Can Superglue Stick Everything?
Superglue, also known as cyanoacrylates, has gained a reputation for being an ultimate adhesive, but not all superglues are created equal. That £1 bottle from the discount store may promise to bond everything it touches, but the reality can differ. When it comes to super glue, you truly get what you pay for.
It's essential to understand that superglues are best suited for smaller tasks due to the way they cure. They rely on moisture from the atmosphere or the materials they bond with. As a result, attempting to bond a large surface area with superglue may lead to incomplete bonding, as the middle section lacks the necessary air to cure effectively.
Moreover, superglues are most effective on smooth surfaces, lacking the ability to fill gaps effectively. For rough surfaces like brick, there are better adhesive choices available. That being said, Industry Superstore offers a range of cyanoacrylates specially formulated for industrial use, quickly providing a solid bond between various materials.
Our superglues excel at bonding metals such as stainless steel, aluminium, and copper, as well as rubber (neoprene, NBR, and SBR), plastics (polycarbonate, PVC, and ABS), ceramics, wood, and leather. Most bonds form within seconds, although more complex bonds may take up to a minute.
How to Choose the Right Superglue
Choosing the right superglue for your needs depends on understanding its bond formation. Like Velcro, superglue creates a bond with numerous tiny hooks and eyes that become difficult to separate once linked. However, unlike Velcro, superglue does not tolerate repositioning, as it weakens the bond by breaking these hooks and eyes.
Superglues are available in various viscosities (thicknesses) to accommodate different requirements. The thicker the glue, the more time it allows for repositioning, but the slower the bond. Higher viscosity glues offer slightly better gap-fill capabilities, though limited to less than 0.5mm.
Our product range includes:
1. VA100: A very low-viscosity glue ideal for fast bonding of plastic or rubber parts.
2. VA1401: A low to medium-viscosity glue suitable for various fastening tasks.
3. VA1500: Specially formulated for achieving a robust bond on rough or irregular surfaces of metals, plastics, or rubbers, commonly used for mitre joints in kitchen cornices to allow more positioning time.
For those seeking more repositioning time without waiting for the VA1401 and VA1500 to cure, we offer Activator F. This option reduces curing time. Be cautious when using the activator – only spray it on one of the two surfaces. Then, apply the superglue to the other surface and join the two pieces together. Remember that activators may slightly weaken the final bond, typically less than 10%, making it a trade-off between speed and strength.
How to Get the Best Bond
1. To achieve the best bond, ensure the surfaces to be bonded are clean and dry. It is preferable to solvent-wipe plastics, rubber, and acid-treat metals before bonding.
2. Dispense a drop or drops onto one surface, applying just enough to leave a thin film after compression.
3. Press the parts together firmly for a few seconds, as good contact is crucial. The bond will be adequately formed in less than a minute, reaching maximum strength within 24 to 48 hours.
A helpful hint: blowing on the bond can speed up the curing process due to the moisture in your breath.
Summary
With Industry Superstore's range of specialised cyanoacrylates, you can confidently tackle various bonding tasks, ensuring successful and long-lasting results. So don't get stuck with subpar glue; choose wisely and accomplish your tasks effortlessly with the right superglue.
Contact Us
Industry Superstore has been selling high-quality cyanoacrylates for several years.
Industry Superstore provides these glues for various industries. Don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about our cyanoacrylates by emailing sales@industrysuperstore.co.uk or calling +44 (0) 1892 66 44 99
