How HVAC manufacturers can speed up production with flexible adhesives

In the manufacturing industry, speed is the name of the game, and HVAC manufacturing in particular is no different. To stay competitive, component suppliers and assemblers need to find ways to increase manufacturing speed and efficiency while maintaining outstanding product quality. One of the best options for HVAC manufacturers to accelerate production and deliver orders faster is to use adhesive tapes. Let’s explore some of the ways adhesives can add value to HVAC applications while shortening project timelines.

Eliminate mechanical fasteners

For bonding applications, adhesives can be used to speed up assembly time by eliminating rivets and other mechanical fasteners. Instead of manually installing perhaps dozens of screws on a single panel, assemblers can use a pre-cut piece of tape to bond panels or other components. VHB tape in particular is ideal for permanent bonding applications because it provides extremely high bond strength that increases over time and can help reduce the total weight of HVAC products. VHB tape can also provide a seamless bond line that is watertight and airtight for increased energy efficiency and ingress protection. Adhesive tapes can be used to bond dissimilar substrates and materials with low surface energy, making these materials both practical and cost-effective for high-volume projects.

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Streamline packaging for shipping

These days, an increasing number of HVAC manufacturers are attempting to cut costs by moving away from shrink-wraps when shipping products. Instead, they’re opting to use surface protective films to cover panels and other components during transportation. Saunders can die-cut adhesive films and protective materials to precise sizes and unique geometries to provide effective protection for a wide range of components. We can also add release liners that make it easy to apply protective materials in the manufacturing environment, helping to speed up packaging and shipping for HVAC components.

Swap tapes for liquid adhesives

Some HVAC manufacturers use liquid adhesives to bond panels or internal components in HVAC systems. While liquid adhesives can provide good bond strength and durability, adhesive tapes can present a much more efficient option without sacrificing performance. Because pressure-sensitive adhesives adhere almost instantly to substrates, manufacturers can eliminate cure times associated with liquid adhesives, accelerating production. In addition, flexible adhesive tapes are significantly easier to work with in the manufacturing environment, produce less waste and don’t require specialized cleanup and disposal procedures.

Avoid supply chain issues

Supply chain issues can be one of the biggest sources of headaches and delays for HVAC manufacturers. Even with the worst impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic largely in the rearview mirror, many manufacturers still find themselves struggling to source key materials for refrigeration units and other critical components. One of the best ways to avoid such delays is by working with a converter like Saunders that has strong ties to leading materials suppliers. Saunders is a 3M Preferred Converter, which means we have priority access to industry-leading materials and keep commonly used materials in stock to shorten lead times. We can help HVAC manufacturers quickly and reliably source adhesive materials to minimize supply-related delays in production timelines.

The value of adhesive tapes

From panel bonding to improved ingress protection, adhesive tapes are versatile materials that can be used for a variety of applications to enhance products and improve HVAC system performance. By using adhesive tapes instead of mechanical fasteners or liquid adhesives, manufacturers can significantly reduce assembly time, lower costs, increase manufacturing efficiency and create products that outclass the competition.

Ready to launch your next HVAC manufacturing project? Request a quote or contact Saunders today to learn more about our suite of converting services and how we can add value to your manufacturing operation.