Understand the Materials
Porous materials such as timber absorb adhesive and may supply moisture for curing. Metals, laminates and coated surfaces require good wetting and careful preparation. Flexible PVC, rubber and fabrics need an adhesive that can move without cracking. Some foams and plastics can be damaged by solvents.
Match the Adhesive to the Joint
| Joint requirement | Suitable adhesive type |
|---|---|
| Close-fitting timber joint | PVA or woodworking polyurethane |
| Load-bearing timber lamination | Approved structural polyurethane |
| Rigid repair, minor gap or mixed rigid materials | Two-part epoxy |
| Large-area laminate or immediate grab | Contact adhesive |
| Flexible PVC, rubber or coated fabric | Flexible polyurethane contact adhesive |
| Metal-to-foam or composite panel | Industrial laminating polyurethane |
Consider Service Conditions
Check whether the bond will face water, heat, sunlight, chemicals, vibration or repeated movement. A rigid epoxy may suit a stable assembly but not a flexible joint. A contact adhesive provides rapid handling strength but does not fill gaps. Polyurethane can tolerate moisture and movement, although suitability varies by formulation.
Check the Production Process
Working time must allow spreading, positioning and assembly. Also consider application method, adhesive coverage, clamping, cure time and production temperature. Fast products can improve output but provide less positioning time.
Test Before Production
Confirm adhesion on the actual materials, including coatings and surface treatments. Polyethylene, polypropylene, PTFE, plasticised PVC and unidentified plastics may need specialist preparation. Test the complete joint under expected service conditions or ask Fortis for guidance.
Technical Disclaimer & Engineering Notice:
The technical information and application guidance provided above are general in nature. Actual performance depends on substrate condition, surface preparation, joint design, application method and service environment. Always refer to the current Technical Data Sheet (TDS) and Safety Data Sheet (SDS), and confirm suitability for the intended application before specification or production use.