Frequently Asked Questions
The most appropriate set of variables depends on the specific process. The following list outlines a typical set of process variables for an adhesive bonding operation:
- Adhesive type
- Adhesive application (spread or applied in spots; thickness of adhesive)
- Ratio of resin to hardener
- Moisture content of the substrates prior to bonding
- Humidity during mixing/application
- Effectiveness of cleaning/degreasing of the substrate
- Presence/type of surface pre-treatment
- Adhesive shelf-life and pot-life
- Open time of the joint before closure
- Cure method
- Cure time
- Cure temperature
- Joint design
It would be usual to carry out screening experiments to identify the critical process variables, followed by more refined designs to identify a robust manufacturing process.