Instant Adhesives Guide

This guide explains what design engineers need to know about selecting instant adhesives, a category of materials you can find on Gluespec. Instant adhesives bond quickly, but with bonds that can have up to more than two tons of holding power. Often, this strength is greater than that of the bonded materials themselves. The general advantages of these products include their ease of use and short clamping times.

Applications for instant adhesives include electronics assembly, but these engineered products are used with everything from medical devices and automotive subassemblies to jewelry and footwear. Most instant adhesives are one-part products that cure by reacting with moisture, but some cure with ultraviolet light (UV) instead. There are also instant adhesives that use a dual-cure mechanism.   

Types of Instant Adhesives

Gluespec divides instant adhesives into the following categories and lets you search for them online.

• Cyanoacrylate Adhesives

• Instant Adhesive Gels

• Instant Bond Adhesives

• UV Light Cure Adhesives

• Adhesives for Metal Bonding

• Adhesives for Plastic Bonding

• Adhesives for Rubber Bonding

The following sections describe each type of instant adhesive in terms of material and performance properties, set and curing times, applications and industries, key technical specifications, and general advantages and disadvantages. You’ll also find links to technical resources where you can find additional information, either in the Gluespec Knowledge Center or in the Ellsworth Adhesives Literature Library.

Cyanoacrylate Adhesives

Cyanoacrylate adhesives (CA), also known as superglues, are fast-acting, solvent-free adhesives that form strong, permanent bonds between substrates. They are made from cyanoacrylate monomers, which are small molecules that quickly polymerize (bond together) in the presence of moisture. These bonds are often so strong that it can be difficult to separate the two surfaces once they are joined together.

When searching for cyanoacrylate adhesives, design engineers can choose either liquids or gels. The adhesive properties of these products are similar, but their viscosities and set times vary. This supports the distinctive advantages of each type of product, as the Instant Adhesive Gels and Instant Bond Adhesives sections in this guide will explain.

Cyanoacrylate adhesives can be used to bond a wide range of materials, including metals, plastics, rubber, ceramics, and glass. Although CA adhesives are easy to apply, it’s important to apply them thinly and with pressure on the bond for just a few seconds. Because cyanoacrylate adhesives bond so quickly and do not require extended clamping, they can speed product assembly and repairs.

Applications for cyanoacrylate adhesives include:

• Automotive subassemblies

• Aerospace components

• Musical instruments

• Appliance part assembly

• Disposable medical devices

Despite their advantages, cyanoacrylate adhesives do not work well on substrates that are oily or have low levels of moisture. Some cyanoacrylate adhesives can be brittle, which makes them unsuitable for applications that require flexibility. However, there are now flexible cyanoacrylate adhesives that combine high flexibility and instant fixture speeds with high bond strengths.

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Tech Specs

Here are some of the technical specifications for cyanoacrylate adhesives like Hernon® Instantbond 110.

Type	Spec	Definition
Cure	Cure Time (min)	Cure time refers to the length of time needed for something to fully cure.
	Viscosity (cPs)	Viscosity is a measure of a fluid’s resistance to flow.
Bond Strength	General Bond Strength	The amount of adhesion between the bonded substrates. This is usually measured in pounds per square inch.
	Shear Strength (psi)	The shear strength of a material is defined as its ability to resist forces that cause the material’s internal structure to slide against itself
Other Properties	Specific Gravity	The ratio of the density of a substance to the density of some substance (such as pure water) is taken as a standard when both densities are obtained by weighing in air
	Flash Point	The lowest temperature at which vapors above a volatile combustible substance ignite in air when exposed to flame.

 

Resources

Here are some resources about cyanoacrylate adhesives you can find on Gluespec.

• Cyanoacrylate 101

• Cyanoacrylate 102

Instant Adhesive Gels

Instant adhesive gels, or gel-type adhesives, are high-viscosity solutions that are formulated to have a thicker consistency than liquid adhesives. This gel-like consistency makes these products easier to control and apply, particularly in vertical or overhead applications, or with porous surfaces. Compared to liquid adhesives, instant adhesive gels can reduce cleanup times and improve bond line control.   

By weight, instant adhesive gels are mostly liquid; however, they behave like a gel because of a three-dimensional cross-linked network within the liquid. This cross-linking within the fluid gives an instant adhesive gel its structure (hardness) and contributes to its adhesive stick (tack). During adhesive application, the texture of a gel-like product is different from a liquid adhesive.

