Adhesive bonding is another option if you would like to join 2 or more parts together. It is similar as glue-ing parts together without the need of high temperature involved in the process. This joining process fit in many applications in the industry because it can bond almost all materials.
There are many types of adhesive bonding available in the shop out there. We will talk about some of the common types available. Super glue is one of them and it can be purchased in most stationery shops. The technical name for super glue is cyanoacrylates. It has low viscosity and generally not cheap if you consider its volume. When super glue is exposed to the air, it undergoes rapid polymerisation reaction. The moisture in the atmosphere acts as initiator and the process can finish in just a few seconds.
Another common adhesive is epoxy which consists of both epoxy resin and hardener. They are usually sold together as a set. Epoxy can be used in a wide variety of different materials such as metals and polymers. At low temperature, epoxy is very brittle but at high temperature, it becomes stronger and more durable.
Always bear in mind that before applying adhesive on the materials, some preparations are required. Basically you have to make sure the adherent surface is clean and ready to hold the adhesive. This is important to make sure a strong bonding is formed between the adherent and adhesive interface. For example, a metal piece usually tends to have an oxide layer on its surface. If this oxide layer is not 'wipe out', the adhesive will stick on this oxide layer instead of the adherent real surface. Sometimes other contaminants might occur as well, so make sure you remove them beforehand. In case the surface is rough and unbalanced, a file can be quite handy in smoothening the surface. A smooth surface is more desirable in adhesive bonding because the adhesive can spread more evenly and cover a larger surface area. Don't look down at these small tips, they are very useful if you want to make sure the adhesive really does its' work.
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