An industrial adhesive is defined as anything that is used in a fastening or bonding application in any manufacturing industry. There are several different types of adhesive that are used regularly – epoxies, hot melt, sealants, acrylics, thermostat and silicon adhesives. And something many of us are familiar with - cement and mortar are also considered to be industrial adhesives.

Different industrial adhesive types have different properties or features and can be used effectively for different purposes. Some adhesives have particularly good bonding qualities – for example, hot melt adhesives which can be repeatedly softened and hardened by alternate heating and cooling.

Also particularly versatile are so-called pressure-sensitive adhesives, which – as the name suggests – need only very slight pressure to adhere to most surfaces. Pressure sensitive adhesives are available in water, solvent and latex based forms.

UV curing adhesives will give a strong and permanent bond without the use of heat, as they use ultra-violet light, or other sources of radiation. One thing to consider is the bonding time – some UV curing adhesives bond instantly, while others require a longer time.

Some industrial adhesives are defined by their chemical make-up – acrylic, silicone, rubber and polyurethanes, for example. Acrylic adhesives have a faster setting time than most other resins, and also offer excellent resistance to the elements. Polyurethanes offer durability, flexibility and high resistance to impact.

Rubber sealants and adhesives are widely available and have different uses. Rubber adhesives are usually based on compounds such as nitrile or butyl and they also offer a strong yet highly flexible bond between surfaces. Epoxy adhesives are known for their ability to resist chemical and environmental damage, as well as their general versatility in many areas.

Anaerobic adhesives can be used effectively in an environment with no oxygen and are widely used in many industries – military, aerospace and marine. Some anaerobic adhesives are designed to be used in a high voltage setting, or with electronic devices or semiconductors.

Silicon based adhesives are known for their flexibility and also have a high resistance to heat – up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit. Polyurethane sealants and adhesives are available in one or two part adhesive systems and are known for their all-round durability and their high levels of impact resistance.

Some industrial adhesives are designed to provide an electrical path or connection between components. These adhesives help to prevent problems such as radio frequency interference and electrostatic discharge. These adhesives are routinely used in the manufacture of circuit boards, transformers and generators.

Today, the development of industrial adhesives with new – and more effective - properties is continuing constantly. Engineers and scientists explore ways to enhance several different factors such as flexibility, toughness, setting time, temperature and chemical resistance to make industrial adhesives as effective as they can be.