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We recently received an e-mail from Don Best of Lehigh Direct. Don says, “I enjoy reading your hints projects. A suggestion for the future would be hot melt glue applications, both fugitive and seam glue, as that is what we generally use.”
Don, thanks for the great suggestion!
The attributes of hot glue formulas should be discussed in tandem with those of cold adhesives. The differences between hot and cold glues are best illustrated with fugitive (also called “ez-release”) and seam gluing formulas. The choice of one type of adhesive over another is dependent on many project factors, including the weight and finish of your paper, amount of ink and coating coverage, your project’s layout and intended use, and even the amount of time it will spend in transit and in storage.
The chart below illustrates the differences between hot and cold glues in fugitive and seam gluing formulas.
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Fugitive Gluing |
CATEGORIES |
Hot Fugitive Glue |
Cold Fugitive Glue |
Properties |
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Time to set
when applied |
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Characteristics
related to set time |
- By Setting quickly, less likely to have panels pop open during folding
- Will reduce any "sliding" that may occur
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- The memory in heavier paper stocks may allow the product to pop open prior to the glue getting its grip
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Staining or
Discoloring |
- Oil (the ingredient that makes the glue release) can stain or discolor both enamel and offset stocks
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- Rarely stains or discolors a sheet
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Tearing Paper
Fiber |
- Unlikely
to have the unintended effect of creating a permanent bond
- Can restick after being opened initially
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- Particularly on enamel stocks, cold glue sometimes will
develop permanent glue traits, especially over time
- Hot environments can increase cold glue's tendency to tear
fiber
- EZ-release glue almost always penetrates aqueous coatings,
penetrating into the paper fiber, leading to the likelihood paper fibers
will tear
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Physical
Appearance |
- Has earned the nicknames Booger & Snot glue for a reason: its thickness is noticeable & lumpy approx 1/16"
thick
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- Application is thin - often undetectable to untrained eye
- Sometimes ripples paper, leaving a "watermark"
effect
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Common
Applications |
- Direct Mail
- Fold-out inserts for saddle stitched or perfect bound books
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- Project where staining from hot melt glues are an issue: Pharmaceutical companies are particularly sensitive to
staining
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Seam Gluing |
CATEGORIES |
Hot Glue |
Cold Glue |
Properties |
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Time to set
when applied |
|
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Characteristics
related to set time |
- Glue bead is small and won't spread much before setting, requires less tolerance near the sheet edge
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- Glue beads, regardless of their size, will spread - especially on hard
coated sheets
- Requires more tolerance near the sheet edge, rule of thumb:
a 3/8" - 1/2" safety zone
- When too little room is allowed for "spreading", glue
will seep off the edge; the result is a "brick" of stuck stock
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Staining or Discoloring |
- Will
cause discoloration similar too fugitive glues
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- Rarely stains or discolors a sheet
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Physical
Appearance |
- Similar bulkiness to the fugitive glues
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- Application is thin - often undetectable to untrained eye
- Composition is runny, think along the lines of Elmer's Glue
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Common Applications
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- Direct Mail
- Pasted booklets
- Pocket folders
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- Envelopes
and other products where a thin application and stain resistance are preferred
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The Rickard Advantage
Rickard has been in the folding and gluing business for more than 100 years. We offer our customers a wide variety of different gluing techniques and the know-how required to make your job a success.
“Knowing the properties, limitations and benefits of each type of glue helps you plan well and allows us to deliver your job, done right, every time,” says Jack Rickard, President. “We strive to provide the best quality service and suggestions to you for all your gluing needs.”
February 2007 – Helpful Hints Topic
Join us next month for our large discussion on small format folding.
To get an estimate please click here
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