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Spring Gluing Tips 

Spring is a great time for gluing! The weather is beginning to warm up, so frozen glue; open glue joints from extremely dry plants and even chalking are less problematic. High amounts of rain in the spring months can raise the humidity in the plants. Watch your adhesive for slower curing times and adjust your clamps accordingly. For moisture curing urethane products, watch for faster curing with the higher humidity. During the spring months, Franklin Adhesives & Polymers recommends a thorough cleaning and maintenance of gluing and pressing equipment.

Storage - This is a good time to check the condition of bulk storage tanks to remove any build up or sediment that might have accumulated over time. This is also a good time to check inventory to make sure that there are not any old pails or drums hidden from view. 

Ripsaws - Good maintenance of ripsaws involves more than just changing saw blades.  When was the last time you checked the alignment of your parts or the condition of your arbor bearings?

Mixing equipment - The mix ratio of two-part adhesives is important for good radio frequency gluing and for proper water resistance. It has probably been a while since this ratio was checked.

Spreaders - Repair or replace any loose flights on conveyors. Remove any glue buildups around the spreaders. Check the condition of the applicator rolls. Lubricate parts as necessary.

Clamp carriers - Clean and lubricate each clamp. This is also a good time to replace the thrust washer located behind the tightening nut on each clamp. Check each clamp to ensure that proper pressure is being applied. Make sure that the drive chains are in good condition. Replace any broken air or hydraulic gauges.

Radio frequency presses - Most machines have a number of hydraulic pressure cylinders. Make sure that all of them are working. Check fluid level in pumps and make sure that all gauges are functioning. The beryllium copper strip along the front edge of the machine and other ground straps are frequently damaged or disconnected. The retard system in the continuous machine needs to be cleaned and checked for wear.