When it comes to using adhesives and bonding in manufacturing processes, technical issues can arise at any point. Significant delays and costly problems follow as a result.

This is where we, here at Forgeway, can help. Over 25 years of manufacturing industrial adhesives have given us experience and knowledge on how to solve complex and technical adhesive problems.

This article will explain our process of solving these technical challenges. By the end of the article, you will better understand how you can expect us to solve our technical challenges.

Why you should gain a deep understanding of what you’re bonding

Our first step in solving technical issues is to understand what you are bonding. This allows us to assess whether the substrates are suitable for bonding or whether they will cause bonding problems. 

A typical example is plastics. They can sometimes cause bonding challenges due to the surface energy of certain plastic types.

To assess whether the substrate will cause bonding challenges, we use a surface testing machine. The machine scans the substrate to a depth of 2 microns, which is the depth of a bond interface. 

The measurement from the machine helps us determine whether the substrate is suitable for bonding. If it isn’t suitable for bonding, you may require a unique bonding method such as priming or a specialist adhesive. 

If we find that the surface energy of the plastic is low, we know that it will cause bonding problems. In this case, we would suggest using a specialist structural plastic adhesive like Purok VX90.

You don’t always need the help of an expert with a machine though. You can try some methods yourself. 

Companies often ask us if they can use Dyne pens to obtain this reading. The answer is yes, but it’s only an indication. You can also get a good idea if the substrate will cause bonding problems by its type. 

As you can see in the chart below, polypropylene and polyethylene will likely cause bonding challenges. However, you can only get an indication by using this technique.

The only way to be absolutely sure is to test the surface properly. Using our surface testing machine will provide a more precise measurement.

How our facilities will help you put the bond to the test

Once we have assessed the substrate, we then put the bond to the test. Our testing facilities allow for the testing of the adhesive and substrates individually, as well as the entire bond. 

When it comes to solving complex and technical challenges, we like to be thorough. That’s why we recreate the bond in real-life conditions.

We use our QUV machine to put the bond through accelerated weathering testing. This testing shows us how durable the bond will be when it faces exposure to climatic conditions.

Whilst a lot of companies test the strength of the bond, they fail to gain an understanding of the long-term performance of the adhesive.

Durability testing reveals how the bond will withstand different situations all around the world. 

While our testing facilities are extensive and we can accurately assess the performance of a bond, we do not have a magical X-Ray type machine that can predict where failure is likely to occur.

No such magical machine exists yet. We have found the best way to help you solve technical challenges is to recreate the bond and expose it to various tests to see how it will perform in real-life conditions.

Can Forgeway create bespoke products to solve the technical challenge?

The answer is yes. Forgeway can create bespoke products. 

Once we have done the testing, we can see if the adhesive is causing a problem. If testing highlights any issues with the adhesive’s performance, we can adjust adhesive formulations or create bespoke products. 

However, we recommend using an existing formulation to save time and money. 

Over 25 years of manufacturing adhesives have given us a backbone of proven adhesive solutions. We have a variety of adhesives that serve as foundations for tweaking to suit specific needs if your application needs it.

In the unlikely scenario that you require a completely bespoke product, we can help, but minimum order quantities will apply.

Does Forgeway provide training to companies using their products?

Once again, the answer is yes. Forgeway provides training to companies using their products.

Once we are both happy that we have achieved a quality bond, it’s time to review training requirements. 

We offer training to ensure everyone involved knows how to create and maintain a quality bond. 

To ensure training meets the requirements of all adhesive users, we offer training is offered in three tiers:

•  Forgeway adhesive Bonder for operatives using the adhesive day in and day out
• Forgeway Adhesive Supervisor for supervisors overseeing the bonding process
• Forgeway adhesive Engineer for technicians designing the joint and ensuring the right adhesive is in place

If you would like to discuss training options, you can reach out to a member of our team. They will help you assess which training option would be best for your company.

Can Forgeway help your company solve complex and technical challenges?

So now that you know how we solve complex and technical adhesive challenges, let’s take a closer look at the complex and technical challenges your company is facing.

If you’ve read the above article and are still unsure whether Forgeway can help your company, you might want to speak to an adhesive expert to assess your specific challenge.

Here at Forgeway, we’ve been solving complex bonding challenges for over 25 years. And whilst we have never seen two identical problems, we always have a fairly good idea of what the solution will be.

As you will have read, you can be sure that we thoroughly test any potential solution before we would suggest it to your company.

With our technical expertise, state-of-the-art facilities, comprehensive testing process, bespoke product offerings, and training, we can provide a solution to any problem that may arise.