How Cold Weather Affects Glue and Your Production Line

Winter is here, and with it come frigid temperatures that can impact more than just your heating bill—it can also affect your glue. Whether you’re working with liquid water-based adhesives or gelatin glue, cold weather can significantly alter their performance and, in turn, your production efficiency.

Let’s explore how cold weather affects these types of adhesive, why proper handling is essential, and how to mitigate production issues during winter. For additional tips on how to apply glue and transport it during the colder months, check out Glue Application and Storage Tips for Winter.

How Cold Weather Impacts Adhesive

Imagine a bottle of maple syrup stored in a fridge. When you try to pour some out when it’s cold, the syrup becomes thicker, and getting it out of the bottle is harder. A similar effect happens to liquid water-based adhesives and gelatin adhesives in cold conditions.

Cold weather can directly impact key adhesive properties like:

• pH level and viscosity
• Total solids content, affecting bonding strength
• Film formation, leading to implicated bonds

Production Challenges from Cold Weather Effects

Temperature-sensitive adhesives, like those mentioned above, are especially susceptible to changes in their performance. If the cold increases the viscosity, the adhesive may flow less effectively. While this sounds like a ‘glue issue,’ it doesn’t just affect the adhesive—it can impact your entire production line!

If you spot the following issues during winter time, your adhesive might be affected by the weather:

• Clogged Equipment: Thicker adhesives can cause blockages or inconsistent glue dispensing. This results in downtime for maintenance and cleaning.
• Subpar Bonding: Changes in adhesive performance can lead to defective products, reducing yield and increasing waste.
• Inconsistent Production Rates: Extended drying times due to cold glue can slow down your processes, creating bottlenecks in your workflow.
  
  To keep your operation running smoothly, it’s essential to prepare for winter glue challenges in advance.

Storage Considerations for Cold Weather

Proper storage can mitigate the effects of cold temperatures on adhesives. Always store glue according to the manufacturer’s recommended guidelines. For liquid water-based glues, temperatures above 60°F and below 90°F are ideal.

For a detailed guide, check out Best Practices for Handling and Storing Raw Materials.

Find Support All Winter Long

At LD Davis, we take every measure to ensure our adhesives arrive at your facility in optimal condition. From temperature-controlled shipping to providing expert guidance on glue storage and handling, we help you maintain production efficiency, even during the coldest months.

If you’re experiencing issues or need adhesive solutions, our team is here to help. Explore our liquid and gelatin glue product lines, or reach out for personalized assistance.