When it comes to structural bonding applications, many engineers and manufacturers immediately think of acrylic adhesives — and for good reason. Acrylics are known for their fast fixture times, high-strength adhesives, and ability to bond dissimilar materials like metal-to-composite bonding. They are great structural adhesives, but at ITW Performance Polymers, we believe that industrial adhesive solutions go far beyond acrylics.
Our adhesive technologies for manufacturing span a wide portfolio that includes epoxy adhesives, polyurethane adhesives, hybrid adhesives, and of course, acrylic adhesives. Each chemistry offers unique performance characteristics tailored to specific bonding challenges, enabling manufacturers to optimize for strength, flexibility, chemical resistance, and environmental durability.
The Power of Chemistry: Four Adhesive Families
Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of each performance polymer adhesive technology:
🔹 Acrylic Adhesives
- A wide range of working times with fast fixture time
- Excellent for bonding dissimilar materials
- Ideal for high-throughput production lines
Acrylics are the go-to solution for speed and versatility. Plexus® adhesives like MA8120 and MA420W offer high toughness and primer-less bonding to metals and composites, making them ideal for automotive, industrial, appliance, and other structural bonding applications.
- Exceptional chemical and heat resistance
- Outstanding adhesion to metals, ceramics, and composites
- Suitable for demanding structural and load-bearing applications
Epoxies adhesives like Devcon® adhesives (HP 250 and Epoxy Plus 25) are engineered for environments where durability and resistance to harsh conditions are critical. These toughened epoxy, chemical-resistant adhesives are commonly used in aerospace, industrial equipment, and electronics.
🔹 Polyurethane Adhesives
- Generally offer flexible bonding with high peel resistance
- Performs well on plastics and soft substrates
- Durable in vibration and thermal cycling environments
Polyurethanes such as Plexus DT2325 provide excellent performance in dynamic environments. Their flexibility bonding solutions and low odor make them ideal for bonding plastics, metals, and substrates exposed to temperature fluctuations.
🔹 Hybrid Adhesives
- Uniquely flexible and tough bonds
- Structural seal-like bonding characteristics
- Excellent adhesion to tough-to-bond materials
Hybrid adhesives like Plexus HA1820 combine the best of multiple chemistries, offering high elongation and peel strength with the added benefit of UV resistance. These are perfect for applications requiring both strength and flexibility, such as exterior panels and composite assemblies.
Applications Across Industries
Our adhesive technologies support a wide range of structural bonding applications across industries:
- Transportation: Body panels, battery enclosures, cab and chassis assembly
- Industrial Equipment: Pump housings, enclosures, structural panels
- Aerospace: Interior panels, composites-to-metals, fairings
- Appliances: Acoustic damping, energy-efficient panels
Whether you’re working with metals, plastics, composites, or coated surfaces, ITW Performance Polymers offers an adhesive that fits your needs.
Why Chemistry Choice Matters
Selecting the right adhesive chemistry isn’t just about bonding — it’s about unlocking performance, cost savings, and design flexibility. For example:
- Acrylics may offer speed and strength, but epoxies provide superior resistance in chemically aggressive environments.
- Polyurethanes excel in vibration-heavy applications, while hybrids offer a balance of flexibility and toughness for sealing and bonding.
Our team works closely with customers to evaluate substrates, environmental conditions, and performance requirements to recommend the best-fit solution.
Engineered Results, Proven Chemistries
At ITW Performance Polymers, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. Our adhesives are engineered to meet the specific demands of your application — whether you’re bonding aluminum to ABS, sealing composite panels, or assembling EV battery enclosures.
With decades of experience and a commitment to innovation, we help manufacturers discover new opportunities in structural bonding through chemistry-driven solutions.
Ready to explore beyond acrylics?
Visit ITWPP.com or contact our technical team to find the adhesive technology that’s right for your next project.
View all our Technical Data Sheets and Safety Data Sheets. Need some help? Ask a technical question and find a solution!
Further reading: Thixotropy, Viscosity and Rheology … Oh my!, What is fixture time anyway?, and Is it strong enough?.
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