Cyanoacrylate instant adhesive gels are made using the same basic chemistry as traditional liquid CA adhesives; however, gel adhesives also contain thickening agents, such as fumed silica, that give them their thicker consistency. Products that use other chemistries, such as urethane or epoxy, are also available; however, they typically take longer to bond than CA adhesives.

Applications for instant adhesive gels include:

• Gasket attachment

• Small joint assembly

• Jewelry assembly

• Orthopedics and footwear

Although instant adhesive gels have many advantages, including suitability for some medical applications, they tend to form brittle bonds that break more easily under stress. They also have limited gap-filling ability because they are applied in very thin layers.

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Tech Specs

Here are some of the technical specifications for instant adhesive gels like Henkel Loctite 409.

Type	Spec	Definition
Cure	Cure Time (min)	Cure time refers to the length of time needed for something to fully cure.
	Viscosity (cPs)	Viscosity is a measure of a fluid’s resistance to flow.
Bond Strength	Shear Strength (psi)	The shear strength of a material is defined as its ability to resist forces that cause the material’s internal structure to slide against itself.
Conductivity	Dissipation Factor	The dissipation factor is a measure of loss rate of energy of a mode of oscillation (mechanical, electrical, or electro-mechanical) in a dissipative system
	Dielectric Strength	Dielectric strength is defined as the electrical strength of an insulating material.
	Dielectric Constant	The dielectric constant is the ratio of an insulator’s capacitance to that of dry air. A dielectric constant of 10 means that the insulator will absorb 10x more electrical energy than air.
	Volume Resistivity (O)	The ratio of electrical resistance through a cross-section divided by length through which current flows (ohms-cm)
Other Properties	Specific Gravity	The ratio of the density of a substance to the density of some substance (such as pure water) is taken as a standard when both densities are obtained by weighing in air

Resources

Here are some resources about instant adhesive gels you can find on Gluespec.

• Unique Advantages of Contact Adhesives

• Cyanoacrylate 202

Instant Bond Adhesives

Instant bond adhesives are fast-acting liquid adhesives that can form a strong, permanent bond between surfaces in just a few seconds. They are applied in small amounts to one of the surfaces being bonded, and then the two surfaces are pressed together. Unlike some other types of instant adhesives, these products cure with both ultraviolet (UV) light and moisture.

Instant bond CA adhesives have the fastest curing and fixing times of all cyanoacrylate adhesives. In less than five seconds, near-instant bonding can be achieved with UV curing in applications where light can penetrate. If shadowing occurs, conventional CA moisture curing can be used for these darker areas. CA accelerators can also be used to further speed curing and fixing times.

Applications for instant bond adhesives include:

• Aerospace

• Automotive

• Transportation

• Electronics

• Engineered wood

• Furniture and building components

• Industrial maintenance and repair

• Manufacturing

The advantages of instant bond adhesives include ease of application, whether by hand or with automated dispensing equipment, including robotics. Their main disadvantage is that because they set so quickly and form such strong bonds, it may be difficult to reposition or adjust parts that are being bonded.

Tech Specs

Here are some technical specifications for instant bond adhesives like Permabond 268.

Type	Spec	Definition
Cure	Cure Time (min)	Cure time refers to the length of time needed for something to fully cure.
	Viscosity (cPs)	Viscosity is a measure of a fluid’s resistance to flow.
	Set time (min)	Set time is the time it takes to form an acceptable bond when two or more substrates are combined for an adhesive.
Bond Strength	Shear Strength (psi)	The shear strength of a material is defined as its ability to resist forces that cause the material’s internal structure to slide against itself
	Impact Strength (psi)	The impact strength of a material is defined as its capability to resist a sudden applied load or force.
Conductivity	Dielectric Strength (V/mil)	Dielectric strength is defined as the electrical strength of an insulating material
Other Properties	Specific Gravity	The ratio of the density of a substance to the density of some substance (such as pure water) is taken as a standard when both densities are obtained by weighing in air
	Flash Point	The lowest temperature at which vapors above a volatile combustible substance ignite in air when exposed to flame.

Resources

Here are some resources about instant bond adhesives you can find on Gluespec.

• Case Study: Creating Reliable, Corrosion-Free Bonds

• Industrial Cyanoacrylates

UV Light Cure Adhesives

UV light cure adhesives are designed to cure or harden when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. These adhesives typically consist of a polymerizable resin and a photoinitiator. When the adhesive is exposed to UV light, the photoinitiator undergoes a chemical reaction, which initiates the polymerization or crosslinking of the resin, causing the adhesive to harden.

Unlike heat-cure adhesives, UV light-cure adhesives do not require energy-intensive ovens. Instead, lamps that produce specific wavelengths of light are used. UV light cure adhesives are also free of solvents and available in one-part formulations that do not contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or require time-consuming mixing. Glass is a commonly used substrate material because it transmits light.

