Solvent-free solution meets aspirations of UK manufacturer

For over thirty years, Chemique Adhesives has been committed to building long-term relationships with its customers, it states, “successfully providing them with technical and adhesive advice that has helped them to grow and prosper”. One customer said to have benefited from this commitment is AIM – Acoustic and Insulation Manufacturing, a manufacturer of specialist insulation products based in West Sussex.

AIM, part of the SIG Performance Technology Group, produces a variety of bespoke insulation products and manufactures a range of fire, thermal and acoustic insulation products, primarily to the construction industry, as well as to a diverse range of sectors.

Maximising manufacturing operations efficiency

“We had been looking for ways to maximise the efficiency of our manufacturing operations and increase production on our acoustic and insulation lines, particularly during busier times when there was an increase in demand,” explains Tim Dalton, general manager at AIM.  “It was also important that we continued to reduce the amount of solvent-based adhesives we were using on site and, if we could eliminate solvents and increase output, then we were on to a winner.”

To achieve these goals, the company approached adhesives expert and existing supplier Chemique Adhesives and, after assessing its operations, a plan of testing was put into place using less hazardous hot melt adhesives.

High-performance alternative

“Looking at their current set-up, we were able to offer a high-performance alternative to a solvent-based adhesive that would allow for a better manufacturing and application process, whilst eliminating the use of hazardous solvents,” says Bob Lovegrove, Chemique Adhesives business development manager.

Samples of the material to be bonded were tested in the laboratory by the technical team at Chemique Adhesives and the test results, says the company, “confirmed that a hot melt adhesive would be an ideal solution. The adhesive has a high initial tack, long open time and can adhere to a variety of substrates that are regularly used as part of AIM’s manufacturing processes”.

Lovegrove further comments: “We were able to provide AIM with an alternative to a solvent-based adhesive and that was a hot-melt system which would eliminate the need for additional extraction systems and provide the freedom to be able to spray hot melt anywhere in the factory. As well as this the new environmentally friendly hot melt requires only a one-way stick, unlike the existing solvent-based adhesive that had to be a two-way stick, so this has resulted in a faster production time.”

Improved efficiency and productivity

“The new holt melt system is working really well for us and we have already seen improved efficiency and productivity,” adds Tim Dalton. “The team at Chemique have always been proactive in solving problems and suggesting improvements, and we can always rely on them to come up with the right solution. Not only did they carry out a full technical assessment, but they also provided the adhesive and adhesive application equipment for our specific needs.”