H.B. Fuller has made two advances for the Liquamelt adhesive system—a bulk feed option that eliminates the need for on-floor staff to refill the adhesive reservoir and a gateway I/O option that will allow the system’s operation to be monitored by the packaging machine control system.

“These new features, when combined with the potential energy savings, maintenance savings, safety and eco-advantages of the Liquamelt cool adhesive technology, present a compelling alternative to traditional hot melt adhesive sealing,” said Dave Mancuso, business development manager/Liquamelt of H.B. Fuller.

The bulk feed capability is accomplished by the delivery of Liquamelt adhesive in a large container that is replaced when emptied. Typically hot melt adhesive is dispensed from the hot tank of a conventional system or from a reservoir close to the hot melt system. The bulk delivery option allows containers to be located remotely and the Liquamelt adhesive to be safely transferred from the sealed containers to the packaging machines through common non-heated fluid hoses. As Liquamelt adhesive is supplied at room temperature and heated just prior to application by the Turboactivator technology located inside the packaging machine, heated transport hoses are not required. Three bulk container sizes are offered: 30 liter drum, 50 gallon drum, and 2,500 pound tote. These options maintain the Liquamelt system’s cool on delivery, hot on demand operating approach by  delivering room temperature liquid adhesive from a variety of package options to the Liquamelt application equipment reservoir.  Providing a closed, continuous fill operation is important in reducing waste, resulting in lower overall operating costs.

The gateway I/O option enables external communication and provides machine health status. It will allow monitoring of the Liquamelt adhesive system by the OEM equipment and ensure efficient and reliable line operation.

H.B. Fuller’s Gen2 Liquamelt adhesive systems are currently under development and the company has scheduled a “Next Generation Brainstorming Event” to be held at Pack Expo 2012 to obtain user feedback and OEM input on new features and functionality of the system. The Liquamelt adhesive system debuted at Pack Expo Las Vegas 2011 as a- revolutionary alternative to hot melt sealing that delivers a up to a 50 percent improvement in mileage per pound and up to a 50 percent reduction or more in energy costs compared to traditional hot melt. Additional benefits include a non-petroleum formulation based on 40 percent sustainable raw materials, elimination of heated hoses and related safety concerns, and a formulation composition that helps ensure no char or adhesion to packaging machinery for clean operation and easy cleanup.