Industrial Adhesive Types: Complete Guide

Industrial adhesives bond substrates without fasteners, heat, or welding — and the right adhesive for a given application depends on substrate type, load direction, service temperature, and how much cure time is available. Choose incorrectly and the bond fails in service; choose well and an adhesive joint can outlast the components it joins.

The main types of industrial adhesive are: contact adhesive, cyanoacrylate (instant adhesive), epoxy, anaerobic adhesive, structural acrylic, RTV silicone, polyurethane and MS polymer, and construction adhesive. This guide covers each type — how it works, when to use it, and what AIMS Industrial stocks — with specific reference to maintenance, engineering, and industrial assembly applications.

This guide is written for maintenance engineers, tradespeople, and procurement teams in Australian industry. It covers the adhesive types relevant to workshop repair, equipment maintenance, fabrication, and industrial assembly — not domestic construction or fit-out. If you need advice on product selection, call us on (02) 9773 0122 or contact the AIMS team.

How to Choose the Right Industrial Adhesive

Before selecting an adhesive, answer four questions: What substrates are being bonded? What load will the joint carry and in which direction? What temperatures will the joint experience in service? How much cure time is acceptable before the assembly is put to work?

The answers narrow your options quickly. A threadlock on a grade 8.8 bolt needs an anaerobic adhesive, not epoxy. A rubber gasket to a metal housing wants contact adhesive, not cyanoacrylate. A cracked cast iron housing needs a metal-filled epoxy putty — not RTV silicone.

Adhesive Selection by Substrate and Load

Temperature, chemical exposure, and vibration will modify these recommendations. The sections below go into the detail for each type.

Contact Adhesive (Contact Cement)

Contact adhesive — known in the United States as contact cement — is a solvent-based or water-based adhesive, usually formulated on a neoprene rubber base. It is one of the most widely used adhesives in Australian industry for large-area bonds on flexible substrates: rubber lining, foam gaskets, formica laminate, leather, canvas, and flexible sheeting to metal or timber.

How Contact Adhesive Works

Contact adhesive is applied to both surfaces. This is not optional — applying it to only one surface produces a weak bond. After application, you wait for the tack-off period (typically 15–20 minutes at 20°C with solvent-based products) until the adhesive is touch-dry but still tacky. When both surfaces are pressed together, an instant, permanent bond forms on contact. There is no repositioning after contact. Dry-fit your components before bonding.

CRC ADOS F2 — The Industry Standard

In Australian industrial workshops, CRC ADOS F2 is the dominant contact adhesive. It is a solvent-based neoprene product available in 500ml, 1L, 4L tins, and aerosol spray. The spray format is useful for large or irregular surfaces where brush application is slow. ADOS bonds rubber, foam, leather, most fabrics, metal, and timber — it is the correct product for rubber lining on hoppers, chutes, and wear surfaces.

Solvent-Based vs Water-Based Contact Adhesive

Solvent-based contact adhesive (such as ADOS F2) delivers a faster tack-off, stronger initial grab, and better performance at temperature extremes. Water-based formulations are lower in VOCs and more suitable for enclosed spaces without ventilation, but deliver lower initial tack and are more sensitive to temperature at application. For industrial applications, solvent-based is the standard choice unless VOC restrictions apply.

Ventilation and AS1940:2017

Solvent-based contact adhesive is classified as a Class 3 flammable liquid under Australian Standard AS1940:2017 (Storage and Handling of Flammable and Combustible Liquids). Do not use near ignition sources, open flames, or in unventilated spaces. Ensure cross-ventilation when applying in enclosed areas. Store in a cool, dry location away from heat sources, and observe quantity limits under AS1940. Read the SDS before use — CRC ADOS SDS is available on the product page.

What Contact Adhesive Won't Bond

Contact adhesive does not bond reliably to PTFE (Teflon), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), or silicone rubber. These low-surface-energy materials require either a specialist primer or a different adhesive type altogether. On smooth metal, lightly abrading the surface before application significantly improves bond strength.

