Adhesion times of industrial adhesives: from open time to polymerization

Expertise in bonding times
Comparison of each adhesive type
Production rate optimization
Support in choosing the right adhesive

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Overview

Why understand the curing process of an adhesive?

In industrial bonding, every second matters. To ensure performance, safety, and long-term durability in your applications, it's crucial to understand the reaction times of adhesives.

Open time, handling time, curing time... Mastering the different reaction phases of an adhesive helps you:

👉 Avoid bonding defects caused by too short or too long working times
👉 Minimize production downtime
👉 Ensure final quality, especially on difficult materials or critical parts

🔍 Examples of challenges:

Bonding hoods in the automotive industry: a two-component epoxy adhesive with too short a working time cures in the mixer before application is complete.
Mounting sandwich panels in construction: poorly managed open time leads to loss of adhesion if panels aren't positioned quickly enough.
End-of-line packaging: underestimated handling time can cause parts to shift or deform during packaging.
In automotive manufacturing, a fast-curing structural adhesive helps release tooling more quickly.

Key stages leading to full adhesive polymerization

	Open time / Working time The open time, or working time, refers to the period between the application of the adhesive and the moment it starts to react. During this window, the materials can be adjusted or repositioned before polymerization begins. 🔎 Note: In most cases, open time and working time are used interchangeably. However, some manufacturers differentiate these terms for two-component adhesives: Working time: The maximum time the adhesive can remain in the static mixer before excessive force is needed to extrude it. Open time: The maximum time available for assembly after the adhesive is applied to a surface.
	Tack time / Flash-off time Tack time refers to the moment when the adhesive becomes tacky but not dry. This phase is typical for contact adhesives and solvent-based glues. It's the critical point when the two surfaces must be joined.
	Set time / Handling time Set time is the time required for the adhesive to reach a mechanical strength sufficient to hold the bonded parts together without external force. This is when the adhesive starts to resist stress, allowing safe handling of the assembly.
	Cure time / Full cure time Cure time is the period needed for the adhesive to reach 90% of its final mechanical properties. This usually takes a few hours, depending on the formulation.
	Final polymerization Polymerization time refers to the total duration required for the adhesive to reach its maximum mechanical performance. This can range from several hours to several days, and is typically longer than the cure time.

🔎 Please note

Technical terms related to adhesive bonding times may vary from one manufacturer to another. Some brands use specific terminology or slightly redefine these concepts. The definitions provided here are based on the most widely accepted standards in the industry to ensure clarity and comparability.

Choosing the right adhesive based on time constraints

📌 Important: The values below are indicative and may vary depending on application conditions (temperature, humidity, adhesive thickness, substrates, etc.) and manufacturer formulations. For accurate data, refer to the technical data sheet or contact us.

Adhesive type	Open time	Handling / set time	Cure time (90% properties)	Full polymerization
Cyanoacrylate	Several hours until bonding (varies)	< 1 min	~30–60 sec	< 1 min
2-part epoxy	6 min to 6 h depending on type	~15 min to 10 h	~24 h	~36 h
2-part polyurethane	3 min to 2 h	~20 min to 6 h	~12 h	~36 h
2-part acrylic	2 to 30 min	~5 min to 1 h	~30–60 min	~12 h
Solvent-based contact	15–30 min (tack time)	Immediate	~3–4 h	~48 h
UV adhesive	Infinite until UV activation	Immediate under UV	Immediate under UV	~6 h
Anaerobic adhesive	Infinite until bonding	~1 to 3 h	~30 min to 1 h (varies)	~12 h
PSA hot melt	Infinite after application	Not applicable (remains tacky)	—	—
Non-PSA hot melt	< 1 min	< 2 min	~1 h	~24 h
PU sealant	10–35 min (skin formation)	1 mm per 12 h	—	1 mm per 24 h