There are a number of adhesives that we use in robotics and have available in the Innovation Lab. They include Super Glue, Wood Glue, JB Weld, and Thread Locker. Generally these are stored in our refrigerator or on the entryway bench. In this section we will review the applications of each.
Threadlocker is an important tool in mechanical assembly that helps prevent fasteners from coming loose. This is particularly relevant for those of you interested in automotive, robotics, or engineering projects.
What is Threadlocker? Threadlocker is an adhesive specifically designed to keep threaded fasteners (screws, nuts, and bolts) securely in place. Think of it as a specialized glue that only hardens when it's trapped between metal parts with no air present.
You'll encounter three main varieties, each color-coded for easy identification:
Blue threadlocker: This is our medium-strength version. It's the most commonly used and allows for future disassembly with standard hand tools.
Red threadlocker: This is our high-strength version. Once cured, it creates a nearly permanent bond.
Purple threadlocker: This is our low-strength option, designed for smaller fasteners.
First, clean your fasteners thoroughly with a degreaser. This step is crucial for proper adhesion.
Allow the cleaned parts to dry completely.
Apply a small amount of threadlocker - typically 3-4 drops is sufficient.
Assemble your parts promptly.
Allow 24 hours for complete curing before putting stress on the assembly.
As with any chemical product, proper safety procedures are essential:
Always work in a well-ventilated area
Wear protective gloves to prevent skin contact
Use safety glasses to protect your eyes
Keep the product away from your clothes as it can permanently stain
Using too much product - remember, more isn't better
Skipping the cleaning step
Not allowing sufficient cure time
Using the wrong strength for your application
Remember, choosing the right threadlocker strength is important. When in doubt, medium-strength (blue) is generally the safest choice for most applications, as it provides good holding power while still allowing for future disassembly.
IMPORTANT NOTE: REGULAR LOCKTITE WILL CAUSE POLYCARBONATE TO CRACK AND BREAK ONLY USE SUPER GLUE OR LOCTITE 425
Superglue is a fast-acting adhesive that creates strong bonds between many different materials. It works by reacting with moisture in the air and on surfaces to form a strong bond within seconds to minutes.
Fixing plastic parts
Bonding rubber components
Minor household repairs
Model building and crafts
Temporary wound closure (medical versions only)
Small wood repairs
Clean and dry all surfaces thoroughly
Roughen smooth surfaces lightly if possible
Apply a small amount to one surface only - a single drop can cover about a square inch
Press surfaces together immediately
Hold firmly for about 30-60 seconds
Allow 24 hours for maximum strength to develop
Using too much - a little goes a long way
Trying to glue oily or dirty surfaces
Spreading the glue with a tool or finger
Attempting to use on gaps - superglue works best on tight-fitting surfaces
Not allowing full cure time before stressing the bond
This is very important, as superglue requires careful handling:
Work in a well-ventilated area
Protect your work surface - superglue bonds instantly to most materials
Keep away from your face and eyes
Never try to pull apart items that are stuck together with wet superglue
Keep away from cotton and wool fabrics - can cause strong heat reaction
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
Since accidents can happen, you should know:
If fingers get stuck together, use acetone-based nail polish remover to dissolve the bond
Never try to force bonded skin apart
If eye contact occurs, seek immediate medical attention
For skin contact, soak in warm soapy water and gently peel apart
JB Weld is a strong epoxy adhesive that comes in two parts - a resin and a hardener. When mixed together, they create a very strong bond that can repair metal, wood, plastic, and many other materials. Unlike superglue, it can fill gaps and actually rebuilds missing material.
Surface Preparation
Clean surfaces thoroughly
Remove any rust, paint, or loose material
Roughen smooth surfaces with sandpaper
Degrease the area
Mixing Process
Mix equal parts of both components (typically black resin and grey hardener)
Mix thoroughly until color is uniform (usually grey)
Only mix what you can use in about 5 minutes
Once mixed, you have limited working time (about 5-15 minutes depending on formula)
Application
Apply the mixed epoxy to your repair area
Build up layers if needed
Smooth the surface if desired
Allow to fully cure (15-24 hours depending on temperature)
Work in a well-ventilated area
Wear gloves to avoid skin contact
Use eye protection
Keep away from food preparation areas
Don't get it on your clothes - it won't come out
Repairing cracked metal
Fixing exhaust systems
Patching holes in metal or plastic
Bonding dissimilar materials
Creating custom parts
Emergency repairs on equipment
Automotive repairs
Temperature affects cure time - warmer is faster
Don't use below 50°F (10°C)
Mix thoroughly - incomplete mixing leads to weak bonds
Apply to dry surfaces
More layers can be added after initial cure
Different formulas exist for specific applications (original, quick-setting, high-temp)
Wood glue (commonly PVA - Polyvinyl Acetate) is specifically designed to bond wood to wood. When it dries, it actually creates a bond that's stronger than the wood itself, meaning if stressed enough, the wood will often break before the glue joint fails.
Surface Preparation
Wood must be clean and dry
Surfaces should fit together snugly
Sand if needed for better adhesion
Remove all dust
Application Process
Apply glue to both surfaces for best results
Spread evenly (brush, roller, or stick)
Join pieces within open time (usually 5-10 minutes)
Clamp firmly but not too tight
Wipe excess with damp cloth immediately
Curing Time
Allow 30-60 minutes under clamps
24 hours for full strength
Longer in cold or humid conditions