A hot melt glue gun is a handheld tool used to apply hot melt glue. It heats the glue sticks, which are solid at room temperature, until they melt into a liquid state. The molten glue can then be applied to various materials, where it cools and solidifies, creating a bond. Hot melt glue guns are commonly used in crafts, DIY projects, packaging, and light industrial applications for quick and easy adhesion of materials such as paper, cardboard, wood, plastic, and fabric.
The hot melt glue gun has a relatively short history compared to some other tools, evolving as a convenient and efficient alternative to traditional adhesives. It was developed to provide a fast, mess-free way of applying glue, especially in applications where quick bonding is required. Over time, different types of glue guns have emerged, with various power ratings, sizes, and features, making them more versatile and user-friendly.
The main purpose of a hot melt glue gun is to apply hot melt glue for bonding different materials. It is ideal for temporary or semi-permanent bonds in applications like assembling crafts, fixing decorations, attaching labels, and sealing packaging. The glue sets quickly, making it suitable for projects that require immediate adhesion and minimal drying time, such as in school projects, home repairs, and small-scale manufacturing.
The hot melt glue gun operates by using an electrical heating element to heat the glue sticks inserted into the gun. As the glue stick is heated, it melts and is pushed through a nozzle by a trigger-activated plunger or piston. When the molten glue comes into contact with the materials to be bonded, it cools and solidifies, forming a bond. The temperature of the glue gun is typically maintained within a range that keeps the glue in a liquid state for easy application while ensuring it sets relatively quickly upon cooling.