Mar. 03, 2026
New to hot melt? That's perfect, we all start somewhere. Let us shine a little light on what hot melt is, how it is commonly used and dispensed as well as some ideas for best practices.
Hot melt or hot glue consists of thermoplastic polymers that when melted, apply as a liquid but become a solid again as they cool. Hot glue is used in both commercial and residential areas. It is used for a variety of things such as crafts, hobbies, woodworking, assembly, packaging, labeling, etc.
Hot glue was invented around by Paul Cope a Chemical & Packaging Engineer for Procter & Gamble. He invented it as an improvement to water-based adhesives that were failing in humid climates.
There are a few different types of hot melt glue. Each has their own benefits and drawbacks.
EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) This polymer is suitable for both packaging and assembly formulas. It is economical and effective at service temperatures from -22 to 176 degrees F (-30 to 80 degrees C) Standard hot melt. EVA is the most common type of hot melt and used in applications like packaging and product assembly.
PA (Polyamide) This polymer used to formulate adhesives to create a better resistant to temperature extremes and chemicals -76 to 266 degrees F(-60 to 130 C).
Polyamide is an expensive product that offers high heat resistance compared to traditional EVA products.
PP (Polypropylene) This polymer often used in spray formulations, to create specific adhesion properties like delayed setting time it's effective at -22 to 230 degrees F(-30 to 110 C).
PUR (Polyurethane) Similar to the traditional hot melt, except after it solidifies PUR absorbs small amounts of moisture. The intake of moisture creates a permanent chemical change after several days. This chemical change increases both heat and chemical resistance of this adhesive. The chemical reaction allows the PUR to form a structure bond similar to that of epoxies, but in less time. PUR is perfect for numerous applications, but is commonly used in woodworking.
Hot melt open time is a term referring to the amount of time a user has after applying hot melt glue before the product sets up. Short open time hot melt adhesives are used in applications like packaging and product assembly. Long open time hot melts are used in spray applications or when bonding large surfaces where more time is required to apply and compress your substrates.
Hot melt, which is often purchased in the form of glue sticks can also be purchased for bulk use in solid, gummy, liquid cube, pillow, and pellet form. These forms of bulk hot melt are dispensed with specialized bulk equipment for many industries we benefit from everyday including, cabinetry and furniture, food packaging, countertops, major appliances, shoes, mattresses, and more.
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Choosing what bulk hot melt and dispensing equipment you need can be a difficult obstacle without the right access to information and tools to make the most well-informed decision. We hope this guide can serve as a good resource for you to start exploring your options when it comes to bulk hot melt. At Gluegun.com, we are always here to give you the best professional advice, so don’t hesitate to contact us with other questions.
The greatest advantage bulk hot melt offers compared to traditional hot melt glue sticks is the cost savings it offers. Bulk hot melt typically undergoes less manufacturing and packaging so you’re able to pay less per pound for the same product that is sold in an individual stick form. Additionally, the purchasing of bulk hot melt usually involves wholesale pricing, so you can be sure you’re getting the best value.
Another valuable quality offered by bulk hot melt is versatility. Bulk hot melt is generally considered to be more a more universal adhesive compared to traditional hot melt glue sticks because it can be used in a variety of equipment, unlike glue sticks which come in precise sizes that only work with specific glue guns.
Bulk hot melt is a favorite in the packaging industry because of its ability to be used on a variety of substrates and to be applied with various machines, at differing speeds and for many kinds of applications. It’s also able to withstand extreme conditions. One of the most popular bulk hot melts for carton closing is the Warren Adhesive HM 065.
Foam packaging requires certain specifications like a slow set time and excellent tack to make sure your glue is positioned in the right place. Warren Adhesive HM 363 works with both cardboard and foam substrates and is designed for both foam to foam and foam to corrugated applications.
Because it’s able to expand and contract with ease and is specially formulated to adhere to sensitive substrates, bulk hot melt is essential to the labeling industry. One of our favorites is the Warren Adhesive HM . It bonds to glass, cardboard, and plastic and is suitable or bonding even pre-filled plastic bottles, paper-backed films, and carbonated drink bottles.
The extreme temperature resistance properties of bulk hot melt make it perfect for woodworking applications. There are many formulations for woodworking that are specific for pre-coating, profile wrapping, edge banding, soft forming, v-grooving, top laminating, and general assembly applications. The Infinity SuperTac 11 is commonly used in woodworking when strong, flexible bonds are required. It can be dispensed in bead form or as a spray while adapting to extreme temperatures and providing impact resistance.
The versatility of hot melt allows different formulations to bond many materials like wood, plastics, glass, metals, wood, and more. There is also a range of open times you an choose from to be sure you’re using the right bulk hot melt for your specific product assembly application. One of our go-to adhesives for product assembly is the Power Tecbond because of its versatility and high bond strength.
Bulk hot melt is used in bookbinding, catalogs, magazines, and other print finishing applications because of its excellent ability to lay flat and open qualities. The Power Tecbond F bulk hot melt bonds to a wide variety of paper and cover stocks and has a very low odor and fast setting speed, making it the perfect adhesive for your print finishing applications.
Though sometimes overlooked, hot melt plays a big role in the floral industry. It’s used to assemble floral arrangements and even for very specific purposes like decorating parade floats. Our favorite bulk hot melt for floral applications is the Surebonder because it’s commonly used with skillets and at individual stations.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Hot Melt Adhesive Wholesale. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
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