METHOD FOR THE PREPARATION AND APPLICATION OF ADHESIVES

Description

[0001] The invention relates to continuous processes for the formulation and application of adhesives, characterized in that (i) a base component of the adhesive is continuously mixed with at least one additive to produce a formulated adhesive; and (ii) the thus formulated adhesive is applied to a substrate.

[0002] In the manufacture of furniture or furniture elements, larger panels are used that are cut to size and provided with edgebanding along their narrow edges. The edgebanding is bonded to the narrow side of the panel using an adhesive. It turns out that the requirements for the adhesive vary and should have different properties depending on the furniture element and / or furniture, and / or application and / or area of ​​use.

[0003] For example, in furniture or furniture element manufacturing, a standardized adhesive is typically used that is used for all applications and all furniture elements. Due to its color, the adhesive is barely visible in some color combinations. In other color combinations of the furniture or furniture element, the adhesive is visually unnoticeable because its color does not match the color of the furniture or furniture element. The use of a correspondingly colored adhesive is often thwarted by the adhesive manufacturer's high volumes of adhesive required, which can only be purchased profitably for very high production runs.

[0004] EP 1 743 777 A1 discloses an adhesive application station that allows the admixture of dyes to the adhesive. However, the disclosed adhesive application station has the disadvantage that the quantities of adhesive that can be produced with it can only be produced in discontinuous operation. Mixing takes place after the dye is metered into the adhesive. After the adhesive has been mixed, the mixing unit is removed and the adhesive is pressed out of an outlet slot by moving the piston provided in the station housing. After the adhesive thus produced has been used up, new adhesive must be refilled into the station, the mixing unit reinserted, and a new batch of adhesive produced and mixed. This station is therefore not suitable for continuous operation on an industrial scale for the production of large quantities of furniture or furniture elements.

[0005] It is also often the desire to adapt the adhesive to its intended use or to the intended use of the furniture.

[0006] The object of the invention is to create a continuous process for the preparation and application of adhesives, which allows the individualization of adhesives and is nevertheless also suitable for use in the craft sector or for industrially processable quantities.

[0007] This object is achieved by the methods described herein. In a first aspect, the invention therefore relates to a continuous process for preparing and applying an adhesive composition for bonding chipboards to an edge band, characterized in that (i) a hot melt adhesive composition comprising at least one additive is continuously mixed with at least one color pigment to produce a compounded adhesive; (ii) the compounded adhesive is continuously applied to a substrate, wherein the substrate is a particle board; (iii) the substrate is bonded to a second substrate, wherein the second substrate is an edge band, characterized in that the at least one color pigment is selected and added in a controlled manner in step (i) such that the color of the adhesive thus prepared is adapted to the substrate to which it is applied in step (ii).

[0008] "At least one," as used herein, refers to 1 or more, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or more. In the context of components of the compositions described herein, this statement does not refer to the absolute amount of molecules, but rather to the type of component. "At least one polyol" therefore means, for example, one or more different polyols, i.e., one or more different types of polyols. Together with quantities, the quantities refer to the total amount of the correspondingly designated type of component, as already defined above.

[0009] "Continuous", as used herein in connection with the described processes, means that the processes are operated continuously, i.e. that the mixing and application take place continuously, in particular that the application takes place directly after the mixing / configuration in a continuous process.

[0010] Unless otherwise stated, all percentages are by weight based on the total weight of the corresponding composition.

[0011] Since the adhesive is used in particular for finishing the narrow sides of chipboard with an edge band, the method can also comprise a further step (iii), namely the bonding of the substrate to a second substrate in order to obtain a workpiece. This second substrate can be an edge band that is bonded to a chipboard (the first substrate). The application of the adhesive to the substrate can generally be partial, i.e. limited to certain areas of the substrate. In the preferred embodiments of the invention, the application takes place on the narrow side of a (chipboard) board, whereby the adhesive can also be applied to the narrow side over the entire surface or only over part of the surface, whereby in the latter case the complete wetting of the narrow side surface can be achieved by pressing when bonding with an edge band. The bonded substrates thus obtained, i.e.In particular, chipboards and edgebands produced by the methods according to the invention are also referred to herein as "workpieces".

