A guide to choosing spray adhesives, for plastics, metals, and more
Once upon a time, when it came to “fastening” different surfaces together, there weren’t many options. You could tie two objects together using a cable or, in the case of wood, you could use nails, or perhaps some custom-made joints. Certainly, as time went on, technical methods evolved, and new fastening techniques have been added to the fold, from screws to welding, not to mention rivet, and we mustn’t neglect to mention the many different existing adhesive systems. Nowadays, we are spoiled for choice, and the best adhesive products often allow for great advantages over more classic methods. For example, using a high-strength double-sided adhesive tape instead of a weld or a screw makes it possible, for example, not to compromise the aesthetics in any way, avoiding the use of processes which involve the use of specific and costly machinery, the need for drilling holes, and so on. And double-sided adhesive tapes are just one of many possibilities, knowing that one can choose from adhesive tapes or structural adhesives, or even spray adhesives. Which are still little-known today: because of this, in this article, we will focus on spray glues, to have a look at when they can be used to one’s advantage.
When to use spray adhesives
Spray glues are easy-to-use adhesives, which make it possible for you to quickly glue different materials with minimal effort. Because of this, spray can glues are used in DIY, art and craft workshops, and inside many companies and industries, where they have often gone on to replace more expensive, more complex, and less effective fastening methods. Modern spray adhesives can be used to glue together paper, cardboard, fabrics, leather, plastic, metals, mineral wool, glass wool, foams, wood, and so on: of course, then, it’s clear they can be used in the most diverse of sectors, from construction to the production of furniture, through industrial manufacturing of products and devices of various kinds.
But how to choose the best spray adhesives for your company or your lab?
A guide to choosing spray adhesives
There are several manufacturers who, in recent years, have worked on the optimization of spray glues. But there is no doubt about it: the most complete range of spray adhesives for professional use is that offered by 3M, a company which produces multifunction spray glues for heavy applications, for fabrics and for special applications. Here are 5 examples of 3M spray adhesives:
· 74 3M Spray Adhesive: This line of 3M spray glues is designed to effectively glue fabrics, foams, upholstery, and other materials together or to other substrates. The spray can, thus, be used during the manufacture of furniture, seats, or partitions, producing excellent results in gluing acoustic insulation such as fiberglass or cork in particular. Fastening time can vary from 15 seconds to a maximum of 30 minutes. What makes this timing change so much is, above all else, the type of material on which the spray adhesive is used.
· 75 3M Spray Adhesive: This strong double-sided adhesive tape stands out among other 3M spray glues for its repositionability. It is, in fact, a type of glue which allows for the user to detach and reattach the fastened surface and, therefore, it can be used with great results for non-heavy-load temporary fastening, or to “lock in place” a surface while working on the final and definitive fastening position. All of this, it must be said, with the added certainty of working with a double-sided adhesive tape which does not leave behind stains and does not penetrate the material. We recommend using 74 3M Adhesive Spray for the fastening of paper, cardboard, aluminium, or fabric supports, in any environment, safe in the knowledge that it works perfectly even at -20 °C (32 °F), up to 50 °C (122 °F).
· 77 3M Adhesive Spray: this spray glue represents the most universal offering by 3M in the field of professional aerosol adhesives. It is, in fact, an extremely versatile glue, which works optimally on both paper, cardboard, metal, wood, glass, cork, ceramic, plaster, and rigid plastics. It does not have any issues with low or high temperatures, with a thermal resistance ranging from -30 °C (-22 °F) to 60 °C (140 °F). It is a fastening method which can make a difference in the most diverse contexts. Transparent and quick drying, it creates a strong bond.
· 80 3M Spray Adhesive: this spray glue falls into 3M’s “Specialty Applications” category. Specifically, the 80 3M Adhesive Spray has been formulated to effectively glue vinyl, rubber, leather, wood, plastic, and metal surfaces. It can withstand extreme temperatures, with thermal resistance ranging between - 30 °C (-22 °F) and 92 °C (197,6 °F). Thanks to its composition, it can be used, for instance, to comfortably carry out interior claddings.
· 90 3M Spray Adhesive: the most powerful of the 3M spray glues, designed for high-performance spray fastenings. Excellent for fastening plastic, wood, light metals, laminates, rubber, and glass surfaces, it boasts high fastening speed, offering grip even on cement and polyethylene.