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Design & Technology

Components and adhesives

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Adhesives

Adhesives are used to join materials by gluing. Different types of adhesives are used for different materials - for example, if a product is to be used outside, then waterproof adhesives should be used. In the exam you should use the name of the type of adhesive, rather than the product name - eg PVA glue, not Evostick Resin W.

Rules for making a well-glued joint

  • the surfaces to be joined must be clean and free of dust and grease
  • the joints must fit closely together
  • if the adhesive needs to be mixed, this must be done in the correct proportions, and
  • with most adhesives, the joint should be held together by clamps or weights until the glue has dried.

Adhesive types

The main types of adhesive are PVA (polyvinyl acetate), synthetic resin, epoxy resin, contact adhesive and acrylic cement.

Uses of adhesives

AdhesiveUses
PVA (polyvinyl acetate)General purpose woodwork glue. Some PVA adhesives are water resistant.
Synthetic resinA strong water resistant glue for woodwork. It needs to be mixed up immediately before use.
Epoxy resinFor joining metals and plastics. It is waterproof but must be mixed up immediately before use.
Contact adhesiveFor joining polystyrene and fabrics. Also useful for fixing plastic laminates to a wooden base.
Acrylic cementFor the joining of acrylic and some other types of plastics. The adhesive "melts" the surface of the plastic and fuses it together.

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