[0012] In various embodiments of the process, the basic component of the adhesive and / or the at least one additive are added in a controlled manner in step (i). This allows the adhesive to be adapted to the desired application or the substrate used via the type and quantity of the additive, particularly with regard to color, curing speed, adhesive strength, etc.

[0013] The base component of the adhesive is a hot melt adhesive composition. "Base component," as used herein, means the actual binder. In various embodiments, the base component is already a complete, directly usable adhesive composition, which may, for example, already be commercially available in this form. In this case, the additive can only further adapt the adhesive composition to the desired application, for example, by adjusting the color. Alternatively, the additive can also contain components that influence the adhesive properties. Corresponding additives are described in detail below.

[0014] In various embodiments, the base component of the adhesive is a hot-melt adhesive composition that is solid at room temperature and liquid at elevated temperature. "Liquid," as used herein, refers to compositions that flow at the specified temperature and atmospheric pressure (1013 mbar). In various embodiments, the hot-melt adhesive compositions have melting temperatures in the range of 90 to 300°C, in particular in the range of 120 to 250°C, with the melting temperature also depending on the adhesive system used.

[0015] In various embodiments, for example, 1-component reactive adhesive systems can be used. These can, for example, be moisture-curing. Such reactive adhesives can, for example, be polyurethane-based. Suitable adhesives are available under the trade name Technomelt PUR (Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, DE). Alternatively, other types of crosslinking can also be used. The use of 2-component adhesives, which are then mixed together directly before or in step (i), is also possible. Alternatively, the basic adhesive components used can be non-reactive hot melt adhesives, i.e. in particular physically curing, thermoplastic adhesive systems. Such systems are also known in the prior art and are based in particular on polyolefins.

[0016] Since hot melt adhesives are preferably used, the processes are carried out in various embodiments such that the compounding and / or application of the adhesive takes place at elevated temperatures, in particular at a temperature above the melting point of the base component of the adhesive. The corresponding temperature ranges are those already disclosed above in connection with hot melt adhesives. For reactive adhesives, temperatures in the range of 100 to 140°C are typically used, while for non-reactive thermoplastic adhesive systems, temperatures in the range of 150 to 220°C are frequently used. Generally, however, the temperatures are selected depending on the adhesive used and the substrate.The temperatures are selected so that the adhesive is in a form suitable for packaging and application, while simultaneously minimizing decomposition of the adhesive, adverse effects on the substrate, and unnecessary energy consumption. The at least one additive comprises, in particular, a substance that influences the chemical properties, the biological properties, and / or the physical properties of the adhesive. Chemical properties include, for example, but are not limited to, adhesion and / or curing speed. Biological properties include, but are not limited to, biocidal properties and resistance to mold growth, while physical properties include, for example, viscosity, recrystallization behavior, and color.

[0017] The at least one additive comprises at least one color pigment; in various embodiments, the at least one additive comprises an agent for improving moisture resistance or resistance to mold growth, a biocidal agent, an additive for improved energy absorption, a primer for improved bonding, an agent for influencing the recrystallization of the adhesive, and / or a reaction accelerator, particularly preferably a color pigment and / or an agent for influencing the recrystallization of the adhesive. These active components of the additive can be formulated with a carrier that is compatible with the adhesive system. For example, in the case of PU-based adhesives, this carrier can include one or more polyols. In the case of thermoplastic adhesives, particularly those based on polyolefins, the carrier can also be one or more polyolefins.The active ingredient of the additive, often a color pigment or a mixture of color pigments, is then added to this carrier.

[0018] In various embodiments, the at least one additive is therefore liquid at room temperature and comprises at least one polyol that is liquid at room temperature, at least one color pigment and optionally at least one reaction accelerator.

[0019] In various other embodiments, the at least one additive is solid at room temperature and comprises at least one polyolefin solid at room temperature and at least one color pigment.

[0020] The additive is used in various embodiments to adapt the color of the adhesive to the workpiece, for example to adapt the color of an adhesive joint to a wood or chipboard as well as the edge band used, which is glued to the narrow side of the board.

[0021] Furthermore, additives that influence the recrystallization behavior of the adhesive can positively change the reworkability in the so-called post-processing zones of the devices used, for example edge banding machines, in such a way that smearing in these zones is avoided.

