make it yourself
Sometimes you want to save money and create a rod yourself. However, finding the necessary elements is not so simple, and in the end you will hardly be able to save money. It is difficult to make a sticker of the desired diameter and shape, so it is better to use ready-made ones, of which many different types can be found on sale.
It is difficult to make a sticker of the desired diameter and shape, so it is better to use ready-made ones.
The article described a hot glue gun that can glue. Its use can be called universal, and the resulting result pleases with accuracy and strength.
How to do it?
Some fans of frequent use of hot-melt glue, wanting to save on cartridges, try to prepare them at home. In principle, you can make them yourself at home, but few people know that this is completely unprofitable. First of all, the user will be faced with the problem of finding the necessary components, and secondly, even if there is an ideal composition, it will be very difficult to give it the desired shape and the correct caliber diameter.
Therefore, it will be much easier and more economical to purchase glue cartridges in stores, of which there are quite a few in any city.
