Adhesives have a starring role in the assembly of myriad items—from airplanes and automobiles to packaging and envelopes. One could say that they are the glue that holds it all together, as the saying goes. This month’s issue previews the Assembly Show, the premier event for buyers and users of assembly equipment, products or services in manufacturing plants. Returning to Rosemont, Ill., for the sixth year, the event will offer three days of educational sessions, hundreds of exhibiting companies, a dynamic keynote speaker, and two networking receptions.

Industrial assembly and decorating operations are increasing their use of atmospheric plasma and flame surface treaters to improve adhesive bonding, according to Mark Plantier, vice president of marketing, and Wilson Lee, business development director at Enercon Industries. Their article explores these surface treaters and how they can be used to improve adhesion.

Testing the adhesion of adhesive materials can eliminate rejected batches of adhesive material. The sure way to know that an adhesive is doing its job is to measure its flow properties—including yield stress and viscosity, as well as bond strength. Find the article “Testing the Rheology of Adhesive Materials” for further details.

    What challenges are you facing when it comes to bonding and assembly? Drop me a line at mcphersont@bnpmedia.com. 

Teresa McPherson is Editor of ASI magazine. If you wish to send a letter to the editor, please email mcphersont@bnpmedia.com. Letters must include the sender’s address, phone number and email address, when possible. Letters may be edited for space and clarity.

Join the ASI community at www.adhesivesmag.com/connect.