Contact adhesive offers a simple and effective way to join two or more objects. You don’t need any special tools. Once applied to the objects, the contact adhesive will cause them to stick together. Contact adhesive, however, is different from other types of adhesives. To learn more about contact adhesive and how it works, keep reading.
The Basics of Contact Adhesive
Contact adhesive is a type of high-strength, permanent epoxy adhesive. It’s known as “contact adhesive” because it’s designed to work on contact.
Other types of adhesives often require pressure to work. You may have to clamp or otherwise force the objects together under pressure so that a traditional adhesive will properly join the objects. Without this pressure, the adhesive may fail.
Contact adhesive doesn’t require pressure to work. You can brush it onto the objects, followed by pressing the objects together. As the contact adhesive dries, it will form a strong bond that holds the objects together.
Solvent-Free vs Solvent-Based Contact Adhesive
Most types of contact adhesive fall under one of two categories: solvent-free or solvent-based. Solvent-free contact adhesive consists entirely of an adhesive substance, whereas solvent-based contact adhesive contains a solvent chemical.
Solvent chemicals are added to solvent-based contact adhesives to improve their properties. When mixed with an adhesive, the solvent chemical will allow for faster drying and bonding as well as a stronger bond.
Neoprene Contact Adhesive
One of the most popular types of solvent-based contact adhesive is neoprene. Neoprene, of course, is a synthetic rubber. It’s used in a wide variety of products, including solvent-based contact adhesives.
Neoprene contact adhesive offers a super-strong bond and dries quickly. It’s also resistant to heat and chemicals, making it a popular choice in aerospace manufacturing. Furthermore, you can use neoprene contact adhesive on a wide variety of materials.
Neoprene contact adhesive is compatible with the following materials:
- Wood
- Plastic
- Steel
- Aluminum
- Carbon fiber
- Rubber
- Fabric
- And more
Common Uses for Contact Adhesive in Aerospace Manufacturing
How is contact adhesive used in aerospace manufacturing exactly? It has a wide range of applications in this industry, one of which is bonding interior panels. Interior and decorative panels are often bonded using contact adhesive.
Contact adhesive is often used for aircraft flooring as well. Whether it’s vinyl or carpet flooring, contact adhesive will create a strong bond that prevents it from moving. Another common use for contact adhesive in aerospace manufacturing is gasketing. Engineers use it to seal spaces, such as doors or access panels.
