In 2022, the leading British adhesive, sealant, coating and primer manufacturer Apollo Chemicals became part of the worldwide H.B. Fuller Group. The value-add of this merge comes from the combination of H.B. Fuller’s global presence and innovation with the specific technology competence and market expertise of Apollo. Together, the team enhanced a sensational processing technology – Apollo Fast-tack, as it is fully named – specifically for the manufacture of a wide range of panels, including doors, cold stores, caravans and motorhomes Words Peter Hirtschulz
Apollo Fast-tack is a two-component (2K) polyurethane adhesive, which securely bonds a wide range of materials and substrates. Fast-tack gives a 1:1 open to press time and extremely fast cure, allowing for a continuous production line. Aboutcamp had the chance to talk with Samuel Meredith, Strategic Account Manager in the UK, and David Sorlin, Business Manager RV EIMEA of H.B. Fuller, about this unique technology.
Aboutcamp BtoB: Samuel, please give us some details about Apollo?
Samuel Meredith: Apollo are pioneers of polyurethane (PU) technology. We have been developing and manufacturing high-performance adhesives for 50 years now. This includes creating bespoke solutions for many industries across construction, transportation, woodworking and lamination. We are recognised for our ability to offer in dustry-leading technical and compliance support to our customers, from product requirement identification to application. Since becoming part of H.B. Fuller, we can now offer the tailored service of a smaller company, backed with the assurance of a multinational. This enables us to develop the right level relationship required to ensure correct product solution with the guarantee of continuity of supply.
Aboutcamp BtoB: What is the history of and behind Fast-tack?
Samuel Meredith: Fast-tack was originally developed over 25 years ago to provide a solvent-free/VOC-free solution to manufacturers, whilst retaining all the high-performance properties of a traditional polyurethane adhesive. This includes high-grab and strength, as well as resistance to extreme temperatures and chemicals. It is an extremely versatile adhesive, with bespoke grades to suit all sort of requirements, including spray (solvent free) and bead-applications. Products have been developed for the manufacture of hard panels, including doors, caravans, cold stores and SIPs, as well as soft flexible substrates for the manufacture of sport matting, household furnishings and insulation.
Aboutcamp BtoB: What are the benefits of the Fast-tack technology?
David Sorlin: Production costs are a key concern for any manufacturer, especially given the current economic climate. Apollo’s range of Fast-tack lamination adhesives boast extremely economical usage rates via their one-way stick technology and low coat-weight. The adhesives give a 1:1 cycle of open-time to press time due to their unique characteristics, helping to minimise task-time. The fast-tack, quick-grab and fast-cure characteristics allow products to be pressed immediately after adhesive application, typically via belt/vacuum or platen press. Products will achieve handling and cutting strength at the end of the press-cycle, thus maximising work progress.
Samuel Meredith: We, at Apollo, understand that our customers need a high-performance adhesive that can withstand extreme environmental conditions. So, this range of adhesives form a high-strength durable weatherproof bond, resistant to water, extreme temperatures (-30 to 120°C) and even chemicals once fully cured. And another important philosophy is our credentials to bring more sustainable products to the market, including solvent free alternatives. Reducing the environmental footprint is becoming increasingly important across all industries, and this trend is set to continue in the future. Apollo’s range of fast-tack lamination technology consists of solvent-free polyurethane adhesives, which helps our customers to meet a growing number of environmental issues. It also makes the product more pleasant for employees to use compared to solvent-based products (VOCs), creating a more comfortable working environment.
Aboutcamp BtoB: David, please summarise the Fast-tack revolution?
David Sorlin: Like said, a key benefit of Fast-tack is the proven solvent-free/ VOC-free technology developed as a high-performance PU lamination adhesive. Leading manufacturers trust in the product due to the strong resistance to extreme temperatures, chemicals, and water. Moreover, it reduces production time and costs due to its 1:1 open to press time (long working/ short press time) and extremely fast cure, allowing for a continuous line. It also removes the requirement for heat, which further reduces cost.
Samuel Meredith: I also want to highlight the award-winning of our unique adhesive: Apollo was the winner of the Queen’s Award for Innovation due to the benefits it offers to the industry. And last but not least, is suitable for bonding a wide selection of substrates such as GRP, Primed Metals, Plywood, EPS and XPS.
Aboutcamp BtoB: Samuel, where in the world is this revolutionary product available?
Samuel Meredith: Developed in the UK by Apollo, Fast-tack is actually used by some well-known British manufacturers, but the product is available globally. For instance, we have sent a shipment from Germany to Australia, and we are working on strong business opportunities outside the UK. We believe the interest of caravanning manufacturers to reduce cost and time by using a product that is extremely efficient and has exemplary environmental values is of interest worldwide.
