Common Glue Stick Applications Explained

Glue sticks are quite handy and find usage in various industries on substrates such as corrugated boxes, foam, vinyl, plastic fabric, wood, paper, and wax-coated substrates.

With many products on the market, how do you choose the correct bond for your specific application? In this article, we will explore the various categories of sealing applications in manufacturing and product assembly and look into the type of glue stick that work best for each. 

Glue sticks for shipping boxes and packaging

Applications 

• General packaging
• Repacking chipboard
• Paper-to-paper bonding, requiring fast set

Packaging glue sticks are used in sealing shipping boxes and other types of packaging mainly at the end-of-the-line process. They can quickly grab onto plain and printed paper or cardboard material. Due to the fact that they have stronger adhesion and moisture resistance, these glue sticks are a great alternative to packaging tape, and staples.

Pop opens from assembly lines can result in costly waste. If this is you, ASA-8161 is the perfect adhesive for reworking pop opens.  They are specially formulated to give a strong, initial tack and offer fast setting speed to keep the production line moving. 

If you are working with heat sensitive material, a low temp option is available. ASA-8126 has the same characteristics as 8161 but operates a lower temperature 250 °F. This product is great if you are looking for a safer alternative to the high-temperature glue gun and stick.

For a fail-proof glue stick that will bond difficult-to-seal substrates such as lightly waxed surfaces, rigid breadboards, flexible urethane foam, and more, go for ASA-8122-B08-N. It’s comparable to 3M 3762 and works on 3M Quadrack glue gun that will not disappoint.

Every ASA product in this category is FDA-approved for indirect food contact so you can rest assured that it’s safe to be used on food packaging.

All Purpose glue sticks

Product assembly encompasses a wide range of applications. The glue sticks are predominately clear white in color. They bond to a variety of materials including metals, concrete, ceramic, wood, leather, fabric, and plastic. ASA-8116 is a great multi-temperature glue stick that will work in industrial applications as well as for arts and crafts. 

Our current customers have found use in the following applications: 

• Wooden shipping crate 
• Packaging service [foam to foam, foam to wood applications]
• Woodworking [chipboard, particle board]
• Household DIY projects
• Arts and crafts
• Carpet and rug [carpet tack strip installation, sealing carpet seaming, custom rug productions and back seaming applications]
• Casting wax

Metal, plastic, or other nonporous substrates

When it comes to nonporous substrates, you want a stronger bond than an all-purpose glue stick. That’s why we created ASA-8153. The tackiest formulation in all of our glue stick categories, ASA-8153 works well on nonporous substrates such as metal, polyethylene, and polypropylene. With 30 seconds open time, ASA-8153 can be a cost-effective method for assembly, and repairs for various reasons ranging from optimizing performance to improving aesthetics and design. 

Woodworking glue stick

Applications

• Furniture 
• Cabinetry 
• Carpentry 
• Boat design
• Flooring 
• Framing

There are tons of factors to consider when choosing a woodworking hot melt glue: substrates, temperature, exposure, moisture, weight, and more. Given woodworking is a craft that encompasses many industries, there are many different products on the market that does different things. 

However, if you are looking for a general-purpose woodworking glue stick that bonds unfinished stained, and painted wood, ASA-8151 will work wonders for this application. This product offers a medium set time and a strong bond to wood and other useful substrates such as foam, paper boxes, fabric, and light plastic.

Glue Sticks Limitations

Though other adhesives cannot match its versatility, hot glue is not the best solution for all bonding situations:

• The high melting temperature may damage delicate materials.
• Some formulas cannot withstand certain solvents

Take care to avoid burns from melted glue, which can rest at temperatures well above that of boiling water. However, glue application equipment puts the glue only where it is needed and the glue quickly cools, so attentive workmanship should be protection enough.

Takeaway

American Standard Adhesives provide instant, permanent bonding on a vast range of materials without the use of harmful solvents. They are ideal for fast repetitive gluing applications. Do you need help finding the perfect glue stick for your unique project? Do you want to improve and increase productivity while protecting your and your clients’ ROI? Then reach out to an agent today and have a look at our extensive product line.