ABSTRACT
The selection of a specific adhesive for a specific application can be likened to the process of selecting a marriage partner. In matching an adhesive to prospective substrates, influenced by design and performance requirements, the same procedures of consideration in mating apparent compatibilities and evaluating prototypes or working models is, of course, correct engineering method to be employed. The first step in the adhesive selection process, which is often over-looked, should be the fundamental affirmation of the suitability of adhesive bonding, as opposed to other fastening methods, for our particular application. Threaded mechanical fastening, riveting, stapling, welding, brazing, and soldering are just a few alternative joining methods. Frequently, mechanically fastened assembly requires secondary operations, such as sealing or filling gaps between fastener sites. The optimum strategy is to approach the adhesive selection process by establishing a complete grid of acceptance criteria. This grid, or screening analysis, will rate the various elements which totally add up to a successful adhesive application.
