RESOURCES

PSA Selection GuidE

1 – Identify the end-use application of the product

How will the product be used? It is important to consider where and how the final product will be used and communicate this information to your converter. Adhesives can react differently depending on where and how they are applied.   

2 – Determine how long you need the adhesive to last

Are you looking for a gasket or tape that is a temporary assembly aid, a permanent fastener, or something in between?  The answer to these questions will help drive your next step.

PSAs can be grouped into three basic types: permanent, removable and repositionable. Die cut components with permanent adhesive cannot be removed without damaging either the PSA or the substrate.  Those with removable adhesive can be easily peeled away from the substrate long after initially applied.  And, as the name implies, repositionable adhesives can be lifted and repositioned. 

3 – Consider the materials and substrates involved

What media will the product come into contact with? Substrates differ in terms of material, texture, the presence of contaminants, levels of surface energy, and more. Substrates with low surface energy, for example, can repel adhesives and make bonding difficult. Read more on surface energy and substrate types here.

4– Understand the environment in which the product will be used

What are the surrounding environmental impacts?  In addition to the temperature of the substrate itself, there are environmental factors that should be considered, including exposure to excessive heat or cold, moisture, solvents, oils and greases it may come

5 – Evaluate the types of stress the adhesive will be subjected to

How much stress will the adhesive see over its life?  Knowing this will help you identify the necessary peel adhesion (the amount of force that’s required to break the bond between a PSA and the substrate to which it’s been applied), the tack (the stickiness of the adhesive under slight pressure), and the shear strength (the ability of the adhesive to hold when pulled in the same plane.) We’ll dive into this in more detail in the next blog in this series.

6 – Find the right partner

Armed with the above information, the next step is to determine which of the many available options will meet your cost and performance requirements.  This is where working with the right partner comes into play.  At SES Foam, we are here to help you solve your product design challenges.   

Assistance with material and adhesive selection is just one of the many value-added solutions that SES Foam offers to help customers improve quality, reduce costs, and increase efficiency.

Contact us today to learn how we can help you with your next project.