When a company brings its dispensing product line to market-whether for automotive, aerospace, electronics, construction, telecommunications, medical or industrial-it is necessary to have the reassurance that the packaging system used to administer the adhesive is the right delivery system for the application. In addition to the right packaging, a material may require special handling to minimize air entrapment, moisture contamination or packaging incompatibility.
Products packaged today include one- and two-component adhesives, sealants and resins; these can include acrylic, anaerobic materials, conductives, epoxies, polysulfides, polyurethanes, UV-curable formulations, and other polymers. Innovative packaging companies work with their customers to ensure a seamless transition from bulk containers to small applications. These services can include:
- Sourcing specialty chemicals that are suitable for any application
- Degassing, nitrogen purging and blending capabilities
- Providing free samples from supplied materials
- Warehousing and drop shipments
- Just-in-time programs for multiple locations
- Specialized services such as custom and/or private labeling, custom cartons, blind shipping, use and safety instructions, material contents, sensitive materials alert, and lot number traceability
Flexible burst seal pouches are versatile packages designed to hold pre-measured amounts of unmixed resins and catalysts.
Packaging Options
Delivery systems of one-component adhesives, sealants or resins are used in a variety of package types, including caulkers and cartridges, single-barrel syringes (clear, black or amber), metal and plastic tubes, bottles and jars, pouches, and vials. The benefit of one-component packaging is its cost-effectiveness; it can deliver precise amounts of material as required, thereby minimizing waste. The packaging, if required, can also protect against UV degradation.Delivery systems of two-component reactive adhesives and sealants include flexible pouches, pre-mixed and frozen syringes, injection and barrier cartridges, and various coaxial and dual-cartridge systems, which are available with mixing nozzles, dispensing guns, and other accessories. Two-component packaging allows for a maximized material shelf life and is an extremely cost-effective packaging solution. By using only the material needed, it also minimizes waste. There is no mess and no clean up, and the mix ratio is correct every time.
Flexible burst seal pouches and flexible divider clip pouches are versatile packages designed to hold pre-measured amounts of unmixed resins and catalysts in quantities ranging from 1-500 g in any ratio. The plastic divider clips also serve as convenient applicators.
Dual-cartridge systems isolate the two resin components until they need to be combined. Mixing occurs as the materials are dispensed through the motionless mixing nozzle (static mixer). Dispensing guns apply pressure via a plunger to the contents of the dual cartridges, forcing them to combine upon entering the mixer. Cartridges are available in a number of volumetric ratios with capacities ranging from 2.5-1500 ml. Dispensing guns are available in either manual or pneumatic styles.
Static mixers-also referred to as motionless mixers-are narrow cylindrical tubes that contain mixing elements. The elements are stationary parts that are positioned to force the materials to combine as they travel through the length of the mixer. The mixed material is then forced through the tip of the mixer to the point of application. These low-cost mixers are disposable after use.
When used in combination with a dispensing gun, coaxial two-component delivery systems allow resins to be easily, quickly and accurately dispensed without mess. All are designed to work as an integrated high-performance system. The compact design takes less space than comparably sized cartridges and can be used in almost all manual, pneumatic, and battery-powered caulking tools.
Injection and barrier style cartridge assemblies store, mix, and apply multi-component adhesives, sealants, and other materials. The material can be mixed manually, semi-automatically or automatically. When ready to use, the material is mixed within the cartridge and applied directly from the package.
Pre-mixed and frozen syringes and cartridges eliminate the need for the user to accurately weigh and mix reactive resin materials. Material stored in the freezer is simply thawed before use and then applied. Conductives, epoxies and polysulfides can be thoroughly blended and degassed to remove entrapped air. The material is then frozen in a disposable syringe or cartridge. These containers can be packed in dry ice and shipped directly to the customer’s facility to be stored safely and conveniently in a freezer at -40°C.
When used in combination with a dispensing gun, coaxial two-component delivery systems allow resins to be easily, quickly, and accurately dispensed without mess.
Demanding Delivery
Adhesive packaging systems are offered as disposable kits and allow the user to achieve precise measurements from small to large production runs without the need for excessive capital expenditure. Today’s packaging systems are unique, innovative and designed to solve the most demanding delivery applications.About Adhesive Packaging Specialties
Adhesive Packaging Specialties, Inc. (APS) custom packages one- and two-component adhesives, sealants, and resins. Since 1977, APS has remained dedicated to the highest quality and customer satisfaction in packaging. Customers include formulators and end users in a variety of industries. In 1995, APS became the first company in its industry to become registered to the ISO 9002 standard. Since then, the company has successfully upgraded to the ISO 9001:2000 and ISO 9001:2008 registrations. In addition, APS has been awarded the NSAI Certificate of Registration of Quality Management System to AS 9100-B/ISO 9001:2008.For more information, contact Adhesive Packaging Specialties, Inc. at 103 Foster St., Peabody, MA 01960; phone (800) 222-1117; e-mail sales@adhesivepackaging.com; or visit www.adhesivepackaging.com.
