Adhesive application methods: roller, spray, nozzle and more

The same adhesive can give very different results with different application methods. The main industrial methods and which products they suit.

Applying the adhesive the right way matters as much as choosing it. The method directly affects consumption, line speed and the look of the finished product.

Roller application

Adhesive is transferred to the surface by a rotating roller. Common in flat lamination, edge banding and profile wrapping, it gives an even, controlled film. Used with hot melts and dispersions.

Slot die

Molten adhesive is applied as a curtain through a precision slot. Ideal for zero-joint edge banding and thin, even films in profile wrapping, especially with PUR hot melts.

Spray

Adhesive is atomised over large areas. Common for solvent-based and hot melts in upholstery, foam and mattress production. Spiral, fibre and controlled-pattern techniques create breathable bonds.

Nozzle / bead

Adhesive is applied in dots or lines. Used for case sealing, straw application, assembly and filter frames, with hot melts and cartridge reactive systems.

Curtain coating

Adhesive flows as a wide curtain onto the surface. Runs at high speed over large areas such as panels and flooring.

Knife / doctor blade

Adhesive is drawn into an even film with a blade. Common in textile and membrane lamination and PSA coating.

Manual application

By brush, spatula or cartridge gun. Practical for assembly, repair and small batches. MS polymers and 2C cartridges suit this method.

MethodSuitable families
RollerHot melt, dispersion, PUR
Slot diePUR, PO, EVA
SpraySolvent-based, hot melt, PSA
BeadHot melt, MS polymer, 2C
KnifePSA, PUR, dispersion

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