Cyanoacrylates, Hotmelts & Tapes: Non-Structural Fastening Solutions for Appliance Assembly

Consumers now expect fridges, washing machines, and even small appliances like coffee machines to feature flush-fitting trims, hidden joins, and clean, uninterrupted surfaces. Achieving this level of design excellence while maintaining high-volume throughput on the assembly line means that traditional mechanical fasteners... the screws, rivets, and fiddly clips, are simply no longer fit for purpose in Mounting/Assembly processes.

As experts in the material science behind high-speed manufacturing, we see the clear shift towards advanced adhesives and tapes for non-structural component fastenings. These solutions offer the speed and low cost needed for high volume production, alongside the invisible bond lines required for a premium aesthetic finish. It is not just about sticking things together; it’s about choosing the precise chemistry that delivers the quickest cure, the best environmental resistance, or the perfect clarity for a specific component.

The Need for Assembly Speed: Cyanoacrylates and Hotmelts

In any factory environment, time is quite literally money. Minimising cycle time on assembly steps involving non-structural components is crucial for hitting target production efficiency. Two chemistries excel here:

1. Instant Bond: Cyanoacrylates (Permabond 105 / Henkel)

For small, close-fitting plastic or rubber parts, such as internal guides, bumpers, or small seals in a washing machine or tumble dryer, nothing beats the speed of a cyanoacrylate. Products like Permabond 105 or similar fast-curing grades from Henkel offer quick bonds that reach fixture strength in seconds.

The USP here is single-component application and sheer speed. They require no mixing, minimal capital equipment (just a dispensing tip), and allow parts to be moved immediately down the line. This is the definition of cost efficiency for high-volume, repetitive fastening tasks, eliminating the labour costs associated with mechanical fixings.

2. Volume Efficiency: Hotmelts (Power Adhesive 265 / 214)

When light trims, foam insulation, or internal wiring looms need quick, secure positioning, hotmelts (like the EVA and Polyolefin systems from Power Adhesives 265 / 214) are the economical champion.

These adhesives offer quick cure times for light fixtures. They are applied hot and fixture almost instantly upon cooling, offering a clear or lightweight bond. Their application is easily automated, making them ideal for high-speed, high-volume manufacturing of components such as securing cable anchors or light diffusion strips inside a fridge cabinet. They are also a non-hazardous option, streamlining regulatory compliance and operator safety.

Aesthetic Perfection: The Invisible Power of PSA Tapes

The ultimate aesthetic solution for external fastenings is the high-performance Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (PSA) Tape.

3. Seamless Finish: PSA Tapes

Engineered PSA Tapes, like the one exemplified by the 3M Scotch Mount 4632 range, are designed as direct alternatives to rivets or welding for trim and external mounting assemblies. They provide an invisible bond line between materials like metal, plastic, and glass.

These double-sided tapes are critical for securing external name badges, decorative trim on ovens, or fascia panels on hobs. Their viscoelastic nature means the bond is continuous, providing a superior seal against environmental factors, and allowing the tape to mount a wide range of materials while compensating for manufacturing tolerance differences. Crucially, they offer very high-temp resistance and are highly solvent resistant, ensuring durability in cleaning and operation. The simplicity of peel-and-stick application is a clear win for production efficiency.

Reliability and Environment: Epoxies and Silicones

While speed and aesthetics are important, the non-structural fastenings must also hold up to the specific environmental rigours of the appliance itself

4. Environmental Resilience: Epoxies (Permabond ET5145 & ET5147)

For internal components that are non-load bearing but require excellent resistance to impact and vibration... protecting against damage during shipping or use, epoxies are the professional choice. Products like Permabond ET5145 & ET5147 are ideal for bonding metal, composites, and certain plastics.

Crucially, some grades offer FDA compliance, making them essential for non-structural contact areas in coffee machines, ice makers, or water dispensers where food and drink safety is paramount. They provide good environmental durability and are often used to secure components that might be subject to cleaning agents or minor spillage over time.

5. Heat-Resistance: Silicone Adhesives (RTV5242/43)

For applications near heat sources, such as the mounting of internal sensors, insulation blankets, or trim on appliance doors and lids (particularly ovens), a heat-resistant silicone is mandatory.

The RTV5242/43 type of silicone adhesive offers a single-part, flexible system that can be heat-cured for quick setting time. Their inherent flexibility and high thermal stability ensure that the seal or bond does not crack, shrink, or degrade when exposed to the high temperatures inside an oven cavity, maintaining the integrity of the assembly over the product’s entire lifespan. This is where reliability meets simplified fastening.

Choosing the correct specialist adhesive is an investment in both your product's finish and your production efficiency. Consult with a specialist to ensure the exact chemistry is specified for your substrate, load, and environmental demands.

To explore our complete range of adhesives, tapes, silicones, and thermal management solutions for enhanced appliance design and manufacture, please visit the Techsil Appliances landing page.

Are you ready to move beyond screws and rivets to achieve true aesthetic excellence and faster assembly? Speak to our experts about streamlining your Mounting/Assembly process today.

Click here to Book A Complimentary Consultation

Further Reading:

• Discover our range of Cyanocarylates for instant bonding applications.

• Learn about the benefits of Double-Sided Tapes in assembly.