Industrial chemicals

How do I choose the right adhesive or sealant?

An adhesive is selected according to the materials to be bonded and the way the joint will work. Cyanoacrylate suits a rigid, fast joint with a small gap; two-component epoxy suits a load-bearing, gap-filling joint; elastic adhesives (silicone, MS polymer) suit a joint exposed to vibration, thermal expansion or water and weather.

Threadlockers are liquids that cure in the absence of air (anaerobic) and are selected by strength class: low strength for small screws that will be removed later, medium strength for general use, high strength for permanent joints. From the same family, pipe and thread sealants replace PTFE tape, and retaining compounds replace press fits when seating bearings and bushes.

Most joint failures come from the surface, not from the product: on an oily, dusty or rusty surface even the best adhesive will not hold. Before application the surface is degreased with a surface cleaner and roughened if necessary; the time the product needs to reach full strength and the operating temperature are also taken into account.

Approved products must be used where there is contact with food or drinking water; products with this approval are marked separately in the list. Just tell us the materials, the temperature and the place of application, and we will recommend a suitable product.

The types, selection logic, tables and frequently asked questions of each group are on its own page:

• Industrial adhesives →
• Epoxy repair putties and repair kits →
• Threadlockers →
• Pipe thread sealants →
• Flange sealants and gasket makers →
• Retaining compounds →
• Technical sprays →
• Industrial cleaners and maintenance fluids →