Cyanoacrylate Adhesive (Instant Adhesive / Super Glue)

Cyanoacrylate adhesives — commonly called instant adhesive or super glue — cure rapidly via an anionic polymerisation reaction triggered by surface moisture. The cure mechanism requires only trace moisture, meaning even ambient humidity is sufficient to cure the adhesive once it contacts most substrates.

Why Industrial Cyanoacrylate Differs from Consumer Super Glue

Consumer super glue is a low-viscosity standard-grade cyanoacrylate. Industrial-grade products differ in viscosity, substrate compatibility, and specific performance characteristics. Loctite 401 is a standard-viscosity general-purpose grade. Loctite 406 is a low-viscosity formulation specifically engineered for rubber, flexible plastics, and low-surface-energy substrates. Loctite 416 is a low-odour, low-bloom formulation for precision applications. Industrial grades also have significantly better moisture and temperature resistance than consumer products.

Gap-Filling Grades

Standard cyanoacrylate requires a very close joint fit — gaps beyond approximately 0.1mm significantly reduce bond strength. Where gap-filling is needed, use Loctite 406 (rubber and plastics) or a medium-viscosity thixotropic grade. Do not attempt to fill a gap by applying additional adhesive — the cure will be incomplete and the joint will be white and brittle.

Activating Cyanoacrylate on Passive Metals

Stainless steel and aluminium are passive metals — their oxide layers slow or prevent standard cyanoacrylate cure. Loctite 7649 Activator/Primer applied to one surface before bonding resolves this. Apply activator, allow 1–2 minutes to dry, then apply adhesive to the other surface and assemble. This combination achieves full cure on stainless or aluminium within the standard fixture time.

Temperature and Limitations

Standard cyanoacrylate has a continuous temperature limit of approximately 80°C — above this, bond strength degrades rapidly. It is also brittle under impact loads and has limited peel resistance. For applications involving vibration, repeated impact, or temperatures above 80°C, consider structural acrylic, epoxy, or anaerobic retaining compound depending on the joint geometry.

Open Time and Cure Time

Epoxy Adhesive (Two-Part)

Epoxy adhesives consist of two components — resin (Part A) and hardener (Part B) — that react chemically when mixed to form a rigid, cross-linked polymer. Epoxy achieves excellent bond strength on metals, ceramics, and most rigid substrates, along with good chemical resistance and the ability to fill gaps that other adhesives cannot bridge.

For a full guide to epoxy types, mixing, cure times, and repair applications, see our Epoxy Adhesive Guide.

Mixing Ratio — The Critical Variable

Every epoxy product has a specific mix ratio by weight. Deviating from this ratio — even slightly — produces an off-ratio cure that is weaker, more brittle, or may not cure at all. Always use a gram-accurate scale when mixing bulk epoxy. Cartridge or syringe formats (such as Loctite 3801 in 50ml cartridges) pre-meter the ratio correctly and eliminate mixing errors.

Epoxy Repair Compounds — Devcon Range

Where epoxy is used for machine rebuilding and metal repair rather than bonding, filled epoxy repair compounds deliver higher mechanical strength and better wear resistance than standard two-part adhesive. AIMS stocks the Devcon range — including Devcon Plastic Steel (iron-filled, for casting repair and rebuilding worn bores), Devcon Aluminium Putty F (for aluminium and non-ferrous repairs), and Devcon WR-2 (wear-resistant ceramic-filled for high-abrasion surfaces). These products are applied as a paste or putty and machined or ground to size after cure.

Structural Epoxy — Loctite 3801

Loctite 3801 is a flexible, toughened two-part epoxy in a convenient 50ml cartridge with a static mixing nozzle. It is particularly suited to bonding dissimilar materials where differential thermal expansion would stress a rigid epoxy bond, and for assemblies subject to vibration and shock. Fixture time is approximately 30 minutes; full cure 24–48 hours at 23°C.

What Epoxy Won't Bond

Epoxy does not achieve reliable adhesion on PTFE, polyethylene, polypropylene, or silicone rubber — the low surface energy of these materials prevents wetting. On these substrates, a cyanoacrylate with primer (Loctite 406 + 770 or 7649) or a specialist plastic bonder is required. Epoxy also performs poorly on substrates contaminated with silicone — even trace silicone contamination from compressed air lines or release agents will cause bond failure. Degrease thoroughly with acetone or IPA before bonding. See the Industrial Degreaser Guide for solvent selection by substrate.

