Glues I - The Sticky Truth About Adhesives
Adhesives are a feature in many product designs, but when they fail, they do so in spectacular (and often expensive) ways. At their best, they hold your design together seamlessly. At their worst, they are the stuff of nightmares for engineers.
At Globex, we have seen both sides of the story—triumphs and disasters—and we have spent years helping manufacturers navigate the sticky world of glues. From electronics to automotive to consumer goods, we have learned what works and, just as importantly, what does not.
Liquid or illiquid?
A first question to ask is always: is liquid glue the only solution? Sometimes, the best adhesive strategy is to avoid liquid glue altogether. Alternatives like double-sided tapes, pre-applied adhesives, or die-cut gaskets can be effective, especially for flat components. These options simplify assembly, improve consistency, and reduce curing time.
That said, the moment you move beyond flat, straightforward designs into three-dimensional or complex assemblies, things can get challenging fast. Surface contours, stress points, and material interactions demand a more thoughtful approach. In these cases, adhesives may still be your best bet, but it's always worth asking if a non-glue option could achieve the same goal more efficiently.
If your requirements demand a liquid glue, here is a quick rundown of common adhesive types and their quirks.
Know Your Glue
Epoxy: Super strong but cannot handle thermal expansion well.
Cyanoacrylate (CA): Bonds fast but is humidity-sensitive (and beware of blooming).
Polyurethane: Flexible and great for dynamic loads, not as strong as some others.
Acrylic: Strong and quick curing but needs surface prep.
Silicone: Fantastic for sealing but not ideal for structural bonds.
Pressure-Sensitive Adhesives (PSAs): Easy to use, but only for light-duty applications.
Hot Glue: Fast and cost-effective but weak against elevated temperatures.
Know Your Brand
We strongly recommend that you choose a glue from a reputable brands like Loctite, 3M, Araldite, or Sika. These suppliers have solid, international supply chains and provide excellent technical support for peace of mind and quick problem-solving.
Design Considerations
Just selecting the right glue won’t necessarily ensure a successful result – you need to carefully consider the adhesive joint design, production process and materials. Read more in our next article, Sticky Situations: Challenges (and Fixes) When Designing for Liquid Adhesives.
Wrapping It Up
Adhesives can make or break your product—sometimes literally. The secret to success lies in understanding your materials, testing under real-world conditions, and designing your application process with precision.
At Globex, we have partnered with teams designing everything from rugged outdoor equipment to delicate consumer electronics. If you are facing adhesive challenges already or just looking to avoid them, let’s chat. We can make sure your products hold together when the pressure is on.