General Information

Once the appropriate SIMALFA product has been chosen, the method of applying the adhesive must be considered. For many of our customers, they have already adopted a particular method. For those who have not, there are many factors to consider and we suggest they rely on our guidance. In order to make the best choice it is important to review the substrates to be bonded, production space available, production speed, quantity of units being produced, + available investment funds.

There are 4 basic methods of applying Simalfa:

• Manual Brush or Roll
• Manual Spray
• Automatic Spray
• Automatic Roll Coater

SIMALFA has experience in all 4 methods and can help you decide which is the best method for your production needs. Below is a brief description listing both the benefits and limitations of each method.

Manual Brush or Roll

Uses a standard paint brush or paint roller.

Benefits

• Low start up cost.
• Simple to set up and use.
• Requires no training
• Ideal for clients that have very limited need for adhesive.

Limitations

• Difficult to control application amount, creating waste.
• Low initial tack vs. spraying.
• Brushes or rollers are typically discarded after use.
• Application is time consuming.

Manual Spray

Uses a manual spray gun to apply adhesive. (Most Common Method)

Benefits

• Instant tack.
• Low startup investment.
• Complete control over where adhesive is applied.
• Ideal with any delivery method.
• Efficient use of Simalfa.
• Apply Simalfa quickly.

Limitations

• Basic knowledge of spray guns is required.
• Requires training so operators use spray gun correctly.
• Possible overspray if used incorrectly. (Not applicable if using Simalfa Overspray Free Technology)

Automatic Spray

Uses automatic spray guns to apply adhesive. Simalfa is applied via a High Volume Low Pressure or High Yield automatic spray gun.

Benefits

• Instant tack.
• Consistent, and quick means of applying Simalfa.
• Eliminates the human factor.
• Able to cover large surface areas quickly.
• Ideal for large runs of a particular item or unit.

Limitations

• Requires substantial equipment investment.
• System expertise required in regards to operation and maintenance.
• Lacks flexibility when used with short runs.
• Requires adjustment when part size changes.
• Can require a substantial amount of production floor space.
• Possible overspray if used incorrectly. (Not applicable if using Simalfa Overspray Free Technology)

Automatic Roll Coater

Uses an automated dual roll coater to apply adhesive to a large surface area.

Benefits

• Ideal for flat surfaces.
• Single sided application.
• Consistent, and quick means of applying Simalfa.
• Eliminates the human factor.
• Very flexible when part thickness changes.
• Able to cover large surface areas VERY fast.
• Easy operation and maintenance.
• Ensures consistent application amount from part to part.

Limitations

• Large initial investment.
• Not ideally suitable for substrates needing adhesive on multiple surfaces.
• Requires a substantial amount of production floor space.
• Less instant tack as compared to spray methods.
• System expertise required in regards to operation and maintenance.
• Requires cleaning at end of day.