Temperature Relationship to Cure

Epoxy cure is temperature-dependent. Below 15°C, most standard epoxy formulations cure very slowly or incompletely. Above 35°C, pot life and working time shorten significantly. For critical structural applications in cold conditions, use a post-cure cycle (elevated temperature) or select a product rated for low-temperature cure. The relationship is roughly: every 10°C drop halves the cure rate.

Anaerobic Adhesive

Anaerobic adhesives cure in the absence of oxygen in the presence of metal ions. Exposed to air, they remain liquid indefinitely — this is why Loctite threadlocker has a long shelf life. Once sealed in a metal joint, away from oxygen and in contact with active metal, the liquid cures to a rigid or semi-rigid thermoset within 30–60 minutes on active metals (steel, iron, copper alloys).

Why Passive Metals Need Activator

Stainless steel and aluminium are passive metals. Their oxide layers provide insufficient metal ion activity to initiate anaerobic cure on their own. Loctite 7649 Activator must be applied to one surface before bonding any anaerobic adhesive to stainless steel or aluminium. Apply activator with a brush or swab, allow 1–2 minutes to dry, then apply anaerobic adhesive to the other surface and assemble. The activator does not affect the cured bond properties — it only initiates cure.

Anaerobic Threadlockers — Selection by Strength

Threadlockers prevent fastener loosening from vibration. Strength selection is critical: choose too weak and the fastener loosens in service; choose too strong and you cannot disassemble without heat or the fastener shears.

For the full threadlocker selection guide including gap clearance and inactive substrate guidance, see the Loctite 222 Guide.

Anaerobic Retaining Compounds

Retaining compounds bond cylindrical assemblies — bearing outer races in housings, gears on shafts, sleeves in bores — providing shear strengths that exceed interference fits alone. They also eliminate micro-movement (fretting corrosion) and allow the use of slightly undersize components.

Anaerobic Pipe Thread Sealants

Pipe thread sealants cure in assembled metal-to-metal pipe threads to form a leak-free seal rated for pressure, temperature, and fluid exposure. They outperform PTFE tape on metal fittings — they fill the entire thread valley, do not extrude downstream, and will not creep under pressure cycling.

Do not use standard anaerobic pipe sealants on plastic fittings — certain grades attack polycarbonate, ABS, and acrylic. For plastic pipe fittings, use PTFE tape or a grade specifically rated for plastics.

Loctite 542 suits fine hydraulic threads (up to 50 bar); Loctite 577 is the general-purpose WOG (Water, Oil, Gas) rated pipe sealant for all metal fittings up to M60. For aggressive media or high-temperature service above 150°C, consult the Loctite selector or the AIMS technical team.

Structural Adhesive (Two-Part Acrylic / Methacrylate)

Structural adhesives are two-part acrylic (methacrylate) formulations designed to carry genuine mechanical loads as a primary or supplementary joining method. Where welding is impractical — dissimilar metals, lightweight structures, assemblies where heat distortion is unacceptable — structural acrylic adhesive is the engineering solution.

Loctite 324 and Loctite 330

Loctite 324 and 330 are two-part structural acrylics from the Hysol range. They achieve shear strengths typically above 20 MPa on steel, aluminium, and stainless steel. Bond gap: up to 5mm can be bridged, which is substantially more than cyanoacrylate (0.1mm) or standard epoxy (0.5mm). Both products require activator on one surface — the second part initiates polymerisation when the joint is assembled.

Why Structural Acrylic Over Welding?

Welding introduces heat distortion, requires heat-affected-zone management on thin materials, and cannot join dissimilar metals reliably. Structural acrylic bonds aluminium to steel, composites to metal, coated materials to each other — without heat, without distortion, and with a bond line that distributes load over the full bonded area rather than concentrating stress at a weld toe. In fatigue applications (repeated cyclic loading), adhesively bonded joints frequently outperform welds.

Cure Time and Temperature Dependency

Structural acrylic fixture time is typically 20–40 minutes at 23°C. Full cure: 24 hours. Like epoxy, low temperature slows cure. In cold workshops, position heat lamps near the assembly to accelerate cure, or allow longer open time before loading. Do not move the assembly during the fixture period — even small movements during early cure create internal stresses.

