Ralph: Hot melts are fast, somewhat easy to apply and convienent.
However there are some issues you should consider.
1. Because they are fast setting there is a very short open and fixture time.
Once you apply it you have very litle time to work before it sets up. This can
be good or bad depending on how you are using it.
2. They are somewhat surface sensitive. As an example if you have no clean flux
residues there may be reduced adhesion.
3. The impact and shear strenghths may not be as good as a fast set two
component epoxy.
4. The bond performance under temperature extremes especially cold may be less
than you require. However there are some newer high performance urethanes that
have a service temp of 150 C for high temp applications.
5. The appplicator can be hot, somewhat clunky to handle and a little messy on
the material release.

It really depends on how and what you are using the product for anr your
performance requirements. What other types of adhesives are you comparing it to?
My personal choice would be a fast set two component epoxy.

                                                Regards
                                                        Michael Barmuta
                                                        Staff Engineer
                                                        Fluke Corp.
                                                        Everett Wa.
                                                        425-356-6076

On Wed, 5 Aug 1998 06:58:02 -0700 Vaughan, Ralph H wrote:

> From: Vaughan, Ralph H <[log in to unmask]>
> Date: Wed, 5 Aug 1998 06:58:02 -0700
> Subject: [TN] hot melts
> To: [log in to unmask]
>
> Hi Folks,
>
> I have been playing around with some hot-melt adhesives and am somewhat
> surprised at how well some of them bond to wire insulation, board materials,
> etc.  I really don't know anyone in the government or aerospace biz that is
> using this bonding or potting method, and I am wondering 'how come?'   there
> may be some very obvious reasons for this, and I'd like to know them. OR, if
> anyone is using hotmelts with success, I would enjoy hearing of it.
>
> Ralph Vaughan
> Boeing-Atlanta
>
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