Category: JoinedUpMinute

What does the Shore hardness number on your adhesive’s datasheet actually mean? In this JoinedUpMinute, Craig explains how hardness is measured and why it matters when selecting a material. You’ll learn: What Shore hardness tells you about resistance to indentation The differences between Shore 00, A, and D scales If you’re choosing a material based on […]

Coating, encapsulation, or potting – which is right for protecting your electronics? In this JoinedUpMinute, Ian explains the key differences between three common protection methods: Coating (aka conformal coating) — a thin protective film over a PCB assembly Encapsulation (sometimes called ‘glob topping’) — a thicker layer over specific areas Potting — filling an enclosure […]

Struggling to see your adhesive on clear parts? Fluorescing adhesives can light the way—literally. In this JoinedUpMinute, Craig explains how fluorescence can support visual process control in medical device manufacturing. You’ll learn: What fluorescence is and how it works How it helps confirm adhesive placement and coverage Why red-fluorescing adhesives can be easier to inspect […]

If your product touches the human body—or goes inside it—biocompatibility matters. In this JoinedUpMinute, Darren explains ISO 10993: What it is and why it’s important The types of tests it includes, like irritation and sensitisation Why choosing pre-tested materials can streamline medical device approvals Working on a medical application? We’ve got materials that meet ISO […]

Don’t blow a gasket over the difference between cure-in-place and form-in-place gaskets. Just watch Kevin explain in this JoinedUpMinute. In 66 seconds, you’ll learn: What liquid gaskets are used for How form-in-place and cure-in-place methods differ The benefits and behaviours of each approach Watch here: JoinedUpMinute is our weekly minute-long video sharing insights from our […]

When adhesives come into contact with skin—directly or indirectly—choosing the right one becomes even more important. In this JoinedUpMinute, Matt looks at adhesives in wearable devices and why skin sensitivity matters. You’ll learn: Where adhesives are used in wearables Which ingredients may cause irritation (like IBOA and TPOs) What to look for—such as ISO 10993-10 […]

Harsh environments can take their toll on bonded products – but how do you test for that without waiting years? In this JoinedUpMinute, Darren explains the 85/85 test: 🔸What it is and how it works 🔸Why it’s used to simulate long-term heat and humidity exposure 🔸Why this test is tough on adhesive bonds 🔸How engineered […]

How long should you wait before handling your bonded parts? In this JoinedUpMinute, Darren explains why fixture time matters and how it differs from full cure time. In this video, you’ll learn:🔸 What fixture time really means🔸 Why it’s different from full cure time🔸 How handling parts too soon can affect bond strength🔸 How understanding […]

Here’s this week’s JoinedUpMinute video, with Kevin walking you through how to set up your pressure pot for dispensing. You’ll learn: Step by step instructions for setting up a dispensing reservoir Tips for minimising clean-up when you’re done dispensing Let’s go! JoinedUpMinute is our weekly minute-long video sharing insights from our world. You can catch […]

Blooming might not weaken a bond, but it can certainly spoil the look. In this JoinedUpMinute video, Darren explains blooming: What it is and why it happens Why it’s a common issue with cyanoacrylate (CA) adhesives How you can help reduce or eliminate it Check it out! You can dig deeper into this topic by […]

Surface energy can make or break your adhesive, coating, or printing process. But what exactly is it? In this JoinedUpMinute, Conor explains: 🔸 What is surface energy 🔸 Its impact on your materials and processes 🔸 How we measure it Want to understand the difference between surface energy and surface tension? Check out our whitepaper. […]

Material datasheets list viscosity values ranging from single digits to hundreds of thousands. But what do those numbers actually mean? In this JoinedUpMinute, Rachel demystifies viscosity and breaks down what it is and why it matters. In this video, you’ll learn:🔸 How viscosity is measured🔸 How different viscosities behave🔸 Why viscosity is a key factor […]

In this JoinedUpMinute, Matt walks you through the key steps for preparing a two-part cartridge before dispensing. You’ll learn: The correct preparation process for two-part cartridges How skipping steps can affect your chances of success Let’s go! Read more about this topic in our blog How to prepare two-part cartridges for dispensing. JoinedUpMinute is our […]

What, actually, is UV light? Today’s JoinedUpMinute video features Peter exploring: Where UV falls on the electromagnetic spectrum The difference between visible and UV light What UV light is made of And… can you see it? Ride the wave(length): Read more about this topic in our blog Can you see UV light? JoinedUpMinute is our […]

What makes an adhesive “structural”? Here’s Kevin to explain in this week’s JoinedUpMinute video. You’ll learn: What a structural adhesive is What adhesive chemistries are typically structural What each of those chemistries are particularly good at How to select a structural adhesive for your application Have a look! Download our Structural Adhesive Selector Guide here […]

