Henkel launches reworkable PU hotmelt for appliance assembly

The company’s latest addition to its Technomelt portfolio, Technomelt PUR 9015 BV/WV, is aimed at bonding glass and large-panel components used in household appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines and air-conditioning units. The formulation delivers high initial bond strength combined with long-term structural durability, supporting both immediate handling and end-use performance.

A key challenge in appliance manufacturing is the handling of large glass panels before adhesives have fully cured. Components often need to be repositioned during production, increasing the risk of misalignment or defects. Traditionally, manufacturers have relied on temporary tapes or fixtures to stabilise parts during curing—adding cost, labor and process complexity.

Henkel says its PU hotmelt eliminates this step by providing sufficient “green strength” within minutes of application, allowing safe movement of bonded parts without additional support.

Despite this rapid initial adhesion, the adhesive remains reworkable for a defined window. The bonded joint can be heat-softened and debonded for up to two hours after application, enabling manufacturers to correct assembly defects and recover high-value components rather than scrapping them.

This combination of fast bonding and controlled reversibility is positioned as a route to lower material waste and improved process efficiency. According to Henkel, the product also supports automated dispensing, offers high thermal resistance and bonds to multiple substrates including glass, metals and plastics—important for increasingly complex, multi-material appliance designs.

“Enabling quick relocation of parts after glass panel assembly, in addition to having a reworkability option for high-value components, is a game-changer for appliance manufacturers,” said Leandro Pedro, global market strategy manager at Henkel.
From a polyurethane perspective, the development highlights the continued evolution of reactive PU hotmelt systems beyond traditional permanent bonding roles. By integrating debonding capability into the adhesive itself, the material aligns with broader industry pressures to improve manufacturing sustainability, reduce scrap rates and enable more circular production practices.

Henkel added that the adhesive complies with regulations such as RoHS and REACH and is already being deployed in appliance production environments to improve efficiency, material usage and environmental footprint.

Henkel