Understanding Cyanoacrylate Viscosity

Viscosity refers to the thickness or resistance to flow of a liquid adhesive. Cyanoacrylate adhesive viscosities range from thin, watery liquids to thick, viscous gels. Each adhesive has unique strengths suited for different applications.

Key Viscosity Ranges:

Thin CA Adhesive (1-10 cps): Flows like water, ideal for tightly fitting parts and penetrating small gaps.

Medium Viscosity (50–200 cps): Universal flow, suitable for general bonding.

Thick/Gel Cyanoacrylate (500–3.000+ cps): Stays in place, ideal for vertical surfaces and gap filling.

Choosing the Right Viscosity

Suitable for tight fit and capillary action

How to Use: Thin CA Adhesive

Ideal for bonding closely spaced parts or penetrating joints after assembly. It quickly penetrates small gaps and cures quickly.

Applications:

Electronic components

Bonding rubber or elastomers

PCB repair

Suitable for general use and balanced flow

How to use: Medium viscosity CA

Provides better control and good flow than thinner adhesives. Ideal for everyday bonding, especially where close fit between components is required.

Applications:

Metal-to-plastic assembly

Consumer product manufacturing

Woodworking

Suitable for vertical surfaces and gap filling

How to use: Gel Cyanoacrylate

High viscosity keeps the adhesive in place without running, allowing for precise application and filling of uneven surfaces.

Applications:

Bonding porous materials such as ceramic or wood

Automotive trim and fixture components

Vertical or overhead mounting

Factors to consider when selecting viscosity

Surface type and porosity

Porous materials may absorb thin adhesives too quickly. Higher viscosity prevents excessive absorption and improves bond strength.

Bondline thickness

For applications requiring a thicker bondline or gap filling, cyanoacrylate gel is more suitable.

Assembly Speed

Thinner adhesives cure almost instantly, making them ideal for high-speed production, but they offer less margin for adjustment. Thicker adhesives can slightly increase working time.

Application Methods

Manual Application: Medium to gel-like adhesives offer effective control.

Automated Dispensing: Thin CA adhesives are ideal for micro-dosing systems.