Hot Melt Adhesive are composed of three main components:
High molecular weight polymer (e.g., EVA or synthetic rubber), which acts as a backbone and provides the primary mechanical properties of the adhesive
Tackifying resin, which provides wetting and adhesion properties
Plasticizer, such as an oil or wax, which controls the viscosity of the blend and enables the adhesive to be handled by simple machinery
The success of hot-melt technology is driven by superior economics:
Significantly lower investment than solvent technology
Higher throughput than water-based technology
Less space needed for production equipment
Lower raw-material inventory requirements
Less preparation than solvent- or water-based technology
Reduction in energy costs compared to water-based technology
Enhanced environmental impact during manufacture and disposal
For household, hobby and craft applications, inexpensive glue guns and glue sticks are used for parts assembly, repairs and bonding dissimilar materials. Variable heat glue guns enable precise control of viscosity and set times.