As many manufacturers know, using protein glue in production is a bit of a balancing act. Apply adhesives require operators to consider several variables to ensure it has the proper adhesion. When using natural protein glue, you mainly have to think about three aspects: temperature, viscosity, and the amount of adhesive applied.
The viscosity of a liquid depends strongly on temperature. When you alter the temperature of a substance, you change its viscosity or thickness. Take honey, for example. If you store honey in the fridge, it becomes thick. The honey is more mailable at room temperature but still tacky, and when heated, it becomes very runny.
Protein glue is the same way! Lowering the glue's temperature makes it thicker, but that can gum up production by causing the glue to set too quickly. If kept at an optimal temperature between 140-150°F when applied, it lays in a thick but even coating. But if heated up too much, the protein glue becomes too runny or can possibly burn.
You need to apply the right amount of glue at the proper temperature to have it set correctly. Too little glue, and you might have boxes that pop open. Too much adhesive can extend the time it takes for it to set or cause messy seams. The best way to make sure you're laying down the right amount of glue is to test it with a MIL depth gauge.
If your protein glue isn’t setting correctly, you should check these two variables:
If your protein glue is drying too quickly, it’s probably due to one of these two reasons:
We’re the experts when it comes to all-natural protein glue. If you're having trouble with your production or want to know how to improve it, contact our team.