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How to Use Pressure-Sensitive Hot Melt Spray Adhesives for Mattress Manufacturing

  • Writer: hujumpchemical
    hujumpchemical
  • Jul 15, 2016
  • 3 min read

Hot melt spray adhesives have become a key bonding solution for modern mattress production thanks to their eco-friendly, solvent-free nature, strong bonding performance, and stable quality. Among them, pressure-sensitive hot melt spray adhesives are widely used for laminating materials such as foam, non-woven fabrics, and textile layers in mattresses.


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This guide summarizes recommended machine settings, common issues, and practical troubleshooting tips to help manufacturers achieve stable, high-quality bonding results.


1️⃣ Recommended Application Parameters


To ensure optimal bonding, set your spray equipment as follows:


  • Tank temperature: 145–175 °C

  • Hose temperature: 150–175 °C

  • Nozzle temperature: 155–180 °C

  • Adhesive output: 20–40% of max flow

  • Air pressure: 2–4 kg/cm²

  • Spray distance: 20–40 cm



🔹 Spray pattern:

For most mattress applications, a spiral spray pattern gives the best bonding effect. Some manufacturers prefer a more atomized pattern similar to traditional solvent-based sprays; if so, make sure the atomization is not too fine (avoid a “spider web” effect), which can lead to false bonding and weak adhesion.


🔹 Material preparation:

The foam, non-woven fabrics, and other substrates must be clean and dry — free from dust, oil, or moisture.


⚠️ Current hot melt spray products are not recommended for plasticizer-rich materials. If unsure about the material’s formulation, always test the adhesive first.


🔹 Open time:

Our spray adhesives are designed with an open time of 5–10 minutes. Complete lamination within this window to ensure proper adhesion strength.



2️⃣ Common Bonding Issues & Solutions


Q1: Poor Initial Tack — Adhesive doesn’t stick well?


Possible causes:

  • Ambient temperature is too low

  • Adhesive layer is too thin

  • Tank/nozzle temperature is too low

Solutions:

  • Use a winter-grade formula or an adhesive with better low-temperature performance

  • Increase adhesive output to recommended levels

  • Adjust tank/nozzle temperature upward following operating guidelines





Q2: Adhesive won’t spray out


Possible causes:

  • Filter or nozzle blockage

  • Melt temperature too low

  • Spray gun air pressure too low

  • Air trapped in delivery hose

  • Adhesive viscosity too high

Solutions:

  • Clean filters and nozzles regularly

  • Increase melt temperature to recommended range

  • Increase spray gun air pressure

  • Bleed air from the delivery hose

  • Switch to a more suitable viscosity adhesive





Q3: Partial bonding or delamination after pressing


Possible causes:

  • Uneven spray (too much or too little glue in areas)

  • Uneven pressing pressure

  • Unstable production conditions

Solutions:

  • Recalibrate spray pattern and output

  • Apply even pressure during lamination

  • Ensure consistent operating conditions or switch to an adhesive with wider process tolerance





Q4: Excessive smoke or strong odor during spraying


Possible causes:

  • Melt temperature set too high

  • Equipment malfunction

  • Contamination or excessive moisture in raw materials

  • Poor-quality adhesive

Solutions:

  • Lower melt temperature to the recommended range

  • Inspect and repair equipment if necessary

  • Keep the working area and glue tank clean

  • Switch to high-quality, low-VOC adhesives





Q5: Delamination — glue only sticks to one side


Possible causes:

  • Temperature, air pressure, or output too low

  • Lamination done outside the open time window

  • Material not compatible with adhesive

Solutions:

  • Adjust temperature, air pressure, and spray output to optimal settings

  • Complete lamination within the 5–10 min open time

  • Replace substrate or select a better-matched adhesive





✅ Final Tips


  • Stable temperature control and proper material preparation are critical to avoid bonding failures.

  • Regularly clean filters and nozzles to maintain smooth adhesive flow.

  • Always test new materials or suppliers before mass production.


HUJUMP provides a full range of pressure-sensitive hot melt spray adhesives designed for mattress production — offering strong initial tack, eco-friendly formulations, and low VOC emissions. Our technical team can help you fine-tune parameters and choose the best adhesive grade for your production line.

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