For design engineers, it’s important to consider that UV light cure adhesives are designed to cure at specific wavelengths that are measured in nanometers (nm). The lamps that are used are specified by size or cure area, spectral output or wavelength, and power in W/cm². The key is to use a lamp with a spectral output and intensity that matches the requirements of the adhesive.

Applications for UV light cure adhesives include:

• Architectural bonding

• Plastic bonding

• Automotive assembly

• Disposable medical devices

• Printed circuit board (PCB) encapsulation

• Shower doors, handles, and cabinets

• Flat panel displays and touch screens

UV light cure adhesives can combine rapid cure times with high bond strength and minimal shrinkage. Adhesives that cure with only UV light may experience shadowing, but a dual cure mechanism can generally overcome this limitation.

Tech Specs

Here are some technical specifications for UV light cure adhesives like Dymax Multi-Cure 605.

Type	Spec	Definition
Cure	Cure Time (min)	Cure time refers to the length of time needed for something to fully cure.
	Viscosity (cPs)	Viscosity is a measure of a fluid’s resistance to flow.
	Linear Shrinkage (%)	Escape of volatile substances or chemical changes that result in volume decrease of contraction of the material. The amount of dimensional change during the curing process.
Bond Strength	Peel Strength (piw)	Peel strength is a measure of the adhesive strength of two or more materials that have been bonded together.
Hardness	Elongation (%)	The process of becoming or making something become longer and often thinner
Other Properties	Light Refractive Index	A value calculated from the ratio of the speed of light in a vacuum to that in a second medium of greater density.
	% Solids	The percentage by weight of the non-volatile matter in an adhesive

Resources

Here are some resources about UV light cure adhesives you can find on Gluespec.

• In-Depth Questions and Answers on UV/Light Cure Adhesives

• Accelerate Your Electronics Production

<Sample Product Image for Adhesives for Metal Bonding>

Adhesives for Metal Bonding

Adhesives for metal bonding are designed to create a strong, permanent bond between two metal surfaces, or sometimes between a metal and a non-metal surface. Different chemistries are available, but cyanoacrylate adhesives are used for instant bonding because they develop strength very quickly. UV-curable adhesives are sometimes used for forming invisible bonds between metal and glass.

Although most instant adhesives for metal bonding are cyanoacrylates, design engineers can choose products with acrylic, epoxy, or polyurethane chemistries instead. Acrylic adhesives have good resistance to impact, shock, and vibration. Epoxy adhesives provide high strength and durability. Polyurethanes offer excellent resistance to harsh water and chemicals. They can also be used in harsh environments. 

During product selection, it’s also important to consider requirements such as the type of metal or metals to bond. CA adhesives work well with reactive metals such as brass, copper, and stainless steel. It’s also important to consider the load or stress to which the bond will be subjected, and environmental conditions such as exposure to moisture, water, high heat, or weather.  

Applications for instant adhesives for metal bonding include thread locking, thread sealing, weld sealing, and gasketing. Anaerobic adhesives, which are sometimes called thread lockers, are one-part products that cure with active metal surfaces in the absence of oxygen in the bond line. Because of this lack of oxygen, anaerobic adhesives do not bond well to glass, plastic, or rubber. 

Tech Specs

Here are some of the technical specifications for adhesives for metal bonding like Resinlab Cynergy CA6014.

Type	Spec	Definition
Cure	Cure Time (min)	Cure time refers to the length of time needed for something to fully cure.
	Viscosity (cPs)	Viscosity is a measure of a fluid’s resistance to flow.
Bond Strength	Shear Strength (psi)	The shear strength of a material is defined as its ability to resist forces that cause the material’s internal structure to slide against itself.
Other Properties	Specific Gravity	The ratio of the density of a substance to the density of some substance (such as pure water) is taken as a standard when both densities are obtained by weighing in air

Resources

Here are some resources about adhesives for metal bonding that you can find on Gluespec.

• Industrial Maintenance and Repair for Stainless Steel - Gluespec Catalog
• Anaerobic Adhesives

Adhesives for Plastic Bonding

Adhesives for plastic bonding are designed to create a strong, permanent bond between two plastic surfaces, or sometimes between a plastic and a non-plastic material like glass. During product selection, design engineers need to consider requirements such as the type of plastic to bond, the amount of surface energy, the load or stress to which the bond will be subjected, and environmental conditions.  

