Adhesive bonding is a versatile method of joining like or dissimilar materials. Whereas holes, rivets, clamps, and screws have a tendency to cause stress points in concentrated areas, adhesives tend to distribute the load over the entire bonded area. The following criteria must be considered when selecting an adhesive for a particular application:
Characteristics of the materials to be joined
Surface preparation
Joint design
Type of adhesive and its handling
Methods of applying the adhesive
Curing of the adhesive
Ultimate strength and environmental performance
requirements of the adhesive bonded assembly.