Adhesive Delivery Systems

A critical component for packaging and dispensing of specialty chemicals.

When bringing a dispensing product line to market, whether for automotive, aerospace, electronics, construction, telecommunications, medical, or industrial applications, the packaging system used to administer the adhesive must offer the right delivery method for the application. In addition, the material may require special handling to minimize air entrapment, moisture contamination and packaging incompatibility.

Today’s packaged products include one- and two-component adhesives, sealants, and resins containing chemistries such as acrylic, anaerobic, conductive, epoxy, polysulfide, polyurethane, UV-curable, and other polymers.

Innovative packaging companies work closely with their customers to ensure a seamless transition from bulk containers into small applications. These services include the following.

Sourcing specialty chemicals that are suitable for the 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 labeling, custom cartons, private labeling, blind shipping, instructions for use, material contents, safety instructions, sensitive-materials alerts, and lot-number traceability.

One- and Two-Component Materials Delivery

Delivery systems of one-component adhesives, sealants or resins are used in a variety of package types, including caulkers and cartridges; single-barrel syringes; metal and plastic tubes; bottles and jars; pouches; and vials.

Delivery systems of two-component reactive adhesives and sealants are found in 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.

One-Component Packaging

One-component packaging is a cost-effective way to deliver precise amounts of material. By using only the material needed, it minimizes waste. In addition, the packaging can be designed to protect against UV degradation.

Two-Component Packaging

Two-component packaging allows maximization of a material’s shelf life. In addition, it is a cost-effective packaging solution; by using only the material needed, waste is minimized.

Flexible Burst-Seal Pouches and Flexible Divider Clip Pouches

These 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 serve as applicators.

Dual-Cartridge Systems

Dual-cartridge systems isolate two resin components until needed. Mixing occurs as the materials are dispensed through a motionless mixing nozzle (static mixer). Dispensing guns apply pressure by way of a plunger to the contents of the dual cartridges, forcing them to combine upon entering the mixer. Cartridges are available in 1:1, 2:1, 2.5:1, 3:2, 4:1, 4:5, 5:1, 8:1, 10:1 and 25:1 volumetric ratios with capacities of 2.5-1,500 ml.

Dispensing guns are available in 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. Then, the mixed material is forced through the tip of the mixer to the point of application. These low-cost mixers can be disposed of after use.

Coaxial Two-Component Delivery Systems

When used in combination with a dispensing gun, coaxial systems can easily, quickly and accurately dispense resins without mess. All are designed to work as an integrated high-performance system. The compact design takes less space than similar-sized cartridges and can be used in almost all manual, pneumatic, and battery-powered caulking tools.

Injection and Barrier Cartridge Assemblies

These 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

With pre-mixed and frozen assemblies, reactive resin materials don’t need to be weighed and mixed. Material stored in the freezer is thawed before use and then applied. Conductives, epoxies, and polysulfides can be thoroughly blended then degassed to remove entrapped air. The material is then frozen in disposable syringes or cartridges, which are packed in dry ice and shipped to the customer’s facility, where they can be stored in a freezer at -40°C.

Conclusion

Adhesive packaging systems are offered as disposable kits, and allow the user to achieve precise measurements in small to large production runs without the need for capital expenditure. Today’s innovative packaging systems are designed to solve the most demanding delivery applications.

About the Company

Adhesive Packaging Specialties Inc. (APS) custom packages one- and two-component adhesives, sealants, and resins. The company’s packaged products are used in applications including aerospace, automotive, construction, electronics, medical, microelectronics, military and telecommunications.

For more information on packaging and dispensing equipment, contact Adhesive Packaging Specialties Inc., 103 Foster St., Peabody, MA 01960; phone (800) 222-1117; fax (978) 532-8901; visit www.adhesivepackaging.com; or e-mail sales@adhesivepackaging.com.