RTV Silicone Sealant and Adhesive

RTV (Room Temperature Vulcanisation) silicone cures at room temperature by reacting with atmospheric moisture. The result is a flexible, rubber-like bond that accommodates thermal cycling, vibration, and differential expansion between dissimilar materials — properties that rigid adhesives cannot match at elevated temperatures.

Industrial vs General-Purpose Silicone

Hardware-store silicone sealant is not equivalent to industrial-grade RTV silicone. Industrial grades are formulated for specific environments: Loctite 5900 and 5910 are gasket-maker compounds specifically engineered to resist diesel, engine oil, petrol, and hydraulic fluid — applications where consumer silicone fails rapidly. Temperature range: −60°C to +260°C continuous, with short peaks to +315°C.

For a full guide to RTV silicone gasket maker, surface preparation, and bead sizing, see the RTV Silicone Gasket Maker Guide. For pre-formed gaskets used on bolted raised-face flanges where higher pressure or temperature rules out RTV silicone, see the Spiral Wound Gasket Guide.

What RTV Silicone Cannot Do

RTV silicone is a sealing and flexible bonding material — it is not a structural adhesive. Do not use it in load-bearing applications. It is also not paintable: standard (acetoxy-cure) silicone releases acetic acid on cure (the vinegar smell) and contaminates the surrounding surface, preventing paint adhesion. If paintability is required, use MS polymer (see below) or a neutral-cure silicone. Silicone cannot be overcoated with silicone once fully cured — re-bond surfaces require complete removal and re-application.

Acetic vs Neutral Cure

Acetoxy-cure (acetic acid) silicone releases acetic acid during cure — this is corrosive to copper, brass, and some natural stone, and will prevent paint adhesion. Neutral-cure silicone releases oxime or alcohol instead — no corrosion risk, paintable after cure, and suitable for electrical applications. Loctite 5910 is a neutral-cure industrial grade. For standard flange and gasket applications on ferrous metals, acetoxy cure is adequate and less expensive.

Polyurethane Adhesive and MS Polymer

Polyurethane Adhesive

Polyurethane (PU) adhesives are single-part or two-part flexible adhesives that cure to a rubber-like consistency. They offer excellent impact and vibration resistance, good adhesion to most substrates including wood, concrete, and many plastics, and they are paintable after full cure. PU adhesives are slower to reach full strength than cyanoacrylate or epoxy — typical fixture time is 1–4 hours; full cure 24–72 hours — and they require moisture for cure (single-part PU).

PU adhesive is well-suited to bonding panels, body parts, and trim where some flexibility is required in the final joint and where the assembly may be painted. It tolerates larger joint gaps than contact adhesive and is more UV-stable than standard epoxy.

MS Polymer (Modified Silicone / Hybrid)

MS polymer (modified silicone, also called silyl-modified polymer or SMP) is a hybrid adhesive sealant that combines the flexibility and weatherability of silicone with the paintability and bondability of polyurethane. Unlike standard silicone, MS polymer is paintable once cured, bonds well without priming on most surfaces, is UV-stable, and does not contain solvents or isocyanates.

CRC ADOS MS polymer range is available through AIMS Industrial and is suitable for bonding and sealing mixed-substrate assemblies — metal, timber, fibreglass, concrete — in outdoor or exposed environments. It is increasingly used in trailer fabrication, mobile plant assembly, and exterior maintenance applications as a silicone replacement.

Choosing Between PU and MS Polymer

Construction Adhesive

Construction adhesive is a broad category of polymer-based adhesives designed for structural building joins — attaching timber framing, bonding cladding, fixing floor boards, and mounting wall panels. Common commercial products include Selleys PowerGrab, Bostik construction adhesive, and the Liquid Nails range.

AIMS Industrial does not stock standard construction adhesive — these products are available through building material suppliers and hardware stores and are primarily formulated for domestic and commercial construction applications.

