Hot glue sticks are made by combining polymers and additives, melting the mixture, shaping it into cylindrical sticks, and then cooling and cutting them to the desired length.
Here's a more detailed look at the process:
-
Raw Materials: The main ingredient is typically Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) polymers. These polymers provide the stick's flexibility and adhesive properties. Other additives are included, such as:
- Resins: These enhance the stick's tackiness and adhesion.
- Waxes: They control the melt viscosity and flow properties.
- Antioxidants: These prevent degradation of the polymers during the melting process.
- Pigments or Dyes: These are used to add color to the glue stick.
-
Mixing: The raw materials are carefully weighed and then thoroughly mixed in a large industrial mixer. This ensures a homogenous blend of all the components.
-
Melting: The mixture is then fed into an extruder, which is a machine that heats the mixture to a molten state. The temperature is carefully controlled to ensure the polymers melt properly without degrading.
-
Extrusion: The molten mixture is then forced through a die, which is a shaped opening that forms the glue into a long, continuous cylinder. The diameter of the die determines the diameter of the glue stick.
-
Cooling: The extruded glue stick is then cooled, typically by passing it through a water bath or by blowing air over it. This solidifies the glue stick.
-
Cutting: Once cooled and solidified, the continuous glue stick is cut into the desired lengths using a cutting machine. This creates individual glue sticks.
-
Packaging: Finally, the glue sticks are packaged for sale.
In summary, making hot glue sticks involves precisely combining, melting, shaping, and cooling various polymers and additives to create a convenient and effective adhesive.
