Should I use a low-temperature hot melt?
Low-temp grades typically mean less severe burns, less char and fewer clogged nozzles and faster warm-up. Standard 350°F grades typically give more heat resistance and bond on harder coated boards. Low-temp is typically a good fit for standard case and carton work and cold chain; stay on standard grades when cases see high heat in transit or storage, or the board is hard to bond.
Hot melt and hot equipment can cause burns. Follow your equipment maker’s safety manual and lockout steps; qualified personnel only. Call us for data sheets
Low-temp vs standard at a glance
| Low-temperature | Standard | |
|---|---|---|
| Application temperature | About 250°F | About 350°F |
| Burn severity | Typically less severe (still hot enough to burn) | Higher |
| Char and nozzle clogs | Typically less, since glue is held cooler | More risk if run hot or idle at heat |
| Warm-up | Typically faster warm-up | Baseline |
| Heat resistance in service | Can be lower; call 800-249-0337 if cases see a hot truck or warehouse | Typically higher (grade-specific) |
| Cold resistance | Cattie freezer grades typically to about −40°F (grade-specific) | Grade-specific |
| Hard, coated boards | Grade-specific; trial first | Typically the safer starting point |
Typical behavior, not specifications. Confirm on your line.
Cattie low-temperature grades
Cattie metallocene freezer grades 8280 and 8365 apply at about 250°F and typically hold to about −40°F (grade-specific). Grade detail is on metallocene hot melt. Cattie also makes low-temperature hot melts and primers for high-gloss bookbinding stock. See hot melt adhesive.
Switching to low-temp
Purge and clean before changing grades, then reset tank, hose and gun temperatures to the new grade’s range. Do not mix grades in the tank. Check nozzle distance and air again after the change, since a different viscosity can change cut-off. Run a trial before you commit the whole line.
Request a sample Call 800-249-0337 Request a quote
Related
Hot melt adhesive · Metallocene hot melt · EVA vs metallocene · Packaging adhesives · Charring and gelling
Low-temp hot melt FAQ
What temperature is a low-temp hot melt?
Cattie low-temperature grades apply at about 250°F instead of 350°F.
Is low-temp hot melt safer?
It is still hot enough to burn, but burns are typically less severe at about 250°F than at 350°F, and nozzles, hoses and fittings run cooler too.
Does low-temp hot melt have less heat resistance?
It can be. If cases sit in a hot truck or warehouse, call 800-249-0337 and we will help you pick a grade.
Which Cattie grades run at low temperature?
Metallocene freezer grades 8280 and 8365 apply at about 250°F and typically hold to about −40°F (grade-specific). Call 800-249-0337 for other low-temperature grades.
How do I get a sample or line trial?
Call 800-249-0337 or email sales@cattieadhesives.com. Tell us your board, applicator, line speed and tank temperature.
