Epoxy, cyanoacrylate, anaerobic, UV, or MMA – which industrial adhesive is right for your application? This guide compares the five main adhesive technologies based on strength, curing time, temperature resistance, and substrate compatibility.
Why choosing the right adhesive is crucial
Choosing the wrong adhesive costs more than just material – it costs production time, leads to customer complaints , and in the worst case, poses safety risks. The five dominant adhesive technologies in the industry differ fundamentally in their properties. No single adhesive is universally the best – but for every application, there is an optimal candidate.
An overview of the 5 adhesive technologies
| Characteristic | Epoxy (2K) | cyanoacrylate | Anaerobic | UV-curing | MMA/Acrylate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Curing time | 5 min – 24 h | 5 – 60 s | 5 – 60 min | Seconds (UV) | 3 – 15 min |
| Shear strength | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Impact resistance | ★★★☆☆ | ★☆☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Temperature resistance | up to 250 °C | up to 120 °C | up to 200 °C | up to 150 °C | up to 120 °C |
| Gap filling | Up to 25 mm | Max 0.1 mm | Max 0.5 mm | Up to 5 mm | Up to 5 mm |
| Substrates | Universal | Rubber, metal, plastic. | Metal only | Glass, plastic. | Universal |
| Mixing required? | Yes (2K) | No | No | No | Yes (2K) |
1. Epoxy adhesives – The all-rounder
When to choose epoxy
When maximum strength, chemical resistance , and temperature stability are required, epoxy adhesives are the first choice for structural bonding applications that replace mechanical connections.
Typical applications
Magnetic bonding in electric motors, structural bonding in aircraft construction, electronics potting, composite material bonding (CFRP/GFRP), toolmaking.
Our product range
Permabond ET series (high strength, 1K and 2K), ES series (standard), Double/Bubble (portioned 2K capsules). → All 127 epoxy adhesives
2. Cyanoacrylate – The Fast One
When to choose cyanoacrylate
When speed matters and the adhesive joint is narrow (
Typical applications
Rubber-metal bonding (seals, O-rings), assembly of small parts, fixing before welding, repairs in maintenance.
Important to know
Cyanoacrylates are not gap-filling and not impact-resistant. They are unsuitable for bonds subjected to vibration or shock. Specially formulated "rubber-toughened" variants (Permabond 731/737) offer improved impact resistance.
3. Anaerobic Adhesives – The Metal Specialist
When to choose anaerobic
For metal-to-metal connections in the absence of air: threadlockers, flange gaskets, shaft-hub joints, pipe seals. Anaerobic sealants are the most cost-effective solution for these specific applications.
Strength classes
Low strength: Can be loosened by hand – for adjusting screws. Medium strength: Can be loosened with tools – for standard screw connections. High strength: Can only be loosened with heat (>200 °C) – for safety-critical connections.
4. UV-curing adhesives – The precise
When to choose UV
ideal when at least one substrate UV-transparent (glass, clear plastic) and fast, controllable curing is required. The adhesive remains liquid until targeted UV irradiation – perfect for positioning work.
Typical applications
Glass-to-glass bonding, glass furniture, optics and lenses, medical technology (cannulas, catheters), display bonding, LED bonding.
5. MMA structural adhesives – The robust one
When to choose MMA
When impact strength is more important than shear strength, and when bonding is required on untreated or slightly contaminated surfaces , MMA adhesives are more tolerant of surface contamination than epoxies.
Typical applications
Composite bonding (GRP boats, wind turbine blades), aluminum structural bonding, plastic-metal connections, sign bonding.
Decision tree: Finding the right adhesive in 4 questions
- Are both substrates metal? → Anaerobic (for threads/flanges) or epoxy (for surfaces)
- Is a substrate transparent? → UV-curable
- Do you need impact resistance? → MMA structural adhesive
- Do you need immediate fixation? → Cyanoacrylate
- None of these? → Epoxy (2-component, room temperature curing)
Permabond vs. Loctite: Is there a difference?
Both manufacturers offer comparable technologies. Permabond is often more cost-effective while providing the same performance and offers formulations not available with Loctite (e.g., special elastomer-modified cyanoacrylates). We carry both brands and offer a detailed comparison chart with equivalencies .
→ Permabond vs. Loctite comparison
Further information
- Permabond adhesives: product range, technical data & Loctite comparison
- Loctite 5910: Silicone flange gasket (FIPG)
- Bonding metal without welding: 5 high-performance adhesives compared
- Loctite 638: High-strength shaft-hub connection
- Selecting and correctly using screw locking devices
- Suitable products in the shop
- Request technical advice