[0022] Accordingly, in certain processes, the at least one additive is selected to comprise at least one agent for influencing the recrystallization of the adhesive, which agent is added in step (i) in a selected and controlled manner to improve the reworkability of the workpiece produced from the substrate to which the adhesive is applied in step (ii).

[0023] Reaction accelerators can accelerate the crosslinking of reactive adhesives, allowing for faster further processing. These can therefore also be added in step (i) in a selected and controlled manner to accelerate the crosslinking of the adhesive after step (ii).

[0024] The additives are mixed into the base component of the adhesive in amounts adapted to the intended use. Such adjustment can also be made continuously, for example, depending on the type and / or color of the substrate. Typically, the added amounts are in the range of 0.01 to 20 wt.% based on the total weight of the formulated adhesive, preferably in the range of 0.01 to 10 wt.%, more preferably 0.1 to 5 wt.%. Such amounts enable simple and controlled addition without adversely affecting the properties of the adhesive. The additive can be added to the reactive adhesives described herein in the form of an appropriate formulation, for example in amounts of 0 to 2 wt.%, preferably 0.1 to 2 wt.%, based on the total weight of the formulated adhesive.The additive can be added to the non-reactive adhesives described herein in the form of a corresponding formulation, for example in amounts of 0 to 5 wt.%, preferably 0.1 to 5 wt.%, based on the total weight of the finished adhesive.

[0025] According to the process according to the invention, the at least one additive comprising at least one color pigment is selected and added in a controlled manner in step (i) such that the color of the adhesive thus prepared is adapted as desired, for example, is adapted to the substrate to which it is applied in step (ii).

[0026] The substrate can be, for example, wood or particle board, with the adhesive used to bond edgebands to the narrow side, thus finishing the finished workpiece. The edgebands can be made of plastics such as ABS, PP, or similar, as well as paper-based materials.

[0027] An embodiment of the invention relates to a method in which a device for preparing and applying adhesive is provided, wherein the device comprises a feed unit, a preparation unit, and an application unit, wherein the feed unit serves to feed a base component of the adhesive and / or the at least one additive, wherein the preparation unit effects a continuous mixing of the base component of the adhesive with the supplied additives to form the prepared adhesive and a continuous conveyance of the prepared adhesive, and wherein the adhesive thus prepared is conveyed from the preparation unit into the application unit and can be applied by the application unit to a substrate.Depending on the adhesive required for the respective substrate to be processed, the adhesive can be mixed with selectable additives, starting from a base component, so that the resulting adhesive can be applied to the substrate. This allows the color to be advantageously selected with additives, and additionally or alternatively, the chemical properties and / or biological properties and / or physical properties of the adhesive can be influenced. Biocidal properties can be influenced to reduce mold growth, or water resistance can be improved. Electrical properties can also be specifically influenced.

[0028] According to the invention, it is advantageous if the feed unit has a dosing unit for the metered addition of the base component and / or at least one additive. This allows both the base component and the selected additive(s) to be metered in the required quantities. Alternatively, only the base component can be metered in, and the additives can be added manually in a simplified version.

[0029] Alternatively, it is also advantageous if the packaging unit has a dosing unit for the dosed supply of at least one additive.

[0030] Alternatively, it is also advantageous if the feed unit allows for manual feeding of the base component and / or at least one additive, or if it has such a feed system. In the simplest case, this allows manual feeding via the feed unit, allowing subsequent mixing and application.

[0031] It is also advantageous if the feed unit allows for a controlled feed of the base component and / or at least one additive or has such a feed. In an alternative embodiment, this allows for automated, controlled feeding by means of the feed unit, allowing subsequent mixing and application.

[0032] Alternatively, it is also advantageous if the packaging unit allows for a controlled feed of the base component and / or at least one additive, or if it has such a feed. This allows for subsequent dosing in addition to the feed unit.

[0033] It is also advantageous if the feed unit and / or the assembly unit comprises at least one pump that ensures continuous supply or conveyance of the base component. A separate pump can be provided for the base component, which can also be used to convey the mixed adhesive. Alternatively, a pump can also be provided for conveying the mixed adhesive. It can also be advantageous if a pump is provided for at least one additive, for several additives, or for each additive. For example, the pump can be designed as a gear pump, an injector, or similar.

