Heading to Hilton Head for the HPVA

Many vacationers travel to Hilton Head Island to throw a fishing line into the water. But Franklin Adhesives & Polymers is going there to present a line – The Plywood Line – to attendees of the Hardwood Plywood & Veneer Association’s Spring Conference.

Our Plywood Line is a first-of-its-kind selection of seven CARB-compliant adhesives for plywood and lamination products. The line includes four easy-to-use PVA adhesives, a powerful two-part EPI adhesive and two innovative bio-modified adhesives, using soy.

The HPVA conference is May 6 through May 8 at the Westin Resort, Hilton Head Island in South Carolina. We hope you will stop by and see us at the show.

Spring Gluing Tips

Winter has melted into spring, with warm – and often wet – days.
Warmer weather eliminates some gluing problems. Adhesives aren’t as likely to get chalky or to freeze, and you reduce the risk of open joints due to extremely dry air inside heated plants.

On the other hand, spring rains can make the air too humid. Be aware of the possibility of slower curing rates, and adjust clamp times accordingly. Watch for faster curing in moisture-curing urethane products.

Equipment deserves some spring-cleaning, too. We recommend a thorough cleaning and maintenance of gluing and pressing equipment during spring months:

Storage 
This is a good time to check the condition of bulk storage tanks and remove any build up or sediment that might have accumulated over time. Spring also is a good time to check inventory and make sure you don’t have any hidden pails or drums nearing expiration dates.

Ripsaws
Good maintenance of ripsaws requires 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 might have been awhile 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, and 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 levels 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.

For additional questions on spring application of any of our wood adhesives, feel free to contact our technical support team at IASTS@franklininternational.com or (800) 977-4583.

Teaming Up in Upper Midwest to Offer Customers More

Plants located across the vast upper Midwest look to Franklin Adhesives & Polymers to meet their adhesives needs.

But now, they won’t have to look as far for us: We have partnered with Minnetonka-based Applied Products, an assembly and process solutions company that incorporates adhesives, dispensing equipment, assembly automation, production tools and engineering into a synergistic business resource.

Our partnership enables us to provide the best possible service to customers across Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, South Dakota, North Dakota, Nebraska and Illinois. Applied Products will stock our adhesives for wood products, filter assembly and label coating at two regional warehouses for on-time delivery to customers. The company also offers our customers a technical solutions center, engineering capabilities, complimentary product lines and more than four decades of industry experience.

Applied Products’ Technical solutions center offers expert on-site support, phone support, technology seminars and many other resources. Of course our technical service team also remains at your service.

Our partnership with Applied Products brings us closer to you. But we are never more than a phone call away.