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When used effectively, EZ release glues can add a dynamic element to your products. For example, they allow you to attach small samples or fold-out panels that can be easily opened. There are two basic varieties of EZ release glues: cold-applied and hot melt. As with any type of adhesive, there are advantages and challenges to each:
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| Whether your products require cold-applied or hot melt EZ release glues, Rickard Bindery can help you navigate the advantages and challenges of each. |
Cold-Applied
There are two basic types of cold EZ release glues, wax-based and latex-based, though both maintain the same basic properties.
Advantages: Cold glues are not "cold", but rather they are applied at room temperature. They can be applied very thinly, making them ideal for product inserts and other applications where excess bulk can become an issue for machine feeding and downstream processes. Cold glues also do not discolor papers. This is particularly important for health care products and inserts where “discoloration”, no matter how slight, sends the wrong message.
Challenges: Cold glues can take longer to set up for post press operations, and the increased time the glue is exposed can cause manufacturing problems. Both wax- and latex-based cold glues continue to cure after they appear to be dry, sometimes for up to two weeks after application. Cold glues should not be used with aqueous coatings and will sometimes migrate their way through both ink and coating. When this happens the glue is adhering directly to paper fiber and the end result is not good: the piece will tear when opened.
Hot Melt
Advantages: Hot melt EZ release glues are applied using heat and pressure. Their open time is very short; hot glues will typically be set when the piece leaves the machine. This makes hot glues perfect for direct mail pieces, because the bond will remain strong over time and the bulk of hot glue will not affect the flow of the product through the mail stream. Hot glues can easily be used with aqueous coatings.
Challenges: As an oil-based product, hot glues retain a "runny" quality that can cause the glue to bleed through pages or seep through products. Oils often don't mix well with coatings and inks, and can cause the glue area to become slightly yellow regardless of the ink coloring.
Materials tip: Most glue - hot, cold or otherwise - has difficulty bonding to varnish, though some manufacturers are developing hot melts that can work with certain varnish-covered products. If planning a varnish-coated piece, check with Rickard Bindery to determine the appropriate glue for your product.
The Rickard Advantage
At Rickard Bindery, we work with dozens of glue varieties on a daily basis. Combined with our folding, stitching and attaching expertise, Rickard Bindery can help you plan for efficient production and user-friendly functionality. Give us a call to begin planning your next successful project today.
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