[0034] Alternatively, it is particularly advantageous if the feed unit and / or the processing unit comprises a pump that ensures a continuous or discrete feed of at least one additive. This allows the additive to be dosed to achieve the desired mixture.

[0035] It is also advantageous if the feed unit and / or the assembly unit has a heater for melting the base component and / or at least one additive. This allows the adhesive to be processed as a hot melt adhesive.

[0036] It is also advantageous if the assembly unit has a mixing device for mixing the base component and / or the at least one additive. This ensures good homogenization of the adhesive as a mixture of the base component and the additives used.

[0037] It is particularly advantageous if the packaging unit has a mixing device with a mixing chamber for mixing the base component and / or the at least one additive.

[0038] Alternatively, it is advantageous if the finishing unit has a static or dynamic mixing device in the mixing chamber. This allows the adhesive to be mixed more effectively and in a shorter time.

[0039] It is particularly advantageous if the dynamic mixing device is a driven, particularly rotating, mixing device. This allows for particularly effective mixing.

[0040] It is also particularly advantageous if the static mixing medium is a fixed mixing medium in the mixing chamber and / or on a wall of the mixing chamber. This allows for a particularly cost-effective solution.

[0041] It is also advantageous if the static mixing medium is formed by a hollow cylindrical chamber with a spiral-shaped flow path within it. This ensures good mixing over the entire length of the flow path.

[0042] It is also advantageous if the spiral flow path is formed by a spiral coil inserted into the hollow cylindrical chamber. This allows for particularly easy mixing of the mixing medium. If the coil is removable, it can also be easily cleaned.

[0043] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the static mixing medium is formed by a spiral helix arranged or formed on the wall of the mixing chamber. This can protrude from the wall or be incorporated into the wall as a kind of groove. This creates a spiral flow, which promotes mixing.

[0044] It is also advantageous if the packaging unit has a distribution device for the distributed introduction of the base component and / or the distributed introduction of at least one additive into the mixing chamber. This already creates a good basis for good mixing because the base component and / or the at least one additive is / are already distributed in the mixing chamber prior to mixing.

[0045] It is also advantageous if the mixing chamber has an outlet opening for discharging the mixed adhesive into the application unit. This allows the mixed adhesive to be continuously discharged from the packaging unit to fill the application unit and ideally achieve a continuous application process.

[0046] It is particularly advantageous if the application unit has means for applying the adhesive. This allows the adhesive to be applied precisely to the substrate to be processed.

[0047] It is particularly advantageous if the means for applying the adhesive includes a nozzle and / or an application roller. This allows for a targeted and precisely measured application of the adhesive.

[0048] It is advantageous if the application unit has a reservoir for temporarily storing a defined amount of adhesive. This ensures that a certain amount of adhesive is available, which can be applied while, for example, the assembly unit is being filled or the additives are being changed.

[0049] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, it is expedient if the reservoir serves as a supply unit and packaging unit.

[0050] In one advantageous embodiment, it is expedient for the mixing in the reservoir to occur due to the rotation of the applicator roller. The applicator roller thus creates a flow in the adhesive in the reservoir, which contributes to improved mixing.

[0051] Further advantageous embodiments are described in the following description of the figures and in the dependent claims. It goes without saying that embodiments described herein in connection with the methods according to the invention are equally applicable to the devices used in these methods, and vice versa. For example, the type of mixing described above in the context of the device is applicable to the method, and the specific additives described above in connection with the methods can also be used in the context of the device.

[0052] The invention will be explained in more detail below based on an exemplary embodiment and with reference to the drawings. They show: Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a device for the preparation and application of adhesive, which can be used in the method according to the invention, Fig. 2 shows a further embodiment of a device for the preparation and application of adhesive, which can be used in the method according to the invention, Fig. 3 shows a further embodiment of a device for the preparation and application of adhesive, which can be used in the method according to the invention, Fig. 4 shows a sectional view of an embodiment of a preparation device, Fig. 5 shows a sectional view of the preparation device according to Figure 4 , Fig. 6 a sectional view of a further embodiment of a packaging device, Fig. 7 a sectional view of the packaging device according to Figure 6, Fig. 8 a sectional view of another embodiment of a packaging device, and Fig. 9 a sectional view of the packaging device according to Figure 8 .

[0053] The Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a device 1 for the preparation and application of adhesive, with a feed unit 2, a preparation unit 3 and an application unit 4, which can be used in the method according to the invention.

