Application
With adequate processing equipment SikaMelt®-285 FR can be applied directly or in a transfer method. It can be applied as film, dot, bead or spray application. For automated applications a suitable filter system is required.
Due to the better adhesion performance the direct method is usually chosen whenever possible. The transfer method is often used in combination with substrates that are porous and absorbing such as foams or when they are sensitive to high temperature such as thin PE films. To protect the adhesive surface against dust, light and oxygen it is necessary to cover the adhesive film with silicone coated paper or foil.
To meet the required application properties the adhesive viscosity can be adjusted by adapting the application temperature (see diagram 1).

Diagram 1: Viscosity as a function of temperature SikaMelt®-285 FR
During breaks SikaMelt®-285 FR is to be processed as follows:
For breaks ≥ 1 h the heating needs to be lowered to 80 °C and for breaks ≥ 4 h the heating needs to be switched off.
To ensure a constant quality during the whole production process it is recommended to protect the adhesive in the melting tank with nitrogen or carbon dioxide (to avoid possible reaction of the product with oxygen).
For advice on selecting and setting up suitable processing equipment contact the System Engineering Department of Sika Industry.