“A manufacturing-line operator can see if the application device is dispensing the optimum amount of adhesive by comparing the shade of blue with the ideal shade. It is based on the amount required to create the desired bond strength. A lighter shade would indicate that the bond strength might not be sufficient; a darker shade would represent the application of too much adhesive, showing that production cost is higher than necessary,” explains Dan Stauffer, marketing manager, Bondmaster Adhesives, National Starch and Chemical Co., Bridgewater, N.J.