Where AIMS supplies the engineering end of this requirement: Loctite structural acrylic (324, 330) and Devcon epoxy compounds perform construction-adhesive-type functions in industrial and engineered assemblies requiring certified strength, higher chemical resistance, or bonding on surfaces where construction adhesive performs poorly (contaminated metal, oily substrates, engineered plastic substrates).

If you are bonding in a maintenance or fabrication context and are considering construction adhesive, contact the AIMS team — we can recommend an appropriate industrial-grade product from the range we stock.

Surface Preparation: The Step Most People Skip

Surface preparation is the single most important variable in adhesive bond performance. A correctly selected adhesive applied to a poorly prepared surface will fail. An adhesive applied correctly to a well-prepared surface will perform to its rated strength. Forum discussions, engineering post-mortems, and adhesive manufacturer technical data all point to the same conclusion: most bond failures are surface preparation failures, not adhesive failures.

Degreasing

Any oil, grease, machining fluid, mould release agent, fingerprint, or moisture contamination prevents adhesive wetting and bond formation. Degrease all surfaces before bonding using:

• Acetone (fast-evaporating, suitable for metal and most plastics — not polystyrene or ABS)
• Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) — slightly slower, suitable for most surfaces including many plastics
• Loctite 7063 Fast Cleaner — purpose-formulated industrial surface cleaner

Use a lint-free cloth. Wipe in one direction only — wiping back spreads contamination. Allow to dry fully before applying adhesive. On metals that oxidise rapidly (stainless, aluminium), bond within 30 minutes of cleaning.

Abrading

Very smooth surfaces — polished metal, glossy plastic, glazed ceramic — have reduced surface area for adhesive contact. Light abrasion with 120–180 grit abrasive paper increases mechanical key and surface area. After abrading, degrease again — abrading generates fines and smears surface oils.

Priming

Some adhesive systems require a primer or activator applied before bonding:

• Loctite 7649 Activator — required before any anaerobic adhesive on stainless steel or aluminium; also recommended before cyanoacrylate on these substrates
• Loctite 770 Primer — for cyanoacrylate bonding on low-surface-energy plastics (polyethylene, polypropylene)
• Contact adhesive on metal: some applications benefit from a thin tie coat of adhesive brushed onto the metal surface 30 minutes before the bonding application

Dry Fit Before Bonding

Before applying any contact adhesive or slow-setting structural adhesive, assemble the components dry to confirm fit, alignment, and clamp access. For contact adhesive this is essential — once surfaces touch, there is no repositioning. For epoxy and structural acrylic, dry fit allows you to confirm that clamps or fixtures are in place before the adhesive's working time is consumed.

Temperature at Application

Most adhesives perform best applied at 15–35°C. In cold workshops (below 10°C), cure rates drop significantly — increase cure time allowances or bring components to operating temperature before bonding. At temperatures above 35°C, pot life and working time shorten: mix smaller batches and work faster. Never apply adhesive to frost-covered or condensation-wet surfaces.

Adhesion Failure vs Cohesive Failure — Diagnosing Bond Problems

When a bond fails, how it fails tells you where the problem was:

• Adhesion failure: the adhesive peels away cleanly from one substrate, leaving no adhesive on that surface. The problem is surface preparation — contamination, inadequate key, or missing primer.
• Cohesive failure: the adhesive splits through its own body, leaving adhesive residue on both surfaces. This is usually the correct failure mode — it means the adhesive was the weakest link, not the surfaces. The bond performed as intended; the load exceeded the adhesive's rated capacity, or the wrong adhesive was selected for the load type.

Adhesive Cure Time Comparison

All times are indicative at 23°C / 50% RH. Low temperatures significantly extend all times. Verify exact values in the product SDS.

