Hot‐melt adhesives (also known simply as “hot melt” or “hot glue”) are thermoplastic materials that melt when heated and solidify upon cooling. Because there are many different formulations, the melting (or application) temperature of hot‐melt adhesive varies significantly depending on chemistry, purpose, and substrate. In this article, you will learn what melting temperature means in this context, typical temperature ranges for various types, what factors affect those temperatures, plus how to choose the right hot‐melt product. We also briefly introduce HUACHUN, a manufacturer of hot melt adhesives.
Unlike pure substances (metals, salts, etc.), many adhesives do not have a single sharp melting point. Instead, they have a range of softening → flow → application temperature.
In practice, manufacturers define an application temperature or melting (or melting‐to‐flow) range: the temperature at which the adhesive becomes fluid enough for dispensing (glue gun, nozzle, extruder) but not so hot as to degrade or burn.
Here are some common categories and their melting / application temperature ranges:
| Adhesive Type | Approximate Melting / Application Temperature |
|---|---|
| EVA (Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate) low-temp hot glue sticks | ~ 76-121 °C (≈ 170-250 °F) |
| EVA higher performance or standard packaging EVA types | can go up to ~ 150-160 °C depending on formulation |
| Polyolefin / PO types | typically similar to higher EVA or slightly higher, depending on whether they are low, medium, or high melt PO formulations |
| Polyamide (PA) hot melts | often require higher application temperatures, sometimes over ~ 200 °C (≈ 392 °F) for high temperature service adhesives |
| High temperature hot melt adhesives (industrial, heavy load) | ~ 180-200 °C or more, depending on the chemistry and substrate demands |
For example, the 3M hot‐melt adhesive 3750 has a melting/application temperature range between approximately 121-196 °C (≈ 250-380 °F) depending on formulation.
Several factors affect at what temperature a hot melt adhesive must be heated and still perform properly:
Polymer base / Resin Type EVA, PO (polyolefin), PA (polyamide), PUR (polyurethane reactive), APAO etc., each have distinct temperature behavior. Higher polymer molecular weight or more rigid/resistant polymers need more heat.
Additives Plasticizers, tackifiers, anti‐oxidants, fillers, flame retardants change melting/softening behavior. For example, added fillers may increase viscosity or reduce melt flow, meaning higher temperature or slower flow.
Desired open time / set speed A glue that must stay fluid longer will often be formulated with lower melting or softer components. A fast‐setting adhesive may be stiffer, needing higher temps for flow but cooling fast.
Substrate sensitivity If bonding heat‐sensitive materials (plastics, films, foams), a lower melt adhesive is usually needed to avoid warping or damage. Conversely, thicker, rigid or temperature‐stable substrates allow higher application temperatures.
Operating and service temperature Not only the melting point matters, but how well the adhesive holds its bond under the ambient or use temperature. If service temperature is high (for example outdoors, close to heat sources), then adhesives with higher melting/softening points are chosen.
Low temperature hot melts are typically those which melt and are applied in the range of ~ 65-120 °C (≈ 150-250 °F). These are safer for delicate materials and often used for crafts, electronics, certain plastics.
High temperature hot melts may need 150-200 °C or more to apply, and they provide stronger bonds, better heat resistance, often used in industrial packaging, woodworking, automobile, filtration, etc.
Always check the product data sheet: application temperature, open time, service temperature, safety warnings.
Use proper equipment: glue guns, melting pots rated for the temperature required. Overheating can degrade adhesive, release fumes, or burn.
Allow adequate cooling time before putting bonded items under stress. Even when the adhesive has solidified, full strength may take a little time.
Store adhesive blocks, pellets, or sticks in dry, cool conditions; moisture, dust can affect performance.
HUACHUN (Jiangmen Huachun High Tech Materials Co., Ltd.) is a China‐based producer of hot melt adhesives with a range of products including:
hot melt glue sticks, blocks, pellets with different resin bases (EVA, PO, PA, APAO) targeting various usages such as packaging, hygiene, shoes, furniture.
They emphasize environmentally friendly formulations, strict testing, and stable performance.
HUACHUN products are deployed in automatic production lines including carton sealing, book binding, edge sealing, packaging etc. This means their adhesives cover a broad range of application temperatures and performance levels.
If you are looking for hot melt adhesives that suit lower temperature applications (for delicate materials) or more demanding high‐temperature settings, HUACHUN likely has options in its catalog.
Hot melt adhesives do not have a single melting point; instead there is a range over which they soften, flow, and must be applied.
Typical application temperatures vary: ~ 65-120 °C for low-temperature adhesives; ~ 150-200 °C+ for high temperature, industrial adhesives.
The exact required temperature depends on polymer type, additives, the substrates being bonded, open time, and service conditions.
Choosing the right adhesive involves matching its melting/application temperature to your equipment, materials, and end-use environment.
Previous: Is Hot Melt Adhesive UV Resistant?