Here’s this week’s JoinedUpMinute video, with Holly talking about the difference between pot life and working life (also known as open time). You’ll learn: What is pot life What is working life Why understanding these properties affects the quality of your process Let’s go! For further information on this topic, have a read of our […]

Sometimes, UV cured materials may have a tacky surface after curing. Here’s Simon to explain in this week’s JoinedUpMinute video. You’ll learn: What can cause a tacky surface on UV-cured materials What it looks like How to rectify the problem Check it out! You can also read our blog post on achieving a tack-free cure […]

Peter might have odd taste in sandwich fillings, but thixotropy helps him along the way. In this JoinedUpMinute video, he answers: What ‘thixotropic’ means—with examples from your kitchen The concept of shear thinning How thixotropic materials impact dispensing The benefits of thixotropic materials in manufacturing Have a look:   JoinedUpMinute is our weekly minute-long video […]

We’re mixing it up in this week’s JoinedUpMinute video, where Allie gets to the bottom of planetary centrifugal mixers. She’ll explain: How planetary centrifugal mixers work What they’re best at mixing The benefits over other types of mixers Here’s Allie to tell you more: If you’d like to explore the topic further, here are some […]

Adhesives versus sealants – aren’t they kind of the same thing? Spend a minute with Kevin today while he explains: What is a structural adhesive What is a sealant What is the common ground between adhesives and sealants Get stuck in! If you like Kevin’s style and want him to provide you with a tailored […]

Today, we’re talking about surface science – specifically about tensiometers – courtesy of Alison. She explains: What tensiometers are able to measure Different types of tensiometers, such as force tensiometer, bubble tensiometer, or optical tensiometer (also known as contact angle meter) Check it out! You can find out more about specific types of tensiometers on […]

Does your unmixed epoxy adhesive contain lumps or look a bit milky? Don’t throw it away! Just spare a minute for Kevin to explain epoxy crystallisation in this week’s JoinedUpMinute video. You’ll learn: Signs of epoxy crystallisation What causes epoxy crystallisation How to reverse the crystallisation so you can use the epoxy as usual Check […]

Kevin graces our screens with his breakdown of static mixing nozzles and how to tell exactly which one you are holding. If you receive mixing nozzles with adhesive materials but don’t know what part number they are to order more, this JoinedUpMinute video was designed with you in mind. You’ll learn: Different mixing nozzle shapes […]

Happy new year, and welcome to our first JoinedUpMinute video of 2025. In this video, Alison gives a quick explanation of Dyne pens and measuring surface tension and energy. She covers: Measurement units for surface tension Surface tension versus surface energy How Dyne pens are used to indicate surface energy Have a look!   JoinedUpMinute […]

Our final JoinedUpMinute for 2024 is a speedy overview of wetting, courtesy of Alison. She explains: What wetting is and why it’s important How wetting relates to surface energy How to improve wetting Check it out!   If you want to dive deeper into how to improve wetting, have a look at our video How […]

Matt returns to our screens again in this week’s JoinedUpMinute video, outlining how to control a dose of material when using a time/pressure dispenser. In 58 seconds, he goes over what four major factors influence dosing control. Check it out!   Find out more about these factors and get some other great dispensing insights by […]

In this week’s JoinedUpMinute video, Craig gets to the root of what exotherm is and why it’s important. In just 57 seconds, he covers: What exothermic reaction is Why you should care about exotherm How exotherm can be helpful Have a look!   JoinedUpMinute is our weekly minute-long video sharing insights from our world. You […]

This week, our JoinedUpMinute video is about how room temperature vulcanising (“RTV”) silicones cure, courtesy of Ben. You’ll learn: What’s the most important factor in curing for RTV silicones? What are the other variables at play? Have a look!   For more information about curing, read “Adhesive Problem? What’s the Cure?”. And naturally, you’ll find product […]

All the basics of what should be in your dispensing robot specification in a single minute! This week’s JoinedUpMinute video features Peter’s expert advice. You’ll learn: The 4 top factors, outside of the robot itself, that affect your robot specification What you need to consider about the rest of your dispensing process   Feast your […]

In this week’s JoinedUpMinute video, Craig provides an overview of what plasma surface treatment accomplishes. You’ll learn: What is plasma? What are the various benefits of plasma in surface treatment? Check it out! For more information about improving surface treatment with plasma, here are some further resources: Video: How does plasma surface treatment improve adhesion? […]

We’re kicking off a new video series called JoinedUpMinute, and our inaugural clip features Matt giving a quick tutorial on how to mix a twinpack. He reviews: Basic mixing methods for twinpacks How to mix the material completely and thoroughly How to dispense material that comes in a twinpack Have a look!   For further […]