Adhesive Quick-Reference Selection Guide

Safety, Storage, and Handling

Flammable Liquids — AS1940:2017

Solvent-based contact adhesive (CRC ADOS F2) and solvent-based surface cleaners are classified as Class 3 flammable liquids under Australian Standard AS1940:2017 (Storage and Handling of Flammable and Combustible Liquids). Key requirements applicable to workshop storage include:

• Store in a cool, dry location away from ignition sources (open flames, sparks, heated surfaces, electrical equipment)
• Store containers upright and sealed when not in use
• Quantity limits apply for storage within workshops — consult AS1940 or your state regulator for thresholds applicable to your site
• Display Dangerous Goods signage where required
• Ensure a Class B fire extinguisher is accessible in the work area

Ventilation

All solvent-based adhesives require adequate ventilation. For brush or roller application of contact adhesive in enclosed spaces, cross-ventilation is mandatory — use forced air extraction if natural ventilation is insufficient. Check the SDS for the product's Workplace Exposure Standard (WES) and ensure the work area provides compliant exposure levels. SafeWork Australia provides guidance on chemical exposure standards at safeworkaustralia.gov.au.

SDS Access

A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) must be read before first use of any adhesive product. AIMS Industrial provides SDS links on all adhesive product pages. If you cannot locate an SDS, contact the AIMS team and we will supply it.

PPE

Minimum PPE for adhesive application:

• Safety glasses or goggles — mandatory for all adhesive work, especially cyanoacrylate (instant skin bonding if splashed in eye)
• Nitrile gloves — all adhesive types; latex is attacked by solvents
• Respirator (P2/OV) — required for solvent-based contact adhesive and any adhesive used in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas; organic vapour cartridge required for solvent vapours

If your team regularly handles industrial adhesives, contact the AIMS safety team for a site-appropriate PPE recommendation — (02) 9773 0122.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different types of industrial adhesive?

The main types of industrial adhesive are: contact adhesive (neoprene-based), cyanoacrylate (instant/super glue), epoxy (two-part resin and hardener), anaerobic adhesive (threadlockers, retaining compounds, and pipe sealants), structural acrylic adhesive, RTV silicone, polyurethane and MS polymer adhesive, and construction adhesive. Each type suits different substrates, load conditions, and temperature requirements.

What is the strongest industrial adhesive?

For metal-to-metal bonds under shear load, two-part structural acrylic adhesive (such as Loctite 324 or 330) typically achieves the highest shear strength — often exceeding 20 MPa. Anaerobic retaining compounds (such as Loctite 638 or 648) achieve similar or higher strengths in cylindrical press-fit assemblies. Two-part epoxy is strong in compression but is more brittle under impact than structural acrylic. 'Strongest' depends on load direction, substrate, and service conditions.

What is the difference between contact adhesive and contact cement?

There is no difference — they are the same product described by different names. Australians typically say 'contact adhesive'; Americans say 'contact cement'. Both refer to a solvent-based or water-based adhesive (usually neoprene rubber) that is applied to both surfaces, allowed to tack off, then bonded by pressing the surfaces together. CRC ADOS F2 is the most widely used contact adhesive in Australian industry.

What is contact cement in Australia?

In Australia, contact cement is marketed and sold as contact adhesive. The most common professional-grade product is CRC ADOS F2, a solvent-based neoprene contact adhesive available in tins and spray cans. Selleys Kwik Grip is the consumer equivalent. Contact adhesive is widely used in industry for bonding rubber, leather, laminates, foam, timber, and flexible substrates where both surfaces are coated and brought together after a tack-off period.

What does contact adhesive not stick to?

Solvent-based contact adhesive does not bond reliably to PTFE (Teflon), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), silicone rubber, or highly plasticised PVC. It also performs poorly on very smooth, unprepared metal without a primer. For these substrates, consider two-part epoxy, structural acrylic, or a specialist plastic-bonding cyanoacrylate such as Loctite 406 (for flexible/low-surface-energy plastics).

What is a structural adhesive?

A structural adhesive is a high-strength bonding agent designed to carry mechanical loads — replacing or supplementing fasteners or welds. Structural adhesives are typically two-part acrylic (methacrylate) or epoxy formulations. Products like Loctite 324 and 330 are structural acrylics that achieve shear strengths above 20 MPa, bond dissimilar substrates, fill gaps up to 5mm, and resist fatigue and vibration. They are used in fabrication, transportation, and heavy industry.

What adhesive bonds metal to metal?

The best metal-to-metal adhesives depend on load type. For shear and peel loads: structural acrylic (Loctite 324, 330) or two-part epoxy (Devcon, Loctite 3801). For close-fit cylindrical assemblies (shafts, bearings, bushes): anaerobic retaining compound (Loctite 638 or 648). For threadlocking: anaerobic threadlocker (Loctite 243 for medium-strength, 270 for permanent). Always degrease thoroughly before bonding.