Products with cyanoacrylate chemistry work well with many types of plastics, including polystyrene, acrylics, and ABS. Importantly, they also form strong bonds quickly. Epoxy adhesives can also be used with polyethylene, polypropylene, and other polymers. Acrylic adhesives are used for bonding plastics like polycarbonate and PVC, and polyurethane adhesives are used for applications where flexibility is required. 

Applications for plastic bonding adhesives include:

• Medical and scientific instruments

• Housings and enclosures

• Electronic components

• Storage tanks

• Pipes and tubing

• Wire and cable

Although plastic bonding adhesives are more convenient to use for joining than fasteners, some products may have limited resistance to heat or require specific clamping devices to fix the joint. Product designers may also need to consider the degree of electrical insulation that is required. Low surface energy (LSE) plastics are especially difficult to bond and may require surface treatments.      

Tech Specs

Here are some of the technical specifications for adhesives for plastic bonding like ITW Devcon (ITW) Zip Grip HV2200.

Type	Spec	Definition
Cure	Cure Time (min)	Cure time refers to the length of time needed for something to fully cure.
	Viscosity (cPs)	Viscosity is a measure of a fluid’s resistance to flow.
Bond Strength	Peel Strength
Conductivity	Dielectric Strength	Dielectric strength is defined as the electrical strength of an insulating material.
	Dielectric Constant	The dielectric constant is the ratio of an insulator’s capacitance to that of dry air. A dielectric constant of 10 means that the insulator will absorb 10x more electrical energy than air.
Hardness	Flexibility	The ability to bend easily without breaking
Other Properties	Light Refractive Index (RI)	A value calculated from the ratio of the speed of light in a vacuum to that in a second medium of a greater density.
	Specific Gravity	The ratio of the density of a substance to the density of some substance (such as pure water) is taken as a standard when both densities are obtained by weighing in air
	Flash Point (°F)	The lowest temperature at which vapors above a volatile combustible substance ignite in air when exposed to flame.

Resources

Here are some resources about adhesives for plastic bonding that you can find on Gluespec

• Plastic Bonding with Adhesives – Considerations Q&A

• Cyanoacrylates in Medical Devices

Adhesives for Rubber Bonding

Adhesives for rubber bonding are designed to create a strong, permanent bond between two rubber surfaces and, sometimes, another material.  In addition to chemistry, selection criteria include the type of rubber to bond, the load or stress to which the bond will be subjected, the need for flexible joining or bonding, and environmental conditions (such as high heat) that could affect bond strength.

Fast-bonding cyanoacrylate adhesives work well with many types of rubber, including neoprene, nitrile, and silicone. Silicone adhesives are only used to bond silicone surfaces, but these adhesives provide good resistance to high temperatures and chemicals. Epoxy adhesives can be used to bond rubber to metal or to other materials. Contact adhesives bond rubber to itself or to other materials.    

Applications for rubber bonding adhesives include:

• Carpentry

• Furniture making

• Shoe manufacturing

• Ceramic and plastic tile attachment

Tech Specs

Here are some of the technical specifications for adhesives for rubber bonding like Permabond 108.

Type	Spec	Definition
Cure	Cure Time (min)	Cure time refers to the length of time needed for something to fully cure.
	Viscosity (cPs)	Viscosity is a measure of a fluid’s resistance to flow.
Bond Strength	General Bond Strength (psi)	The amount of adhesion between the bonded is usually measured in pounds per square inch.
	Shear Strength (psi)	The shear strength of a material is defined as its ability to resist forces that cause the material’s internal structure to slide against itself.
	Impact Strength	The impact strength of a material is defined as its capability to resist a sudden applied load or force.

Resources

Here are some resources about adhesives for rubber bonding that you can find on Gluespec

• Urethane Adhesives for Sporting Goods Manufacturing

• Pros and Cons of Urethane, Epoxy, or Silicone Adhesives

Gluespec is Your Source for Instant Adhesives

Gluespec’s× comprehensive and quality-tested database of 20,000 adhesive materials includes the instant adhesives that design engineers need. The materials and manufacturers in our database are not limited to specific suppliers, and data is quality-checked and updated as needed whenever new data sheets or product specifications are released.  

If you need deep data on instant adhesives and other materials, you’ll find what you’re looking for in our proprietary adhesives database. Along with technical data and key specifications, you’ll find best practices and comparable materials. Design engineers can also view test method information on dozens of material properties and data points.

Finally, Gluespec’s Advanced Search provides the tools you need to conduct deep filtering among all material properties. The result is a customized grid that contains materials and data points that are specific to your project. Save custom grids for quick access and share them, along with this Instant Adhesive Guide, with your colleagues.