What is a.....Hot Glue Gun?

A Hot Glue Gun, also known as a Hot Melt Glue Gun or Hot Melt Adhesive Applicator, is a handheld tool that heats and dispenses hot melt adhesive to bond materials. Hot glue guns are widely used in packaging, carton sealing, product assembly, manufacturing, woodworking, crafts and general repairs.

A Hot Glue Gun works by heating solid adhesive until it melts into a liquid, allowing you to apply it directly to a surface. As the adhesive cools, it solidifies to form a bond, making hot glue guns an efficient solution for applications requiring fast setting times.

 

How Does a Hot Glue Gun Work?

A hot glue gun uses an internal heating element to melt solid hot melt adhesive, typically supplied in the form of glue sticks, slugs or pellets. Once heated to the appropriate temperature, the molten adhesive is dispensed through a nozzle onto the material being bonded.

The two surfaces are then pressed together while the adhesive cools and sets. Unlike many liquid adhesives, hot melt glue doesn't require solvent evaporation to form a bond, making it especially useful for high-speed packaging and production.

What Are Hot Glue Guns Used For?

Hot glue guns are used across a wide range of commercial, industrial and domestic applications, including:

  • Carton sealing and packaging – Sealing cardboard boxes, cartons and packaging materials.

  • Product assembly – Bonding components during manufacturing and assembly processes.

  • Woodworking and furniture – Joining wooden components and attaching decorative materials.

  • Retail displays – Assembling promotional displays, point-of-sale materials and signage.

  • Crafts and repairs – Bonding fabric, cardboard, paper, leather and other compatible materials.

  • Industrial manufacturing – Applying adhesive in repetitive or continuous production environments.

What Are the Different Types of Hot Glue Guns?

Hot glue guns come in different sizes and configurations depending on the application, adhesive requirements, and frequency of use.

Standard Hot Glue Guns

Designed for occasional use, craft projects, repairs and light packaging applications. These typically use 12mm glue sticks and suit lower-volume adhesive needs.

Industrial Hot Melt Glue Guns

Industrial Hot Glue Guns are designed for frequent or continuous use in packaging, manufacturing and assembly operations. They generally offer higher adhesive output, durable construction and improved performance for demanding applications.

Adjustable Temperature Glue Guns

Variable Temperature Hot Glue Guns allow users to adjust the application temperature to suit different hot melt adhesive formulations and bonding requirements.

Cordless Hot Glue Guns

Cordless Battery Powered Glue Gun provide portable adhesive application where access to mains electricity is limited. Compatible with 12mm hot melt glue sticks and Ryobi ONE+ 18V batteries

Pneumatic Hot Melt Glue Guns

Pneumatic glue guns use compressed air to help dispense adhesive and are commonly used in industrial applications that require controlled or high-volume glue output.

What Type of Glue Does a Hot Glue Gun Use?

Hot glue guns use specially formulated Hot Melt Adhesives, which are thermoplastic materials that become liquid when heated and solidify when cooled.

Hot melt glue is available in several forms, including:

  • Glue Sticks – Commonly 12mm diameter for standard and industrial glue guns.

  • Glue Slugs – Larger adhesive cartridges, often 43mm diameter, for higher-output applicators.

  • Glue Pellets and Granules – Bulk adhesives used in compatible industrial hot melt equipment.

Different adhesive formulations provide varying setting speeds, bonding strengths, flexibility and temperature resistance.

Get Packed supplies a range of Hot Melt Glue Sticks, Slugs and Pellets suitable for packaging, carton sealing, product assembly and other industrial applications. Please don't hesitate to ask for a sample to ensure it meets your requirements.

What Are the Benefits of Using a Hot Melt Glue Gun?

Hot melt glue guns offer several advantages over traditional liquid adhesives and mechanical fastening methods.

  • Fast Bonding – Hot melt adhesives cool and set quickly, reducing assembly and packaging times.

  • Versatility – Suitable for bonding many materials, including cardboard, wood, fabric, paper and certain plastics.

  • Precise Application – You can apply adhesive in dots, lines, or other patterns, depending on the applicator.

  • Solvent-Free Application – Hot melt adhesives are generally applied without solvents.

  • Efficient Production – Industrial glue guns provide consistent adhesive delivery for repetitive packaging and assembly work.

How Do You Choose the Right Hot Glue Gun

When choosing a hot glue gun, consider the materials being bonded, the amount of adhesive required, operating temperature, glue stick compatibility, and whether you'll use the equipment occasionally or continuously.

For commercial packaging and manufacturing, an industrial hot melt glue gun may be preferable to a lightweight craft glue gun because it offers higher output and greater durability.

See our article: Hot glue Guns - How to choose the right one for you