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Techniques for Collectorshot melt glue

12th May 2009 20:38 UTCDominik Schläfli Expert

Hi,

This is propaganda for hot melt adhesive. In the context of micromounting, with the requirement for a strong but not irreversible bond, I think hot melt glue trumps the water based adhesives that are commonly mentionned on two points:

-fast setting

-easy removal (from non porous surfaces). A drop of alcohol on the joint for a few seconds reduces the adhesion to the point where the blob of glue can be removed without effort and traces.

best regards,

Dominik

13th May 2009 17:17 UTCDonald Peck

Hello Dominik,

Hot glue has the good features that you mention. My problem with it is that I don't like the "threads" that develop when I pull it away. I have the same problem when using the acetate based model airplane glues.

My main problem with the white glue is that it takes so long to set. But it is a clean bonding agent. I set my peg in a lump of modelling clay, put glue on the peg and on the bottom of my specimen, then place the specimen on the peg and support it with toothpicks stuck in the clay. This gives me time to orient the specimen before the glue dries. I use a jig to measure and cut the specimen and peg to length after the glue dries.

13th May 2009 20:35 UTCDominik Schläfli Expert

IIRC the trick with the threads has been discussed in a previous topic, but anyway:

when pulling the gun away, make small circles to wrap the thread around the hot bead, where it remelts, until it breaks from the gun tip.

14th May 2009 09:03 UTCEddy Vervloet Manager

Is there a reason why there is no water soluable hot glue?

I only use glue for the most delicate pieces. I still prefer tac.

14th May 2009 16:32 UTCDonald Peck

A micromounter friend uses "484 Tacky Bond" cement, it is a contact cement that only requires that the specimen be touched to the peg and it is bonded. He uses lengths of steel fish-line leader for his pegs. Dips the end of the leader into the glue and touches it to the specimen. No drying time, and instant adhesion. I have been going to try it but have not done so as yet.

14th May 2009 17:21 UTCAlysson Rowan Expert

I use a caulk version of white glue (most of my micros are on a fairly large piece of matrix). It is putty-like when still fresh from the tube, and the bond is immediate but workable. It dries overnight to a resilient, clear acrylic (lust like regular white glue).

Once set it is softened by prolonged contact with water.

16th May 2009 13:05 UTCMalcolm Southwood 🌟 Expert

Alysson,

When you say a "caulk version of white glue" is that the sort of stuff used for sealing bathroom surfaces?

mal

2nd Jul 2009 11:27 UTCRay Hill Expert

I have been coming around to using hot melt glue a bit more lately, Dominic. More for thumbnails than micros, but in moderate matrix micro specimens for sure. I thank you for that tip re alcohol, and I will investigate that one soon. I still prefer to glue to pre cut paper liners and am appalled to find only one supplier to date, and that is Althor. If anyone knows of another supplier please let me know.

30th Aug 2009 11:09 UTCBill Gordon

Hi All,

My wife, Jen, uses this stuff for her craft work. It is basically very tacky white glue. Sets fast and clear, has a fine nozzle. I have used it with great success. I dare say there are other makes.

31st Aug 2009 18:28 UTCDonald Peck

Bill, What a great site for glues! Thanks!

31st Aug 2009 19:20 UTCRick Dalrymple Expert

I have always worried about acid vapors damaging specimens when using many of these glues. Is that not a concern? Micros tend to be mounted in a closed container where the vapors can not escape. Silicone caulking does seem to work well.

31st Aug 2009 19:38 UTCAlfredo Petrov Manager

My problem with "hot glue" is that I make a lot of very tiny mounts, and I can't make a drop of hot glue small enough - the nozzle on the gun is too wide. And attempts to make a tiny bead of it end up with the droplet freezing instantaneously - Bigger drops maintain their heat long enough to be useful.

I do find hot glue to be perfect for "thumbnail" mounts, and perhaps this is why Europeans find the hot glue useful for micromounting - Their micromounts tend to use a larger size of matrix rock than Americans use.

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