Résumé : |
In the adhesive market, there are many uses for adhesive-coated products. Some typical products are labels, medical patches, protective covers, band-aids, sanitary, bumper stickers, tapes... When a product is manufactured, an adhesive and a substrate(s) are combined to form the final product. In order to combine the adhesive and the substrate, the proper coater needs to be determined.
How does the manufacturer decide what coater is needed to produce the demanded end product ? The best way to answer this question is to fully understand the entire process, beginning with the adhesive.
What is an adhesive ? An adhesive is a liquid or form of liquid that exhibits tack, the ability to stick to another object. The properties of the adhesive include strength, flexibility, tack, toughness and opacity. Changing the ingredients in the formulation can alter these properties :
- Tackifier : increase or decrease tack.
- Crosslinker : Increase or decrease strength
- Elastomer : Increase or decreases toughness
- Plasticizer : Increase or decrease flexibility
- Fillers : Increase or decrease opacity. |