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I’m excited to announce the ASI Top 25 in this issue! Our annual ranking article details the leading worldwide manufacturers of adhesives and sealants to provide readers with an overview of the top players in the industry. Each company listing includes annual revenue for 2016 (if publishable) and contact information, as well as noteworthy news items from the last year and any additional information provided by company sources.

We use an acrylic UV adhesive to bond and coat a complex medical device, and get areas where there is incomplete curing. How can we improve this?

Welcome to our annual Distributor Directory, a reference tool you can use year-round to quickly locate a distributor that best suits your needs. Distributor listings* are organized by region and include company contact information such as address, phone, fax, email, website, and key personnel.

Solvent-based contact cements, such as those based on chloroprene rubber, were traditionally used for this application. They work very well and are available in spray or aerosol versions. However, many users are now reluctant to use them because of emissions regulations, safety concerns or disposal issues.

To complement our new Equipment Handbook, this issue includes editorial coverage on equipment. Acoustic micro-imaging can produce acoustic images of internal features, including gaps, in electronic components.

Can you help us to get rid of the mess created from using fumed silica in our silicone and polyurethane adhesive manufacture? It is so lightweight that it covers the entire factory.

Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword in manufacturing—it has become a mainstay in nearly every industry, including adhesives and sealants. In addition to reduced emissions and landfill waste, “green” products also reduce the chance of exposing workers to dangerous toxins.

We have a customer who wants to use an adhesive-backed expanded PTFE gasket strip on a steel substrate. However, the customer wants to be able to remove and reapply the strip without losing adhesion. We do not make ePTFE gasket strips, but we have imported some samples for the customer to test. They are not satisfied with the results. I must admit, I am not surprised. Is there such a thing as a PSA that can be removed and reapplied a number of times without losing adhesion?

Scaling up products from the laboratory to field trials to full production can often be problematic, whether a new polymer is being developed or a formulated finished adhesive is manufactured. If bond failures are occurring during production, the plant may go back to the adhesive supplier and claim the adhesive is at fault.

This month’s issue is all about materials. Our annual Raw Materials, Chemicals, Polymers and Additives Handbook includes definition/use information for key products, as well as supplier details.