Adhesive threadlockers: things you don’t know but should know

In your plant, it is important that production processes run smoothly and that products are manufactured efficiently and effectively.Although locking devices are traditionally the ideal solution for protecting nuts and bolts, the Threadlocking adhesives offer a better, long-term solution that improves equipment and processes. However, some misconceptions may prevent you from using them in your system.
Here are some mistaken beliefs:

Error no. 1: Threadlocking adhesives are only for permanent use

Threadlocking adhesives are applied to nuts and bolts to dampen equipment vibration and protect against corrosion due to moisture infiltration. Because they form a stronger thermoset plastic bond than a nylon nut, many manufacturers think that this bond is permanent and cannot be removed if necessary.

In fact, threadlocking adhesives come in several options, including removable ones. These adhesives can be removed with a simple hand tool and do not necessarily create permanent bonds.

Error no. 2: Threadlocking stickers are not available in different gradations.

Although many manufacturers know what threadlocking adhesives are, they often think that these come in only one grade. Probably accustomed to the wide range of shapes and sizes of locking devices, this perception may turn them away from their use, thinking that they cannot meet specific use cases.

In fact, threadlocking adhesives are available in different ranges for numerous applications. For example, low-strength threadlocking adhesives are designed for anything less than ¼ and even softer metals such as aluminum. This capability allows manufacturers to remove them quickly after application if necessary. Threadlocking adhesives are also available in high-strength formulations for more permanent applications.

Error no. 3: Threadlocking adhesives increase implantation costs.

Manufacturers are familiar with locking devices and probably have them in stock in all shapes and sizes. Although they may fail or get lost, they are inexpensive to replace when needed and are not a problem. In comparison, they might consider the initial expense of threadlocking adhesives more expensive than locking devices and consequently are not interested in using them.

Although threadlocking adhesives may cost more initially, they enable plants to reduce overall costs in the following ways:

• Reduced likelihood of accidents: Locking devices inherently fail due to the vibration of heavy equipment, which can cause equipment to become detached from its track and result in work accidents. In addition, failures of locking devices on equipment can create a hazard in the workplace. Thread-locking adhesives eliminate these problems.
• Reduced equipment maintenance: Even when using locking devices, nuts and bolts do not have 100% metal-to-metal contact. As a result, air and moisture can infiltrate and cause corrosion. Over time, corrosion can cause the nut and bolt to seize, making it difficult to disassemble the equipment and requiring costly maintenance and repair. Threadlocking adhesives in this case can provide 100% contact to protect against corrosion.
• Increased plant efficiency: Plants often have entire warehouses dedicated to locking devices of various shapes and sizes. Threadlocking adhesives do not require large storage spaces and allow plant space to be used more efficiently. They can be easily incorporated into a tool kit for on-site needs, saving manufacturers the time needed to search for the right locking devices for a given nut and bolt. In addition, a single product can be used for nuts and bolts of different sizes, further simplifying production. Instead, threadlocking adhesives help create a proactive approach to maintenance repairs in a facility.
• Increased product mileage: With threadlocking adhesives, a minimum amount of product is sufficient. For example, a small 50-milliliter bottle can be used 800 times more than 3/8 nut and bolt locking devices, which helps reduce inventory costs.

Why choose Born2Bond™ threadlocking adhesives from Arkema

Although locking devices have historically been a popular maintenance option for fasteners, threadlocking adhesives offer distinctive advantages. In addition to enabling maintenance teams to be proactive rather than reactive, they unify the assembly process, ensuring that all equipment operates at the same level of performance. In addition, they offer resistance to vibration and corrosion. Arkema’s Born2Bond threadlocking adhesives are:

• Available in different gradations and viscosities to improve flexibility
• Single-component for ease of use
• Oil tolerants for improved performance
• Equipped with primerless technology, usable on inactive metals such as plated parts, stainless steel, zinc, black oxide and aluminum.