For over thirty years Chemique Adhesives Ltd has been committed to building long-term relationships with its customers, successfully providing them with technical and adhesive advice that has helped them to grow and prosper. A customer that has benefited from this commitment is AIM – Acoustic and Insulation Manufacturing, a manufacturer of specialist insulation products based in West Sussex, UK.
AIM who are part of the SIG Performance Technology Group, produce a variety of bespoke insulation products and manufacture a range of fire, thermal and acoustic insulation products primarily to the construction industry as well as to a diverse range of sectors.
“We had been looking for ways to maximise the efficiency of our manufacturing operations and increase production on our acoustic and insulation lines particularly during busier times when there was an increase in demand,” explained Tim Dalton, general manager at AIM. “It was also important that we continued to reduce the amount of solvent-based adhesives we were using on-site and if we could eliminate solvents and increase output then we were on to a winner.”
To achieve these goals, the company approached adhesives expert and existing supplier, Chemique Adhesives and after assessing the operations, a plan of testing was put into place using less hazardous hot melt adhesives.
“Looking at AIM’s current setup, we were able to offer a high performance alternative to a solvent-based adhesive that would allow for a better manufacturing and application process whilst eliminating the use of hazardous solvents,” said Bob Lovegrove, business development manager, at Chemique Adhesives Ltd.
Samples of the material to be bonded were tested in the laboratory by the technical team at Chemique Adhesives and the test results confirmed that a hot melt adhesive would be an ideal solution. The adhesive has a high initial tack, long open time and can adhere to a variety of substrates that are regularly used as part of AIM’s manufacturing processes.
Bob commented: “We were able to provide AIM with an alternative to a solvent based adhesive and that was a hot melt system which would eliminate the need for additional extraction systems and provide the freedom to be able to spray hot melt anywhere in the factory. As well as this the new environmentally friendly hot melt requires only a one-way stick, unlike the existing solvent-based adhesive that had to be a two way stick, so this has resulted in a faster production time.”
“The new holt melt system is working really well for us and we have already seen improved efficiency and productivity,” said Tim Dalton. “The team at Chemique have always been proactive in solving problems and suggesting improvements and we can always rely on them to come up with the right solution. Not only did they carry out a full technical assessment, but they also provided the adhesive and adhesive application equipment for our specific needs.”
The Chemique Adhesives ‘Total Service Package’ includes full engineering and technical support and provides AIM with total peace of mind as equipment is regularly serviced and after-sales support guarantees smooth implementation and operations.
Having spent a decade in the fastener industry experiencing every facet – from steel mills, fastener manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, as well as machinery builders and plating + coating companies, Claire has developed an in-depth knowledge of all things fasteners.
Alongside visiting numerous companies, exhibitions and conferences around the world, Claire has also interviewed high profile figures – focusing on key topics impacting the sector and making sure readers stay up to date with the latest developments within the industry.
