| FAQs
Ellsworth Adhesives is committed to offering the highest level of customer service and the correct solution to satisfy the requirements of your application. Because of these complex requirements, we understand that you may have questions, so we've collected the most frequently asked questions from our customers and present them on this page. Please choose from one of the three categories:
If you're unable to find an answer, call us at 1-888-458-0554. If you have a question regarding an application, fill out a Glue Doctor application request form.
General Customer FAQs
1) What are all the adhesive chemistries that you can supply?
We can supply Acrylics, Anaerobics, Cyanoacrylates, Epoxies, Hotmelts, Urethanes, Silicones, Solvent Based, Tapes, UV Curable and water based.
2) How can I obtain a MSDS or TDS of a product?
You may search our entire MSDS / TDS database via our online MSDS/TDS Search by entering the part number, product name, MSDS ID or manufacturer name of the item you need. If you still cannot locate the document you need, contact our Customer Service at 1-888-458-0554.
3) Can you do custom labeling?
Yes, we do. We can supply part number, lot number, expiration dating, etc. Click here for more details or contact our customer service at 1-888-458-0554, or by using our online chat feature.
4) Do you stock all of these products at each of your locations?
No, we don't. Storing specialty chemicals is not as easy as storing nuts and bolts. There are many special handling characteristics of adhesives and coatings, most notably shelf life. The value added to our customers is providing the freshest product. We consolidate most of our products in Germantown, WI. However, we are willing to work out specific local stock for each and every customer.
5) Can I enter blanket orders?
Yes, we prefer blankets so that we are able to stock to your requirements and delivery dates.
6) Can I buy broken cases?
Not as a matter of routine. However our Customer Service is always willing to work with our customers to make special accommodations.
7) What is the shelf life of your products?
Most products are guaranteed to perform within specification for a period of one year from date of manufacture. For specific information on the shelf life of a product, please contact our Customer Service at 1-888-458-0554.
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Product and Application FAQs
1) Will my bonded parts stay together 5, 10, 20 years from now?
Testing long term durability is a difficult matter and there are many methods of accelerating bond life testing. Some of these include exposure to elevated temperature, heat fatigue, and humidity exposure. The only way to be absolutely sure that the parts will stay together for a certain time period is to age parts over that extended period of time. The best way to estimate bond aging would be to compare new products to known quantities and determine ratios of performance in elevated aging tests. The longer and more critical the bond life, the more important the testing.
2) What can I do about the vapors and odors given off by cyanoacrylates?
The vapors of cyanoacrylates are irritating and workers should not be exposed to them for long periods of time. In many cases the use of our "Low Odor" and "Low Bloom" products can be used to control the irritating odor.
3) I'm using a CA adhesive and I've got a white haze around my bond area, is it harmful and how can I remove it?
This phenomenon is known as "blooming" or "frosting". This occurs with cyanoacrylates during their cure cycle. Blooming usually occurs in the summertime when humidity is at its peak. It can also occur when a customer uses an excessive amount of accelerator, which causes a violent curing reaction with our products. In some cases, the end user doesn't allow the product to fully cure before placing the assembly in an enclosed area. This prevents the vapors from fully dissipating.
4) Cold temperature crystallized my catalyst, how can I use it?
Warm the catalyst in its respective shipping container to between 45-65 C until all crystals are dissolved. Mix thoroughly and allow contents to cool down to 35 C before using.
5) How should I select a conformal coating?
Coating selection should be based on the following factors:
- Protection/reliability of the board and components under severe. environmental situations, such as temperature range, stress tolerance etc.
- Processing equipment and volume of boards to be coated.
- Environmental and worker safety considerations.
- Need to meet UL or Mil spec listing.
- Cost and disposal.
- Requirements for repair.
The four most popular application methods that can be used are spray, dip, brush and flow coat.
7) How long does it take for an anaerobic to dry?
Anaerobic adhesives do not contain solvents, which must dry. For an anaerobic adhesive to cure, it must be in contact with active metal ions and contact with oxygen eliminated. Outside of a bonded joint, anaerobic materials will not completely cure. Inside the joint, cure rates can be controlled by changing product and primer. Heat can be used to accelerate cure rate.
8) Why are anaerobic bottles filled half way?
Actually, there is exactly 50ml and 250ml of adhesive in each package. We fill bottles halfway because air is needed in the package to prevent the anaerobics from solidifying. Our 50ml and 250ml bottles also allow our anaerobics to breathe by allowing air to permeate through the bottles.
9) Should I use a primer for curing an anaerobic?
Almost all products will cure on metal surfaces without a primer. Therefore, primers are recommended for use on non-metallic surfaces with anaerobics to achieve a practical cure speed.
10) How long do I have to wait before I put my bonded parts into service?
It really depends on the bonding agent and substrates. Threadlocking products show evidence of cure within 15-20 minutes and can resist vibration within an hour. Instant adhesives are often put into service within seconds.
11) When should I use a "primer" or "surface activator"?
Working with low surface energy substrates such as plastics often requires adhesion enhancements to achieve adequate bond strength. The need for primer varies upon application. Please feel free to contact our Customer Service at 1-888-458-0554, or use our online chat feature.
12) Should I prime both surfaces?
In most cases, this is not necessary. Generally, one surface can be primed and adhesive applied either to the primed or unprimed surface. Situations requiring priming of both surfaces generally arise when very rapid cure times are desired or when bond line gaps of .015 or more exist. When using a primer, typically less is best.
13) What kind of surface preparation is needed for use of products?
For threadlocking and many sealing compounds, it is many times acceptable to have thin films of oil on the parts. Only the removal of heavy grease or contamination is necessary to achieve adequate adhesive performance. For structural adhesives and instant adhesives, testing must be run to determine acceptable surface treatment. Generally, the end user should try to use the least complicated surface treatment required.
14) What is the shelf life of your products?
Most products are guaranteed to perform within specification for a period of one year from date of manufacture. For specific information on the shelf life of a product, please contact our Customer Service at 1-888-458-0554.
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