How to remove carbides from hot melt adhesive granules and pots? 3 ways to make the glue pot look brand new

What are the carbides in the glue pot? Why is it necessary to clean up?

hot melt adhesive pelletsHeating in the glue pot for a long time will cause the resin and thickening agent to slowly decompose, forming black carbides that deposit on the bottom of the pot and the wall of the rubber tube. Carbides not only affect the purity of the adhesive solution (causing a decrease in adhesion and darkening of the adhesive color), but also block the rubber hose and scratch the coating roller, which must be cleaned regularly.

Three cleaning methods

• Method 1: Hot melt cleaning method——The most commonly used. Raise the temperature of the glue pot to the working temperature, add specialized cleaning glue particles or a small amount of new glue, stir and melt, and then scrape off the carbonization residue while hot. Suitable for mild carbonization.
• Method 2: Solvent cleaning method——After cooling the glue pot, soak it in specialized cleaning agents (such as butanone, ethyl acetate) to dissolve residual glue and carbides. Suitable for moderate to severe carbonization, but attention should be paid to ventilation and protection.
• Method 3: Mechanical Scraping Method——Use a heat-resistant silicone spatula or wooden spatula to physically scrape off the carbonized layer at the bottom of the pot. The most thorough but time-consuming, it is recommended to do a deep cleaning once every quarter.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How often is it appropriate to clean the glue pot?

A: Mild use (graphic store): Hot melt cleaning once every 2 weeks. Heavy use (three shifts in the book and magazine factory): once a week. Deep mechanical cleaning is conducted once every quarter.

Q: Does the mixture of carbides in the adhesive have a significant impact on the quality of binding?

A: Very big. Carbonized particles can cause local weakness and uneven adhesion in the adhesive layer, which is one of the hidden reasons for page loss in books and periodicals.

Q: Is it okay to scrape the glue pot with an iron shovel?

A: No way. The iron shovel will scratch the PTFE coating of the glue pot, accelerating the adhesion of carbides. Please use a silicone spatula or wooden spatula.