What is the best adhesive for rubber to metal?

Contact adhesive (CRC ADOS F2) is the traditional choice for rubber-to-metal bonds, particularly for laminates, gasket materials, and flexible sheeting. For higher-performance bonds or small-area applications, Loctite 406 cyanoacrylate (formulated for rubber and flexible substrates) is effective. For vibration-resistant, flexible bonds in automotive or industrial applications, a single-part or two-part flexible epoxy or polyurethane adhesive is often preferred.

What is the difference between epoxy and contact adhesive?

Epoxy and contact adhesive are fundamentally different. Contact adhesive is applied to both surfaces, allowed to tack off, and bonds on contact — it requires no clamping but allows no repositioning. Epoxy is a two-part chemically cured adhesive (resin + hardener) that bonds without requiring both surfaces coated — it fills gaps, reaches very high compressive and shear strength, and resists most chemicals. Epoxy suits structural or gap-filling applications; contact adhesive suits flexible, large-area bonds.

How long does industrial adhesive take to cure?

Cure time varies significantly by type. Cyanoacrylate achieves handling strength in seconds to minutes (full cure 24 hours). Contact adhesive bonds on contact but reaches full strength within a few hours. Anaerobic adhesive reaches fixture strength in 30–60 minutes on active metals, full cure in 24 hours. Two-part epoxy: fixture in 20–90 minutes (product-dependent), full cure 24–72 hours. Structural acrylic (Loctite 324/330): fixture in 20–40 minutes, full cure 24 hours. All cure times are slower at low temperatures.

What is the strongest two-part adhesive?

For metal substrates under shear load, two-part structural acrylic adhesive (Loctite 324 or 330) consistently achieves the highest bond strength — shear strengths of 20–25 MPa are typical. Two-part epoxy (Devcon, Loctite 3801) is comparable on rigid substrates and excels in compression and chemical resistance. Anaerobic retaining compounds exceed both in cylindrical press-fit configurations. The right choice depends on substrate, load direction, gap size, and temperature.

What adhesive can withstand high temperatures?

RTV silicone sealant/adhesive (Loctite 5900, 5910) withstands continuous temperatures from −60°C to +260°C, with short-term peaks to +315°C. High-temperature anaerobic retaining compounds (Loctite 648) handle up to +175°C. High-temperature epoxy formulations handle up to +120–200°C depending on the product. Standard cyanoacrylate is limited to approximately 80°C. For applications above 200°C, consult the product SDS — most standard adhesives will fail.

Do I need to degrease before using adhesive?

Yes — degreasing is the single most important surface preparation step for any adhesive bond. Oil, grease, release agents, or moisture contamination will cause adhesion failure regardless of adhesive type. Use a lint-free cloth with acetone, isopropyl alcohol (IPA), or a dedicated industrial cleaner such as Loctite 7063. Wipe in one direction only; do not wipe back over the surface. Allow to dry fully before applying adhesive. For metals prone to oxidation (stainless, aluminium), bond within 30 minutes of cleaning.

Do anaerobic adhesives work on stainless steel and aluminium?

Anaerobic adhesives cure in the absence of oxygen in the presence of metal ions. Stainless steel and aluminium are passive metals — they have an oxide layer that significantly slows or prevents curing without assistance. Loctite 7649 Primer/Activator must be applied to one surface before using any anaerobic adhesive on stainless steel or aluminium. Apply activator, allow to dry (1–2 minutes), then apply the anaerobic adhesive to the other surface and assemble normally.

Is RTV silicone the same as silicone sealant?

RTV (Room Temperature Vulcanisation) silicone is a type of silicone sealant that cures at room temperature by reacting with atmospheric moisture. Not all silicone sealants are RTV — some require elevated temperature or UV. For industrial applications, Loctite 5900 and 5910 are RTV silicones specifically formulated to resist diesel, engine oil, and fuels. General-purpose hardware silicone is not equivalent — it lacks the fuel resistance and temperature range of industrial RTV grades.