Selection Of Hot Melt Adhesive For Edge Banding Machines

After the edge banding is completed, tear the edge banding tape to visually assess the tensile strength and observe the amount of wood chips adhering to the tape, or conduct a tensile peel test. Under the same conditions (meaning the edge banding machine, edge banding strip, operating method, and environment are identical), select the product with the strongest tensile strength.

Adhesive Strength and Affinity: Different brands of hot melt adhesives have varying initial tack strength and affinity. Adhesives with high initial tack strength help enhance adhesion and increase the adaptability to various types of edge banding tapes, but the open time is relatively short. Good affinity means fewer quality problems with some difficult-to-seal materials.

Viscosity: Viscosity affects initial tack strength and the flowability of hot melt adhesives, as well as the application of the adhesive. Generally, high-temperature adhesives at 200°C have a viscosity value set between 45,000 and 120,000 mPa·s. For faster edge banding machines, a medium to high viscosity adhesive should be selected. Medium-temperature adhesives at 180°C have a viscosity range of 20,000-40,000 mPa·s; low-temperature adhesives at 150°C have a viscosity range of 15,000-25,000 mPa·s. Viscosity values ​​do not represent viscosity strength.

Flowability: Flowability affects the uniformity of adhesive application and its penetration and wetting properties on the substrate. Poor flowability results in uneven and intermittent application; it also prevents the adhesive from penetrating the substrate and forming a firm, nail-like film. Therefore, when selecting hot melt adhesives, prioritize products with good flowability at the same temperature and viscosity value.