[0054] The feed unit 2 serves to feed the basic component of the adhesive, whereby the basic component of the adhesive can already be provided in liquid or fluid form.

[0055] The base component of the adhesive can also be provided as a solid, granulate, powder, or similar and filled into the feed unit 2. The feed unit 2 can have a melting unit 5 for melting the base component. From the feed unit 2, the base component is fed to the finishing unit 3, which in turn can be fed with additives.

[0056] The base component and the additive(s) are then mixed in the mixing unit 3. For this purpose, a non-driven rotating mixer, a driven rotating mixer, or a static, non-rotating mixer can be provided in the mixing unit 3, which mixes the components to be mixed in the mixing unit 3. The mixed components of the adhesive are then fed from the mixing unit 3 to the application unit 4, from where the adhesive can be applied to a substrate. For this purpose, the application unit 4 has a means by which the application to the substrate can be carried out, such as an application roller 6.

[0057] However, the feed unit 2 can also serve to feed the base component of the adhesive and at least one additive, so that the feed unit 2 already receives the base component and the at least one additive and then forwards them to the assembly unit, for example for mixing the components.

[0058] The feeding of the base component to the feeding unit and / or the assembly unit is preferably carried out in a controlled, automated manner. In a further embodiment of the invention, one or the other component can also be fed manually.

[0059] The blending unit 3 continuously mixes the base component of the adhesive with the added additive(s) to form the blended adhesive, and it also continuously conveys the blended adhesive. For this purpose, the blending unit preferably has a pump that conveys the base component or the mixed adhesive. If only the base component is conveyed by the pump, the mixed adhesive is also conveyed, because the base component constitutes the majority of the mixed adhesive.

[0060] The Figure 2shows a further embodiment of a device 11 according to the invention for the preparation and application of adhesive, with a feed unit 12, a preparation unit 13 and an application unit 14. The feed unit 12 again serves to feed the base component 16 of the adhesive, wherein the base component 16 of the adhesive, as already explained above, can be provided in liquid or fluid form. The base component 16 of the adhesive can also be provided as a solid, granulate, powder or the like and filled into the feed unit 12. The feed unit 12 can optionally have a melting unit 15, which serves to melt the base component 16. From the feed unit 12, the base component 16 is fed to the preparation unit 13, to which additives 17 can optionally also be fed. Alternatively, the additives 17 can also be fed to the feed unit 12, as Figure 2 shows.

[0061] The base component 16 and the additive(s) 17 are then mixed in the mixing unit 13. For this purpose, a non-driven rotating mixer, a driven rotating mixer, or a static, non-rotating mixer can be provided in the mixing unit 13, which mixes the components 16, 17 to be mixed in the mixing unit 13. The mixed components 16, 17 of the adhesive are then fed from the mixing unit 13 to the application unit 14, by means of which the adhesive can be applied to a substrate. For this purpose, the application unit 14 in turn has a means by which the adhesive is applied to the substrate, such as an application roller 18.

[0062] As the Figure 2shows, in addition to the supply of the basic component 16 of the adhesive, at least one additive is also supplied via the supply unit 12, so that the supply unit 12 already receives the basic component 16 and also the at least one additive 17 and then forwards these to the assembly unit 13, for example for mixing the components.

[0063] The feed of the base component 16 to the feed unit 12 and / or the assembly unit 13 is preferably automated and controlled. Alternatively, the base component 16 can also be fed manually. The additives 17 are advantageously fed manually. Alternatively, these additives 17 can also be fed automatically.

[0064] The compounding unit 13 in turn effects a continuous mixing of the base component 16 of the adhesive with the added additive(s) 17 to form the compounded adhesive and it also effects a continuous conveyance of the compounded adhesive.

[0065] For this purpose, the assembly unit optionally and preferably has a pump (not shown) that delivers the base component or the mixed adhesive. If only the base component is delivered by the pump, the mixed adhesive is also delivered, because the base component constitutes the majority of the mixed adhesive.

[0066] The Figure 3shows a further embodiment of the device 21 according to the invention for preparing and applying adhesive. The device includes a feed unit 22, a preparation unit 23, and an application unit 24, all of which are integrated in a housing 25 or in a container.

