Contact Time
What is Contact Time?
Contact time is the time period that must elapse after applying a contact adhesive before the parts can be brought together to create an immediate, permanent bond. This time allows for optimal development of bonding strength.
Properties of Contact Time
- Defined flash-off time for optimal bonding strength
- Development of maximum instant adhesion
- Temperature and humidity-dependent duration
- Single joining process without repositioning
- Build-up of initial strength already during joining
- Critical time window for optimal results
Influencing Factors
- Ambient temperature: Higher temperatures reduce the time
- Humidity: Influences solvent evaporation
- Bonding surface characteristics: Porosity and surface energy
- Layer thickness: Thicker applications require longer times
- Air movement: Enhances evaporation processes
Applications
- Automotive Interior Adhesive: Upholstery and trim bonding
- Shoe industry: Sole bonding with defined waiting times
- Furniture industry: Veneer bonding and edge banding
- Construction industry: Flooring adhesive
Contact Adhesives in Detail
- Solvent-based systems: Classic contact adhesives
- Water-based variants: More environmentally friendly alternatives
- Pressure Sensitive Adhesives: Immediate adhesion without waiting time
- Reactive systems: Additional chemical crosslinking
Process Optimization
- Dispensing Valves: Uniform application for reproducible times
- Climate control: Constant temperature and humidity
- Time monitoring: Precise adherence to contact times
- Quality control: Regular adhesion testing
Common Problems
- Too short contact time: Incomplete wetting
- Too long waiting time: Loss of tackiness
- Uneven application: Different contact times
- Environmental influences: Fluctuating process conditions
DELO Adhesive Solutions
- Contact Adhesives with defined contact times
- Process consulting for optimal application conditions
- Shelf life-stable formulations
Looking for contact adhesives with optimized contact times?
