To effectively glue a mesh screen, especially silk screen mesh, a quick and reliable method utilizes cyanoacrylate adhesive and activator. This combination ensures a strong bond swiftly.
Gluing Silk Screen Mesh
Based on industry practice, bonding silk screen mesh is both quick and effective when using cyanoacrylate adhesive paired with an activator. The primary benefit of this method lies in its speed and efficiency.
- Cyanoacrylate Adhesive: Often known as "super glue," this type of adhesive bonds rapidly upon contact with moisture or the application of an activator.
- Cyanoacrylate Activator: The activator plays a crucial role. It significantly speeds up the curing process of the adhesive, ensuring a very fast bond time. It can also help in drying the surface quickly, which is beneficial when working with mesh materials.
Why Use Cyanoacrylate with an Activator?
For silk screen mesh, a fast bond is often essential for efficient production or repair. Traditional adhesives might seep through the mesh or take too long to cure, making precise positioning difficult. The activator ensures the cyanoacrylate adhesive cures almost instantly upon application, creating a strong, reliable bond without excessive waiting or potential mess.
Steps for Bonding Silk Screen Mesh
While the exact process can vary depending on the specific adhesive product, a general approach involves:
- Preparation: Ensure the mesh and the surface you are bonding it to are clean, dry, and free of oils or debris.
- Application: Apply the cyanoacrylate adhesive to one of the surfaces (either the mesh edge or the frame/surface it's attaching to).
- Activator Use: Apply the activator either to the other surface before applying the adhesive or directly onto the adhesive after the mesh is in place, depending on the product instructions.
- Bonding: Bring the mesh and the surface together immediately and hold firmly for a few seconds. The bond should form very quickly due to the activator.
This method is widely used in screen printing for attaching mesh to frames due to its speed and effectiveness.
