PLASTICS HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT ADHESIVE C


adillac Plastic is a Swindon based convertor and distributor of plastic films and filmic adhesives. For over 40 years they have been providing customers with custom converted sheets and rolls of high-performance plastic films and filmic adhesives from major brands such as 3M, Lexan, MacDermid, Mylar, Transcontinental, and DuPont Tyvek. Cadillac Plastic provides a bespoke solution for every application from membrane switch panels to display screens, nameplates, and durable labels, with sheeting, slitting, guillotining, laminating and die cutting at no extra cost. The team behind Cadillac Plastic have years of experience and knowledge in the industry, providing technical support that is second to none. For demanding, technical manufacturing applications there is no better company to offer support in finding the best solution. A dedicated sales advisor will always ensure the most efficient sheeting and slitting patterns to optimise material yields, reducing waste and costs.


FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING ADHESIVE FILMS There are some are important questions to consider when choosing the best adhesive:


What is your application? Knowing your application is the key element that will help with understanding what range of adhesives to choose from. For example, there are Laminating Adhesives, Spacer Tapes and Label Stock among other specialist adhesive films. The end application will also determine how much stress or movement the bond/join will be under.


Will it be exposed to the elements? Adhesive choice will be affected if the finished product will be used outside meaning it will be exposed to rain, wind, humidity and sun.


What temperatures will it be exposed to?


You should consider whether there will be any extreme temperatures either hot or cold. Some adhesives are specifically designed to withstand more extreme temperatures.


WHY SHOULD I BUY 3M ADHESIVES FROM CADILLAC PLASTIC?


Cadillac Plastic adds convenience and cost savings by supplying exactly the size and quantity you require, coupled with a short lead time – often next day. For multi-layer assemblies such as membrane switches, the overlay, heat stabilised Polyester for circuitry, spacer layers and adhesive tapes can all be purchased together in the correct size and quantity for that job. Advantages of purchasing custom sizes and quantities:


Will there be any exposure to chemicals? Some finished applications may be exposed to chemicals or cleaning products which may affect the adhesive.


What is each surface made of? Knowing what materials are being bonded is one of the key steps to make a selection, an adhesive might work well with one surface but not the other. The energy (high or low)of both surfaces must be considered.


What is the texture of each surface? An important consideration when choosing adhesive is the surface texture – a rougher surface has more surface area to stick to, but will usually need a grade with a thicker layer of adhesive to effectively stick.


How will the part be processed? For some applications die cutting or kiss cutting may be required. Some adhesives such as 7962MP and 7965MP have a thicker liner for this purpose. Consider if the adhesive needs to be re-positioned, or it should stick fast straight away.


What surface area is available to stick to? Some applications require just a narrow strip adhesive or a small circle which is a small surface area to adhere to.


Are there any specialist requirements to consider?


Automotive (low gassing)


Aerospace (FR) with adhesives such as 3M 9372w which is a flame retardant adhesive. – no release of toxins when burnt


3M provide recommendations for application and surface treatment for the best possible results and the greatest adhesion. Extensive testing has been conducted on every 3M adhesive with the results available on data sheets. However, in all cases the user should conduct their own tests to ensure the product chosen is fit for purpose.


Not only does the team at Cadillac Plastic have their own product knowledge and expertise developed over many years of experience, the team at 3M are also on hand to provide help in offering solutions for ‘difficult to stick’ applications, for your evaluation. So, no matter what your project or application is, Cadillac is on hand with the appropriate product.


Cadillac Plastic www.cadillacplastic.co.uk


28 Summer 2025 UKManufacturing


Cadillac Plastic converts materials from master rolls, minimising material waste and environmental impact.


Buying no more than is required is the most cost-effective solution. Even ‘wasting’ 10-15% of a sheet is straight off the bottom line!


When material is just the right size, the printing process can begin immediately, improving lead times.


Materials can be supplied for specific jobs in the required quantities – this makes planning, internal tracking and allocation much easier.


For multi-layer assemblies such as membrane switches, the overlay, heat stabilised Polyester for circuitry, spacer layers and adhesive tapes can all be purchased together in the correct size and quantity for that job.


Purchasing ‘freshly’ converted material is better than using old, ‘out of date’ stock. This is especially important for adhesives.


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