[0067] The feed unit 22 again serves to feed the base component 26 of the adhesive, wherein the base component 26 of the adhesive, as already explained above, can be provided in liquid or fluid form. Alternatively, the base component 26 of the adhesive can be provided as a solid, granulate, powder, or the like and filled into the feed unit 22. The feed unit 22 can optionally have a melting unit, which serves to melt the base component 26, which in Figure 3however, is not shown. From the feed unit 22, the base component 26 and the at least one additive 27 are fed to the finishing unit 23. The base component 26 and the additive(s) 27 are then mixed in the finishing unit 23.

[0068] For this purpose, a non-driven rotating mixer, a driven rotating mixer or a static, non-rotating mixer can be provided in the assembly unit 23, which mixes the components 26, 27 to be mixed in the assembly unit 23.

[0069] However, the application roller 28 can also indirectly serve as a mixer, which, due to its rotation in the packaging unit, causes a flow which mixes the base component and the at least one additive.

[0070] The mixed components 26, 27 of the adhesive are then discharged from the application unit 24 and applied to a substrate by means of the application roller 28.

[0071] As the Figure 3 As shown, in addition to the supply of the base component 26 of the adhesive, at least one additive is also supplied via the supply unit 22. The supply of the base component 26 to the supply unit 22 is preferably carried out manually, although this can alternatively also be carried out in a controlled manner. The additives 27 are advantageously supplied manually. Alternatively, these additives 27 can also be supplied automatically.

[0072] The Figures 4 to 6 show embodiments of assembly units that are designed with different mixers.

[0073] The Figure 4shows a packaging unit 50 with a housing 51, in which a volume 52 is designed as a mixing chamber. A pump 54 is provided in the upper region 53 of the housing 51, which pumps the base component and / or the additive or additives into the mixing chamber 52 of the housing 51. For this purpose, the base component is introduced into the mixing chamber 52 via a feed line 55 with inlets 56 to the mixing chamber, see Figure 5 The feed 55 distributes the base component in the mixing chamber 52 via the spiral channel guide. For this purpose, three channels are formed in the exemplary embodiment, which admit the base component into the mixing chamber at an angle of approximately 120°, with the inlets 56 each arranged offset by 120°. The pump 54 can preferably be a gear pump.

[0074] The pump 54 serves as a dosing unit for the metered supply of the base component into the mixing chamber 52.

[0075] Furthermore, a dosing unit 57 is provided, which effects the dosing of at least one additive component. The dosing unit 57 can have a reservoir 58 and a valve 59 for this purpose, so that the dosing is carried out by controlling the valve 59. For this purpose, the pump 54 can be used to convey the additive into the mixing chamber 52. Alternatively, the dosing unit 57 can also have its own pump or injector, by means of which the at least one additive is dosed into the mixing chamber 52.

[0076] The housing 51 is advantageously heatable so that a molten base component and / or a molten additive can continue to be processed in a molten state.

[0077] The assembly unit 50 has a mixing device 60 for mixing the base component and / or the at least one additive. For this purpose, a rotatable mixing element 61 is arranged in the mixing chamber 52, which can be driven by a drive motor 62 via the shaft 63 for mixing the base component and / or the at least one additive. The mixing element 61 is accordingly a dynamic mixing means that can be rotated in a controlled manner. The drive motor 62 is preferably an electric motor or another type of motor. In addition to driving the mixing element 61, the motor 62 can also drive the pump 54. This would eliminate the need for a drive because one drive could be used for two purposes simultaneously. The drive motor 62 can alternatively or additionally also be provided to drive the pump for conveying the additives.

[0078] The mixing chamber 52 preferably has an opening 65 on its underside 64, by means of which the mixed adhesive can be discharged from the packaging unit 50.

[0079] The Figures 6 and 7 show a further embodiment of a packaging unit 70 according to the invention, which is essentially similar to the packaging unit 50 of Figures 4 and 5 is trained.

[0080] In contrast to the example of Figures 4 and 5 The device 70 is provided with a non-driven mixing element 71, which is rotatably mounted in the mixing chamber 52 but is not designed to be driven by the drive 62. The shaft 63 does not drive the mixing element 71. However, the mixing element 71 can rotate due to the flow of the adhesive in the mixing chamber and thus mixes the adhesive consisting of the base component and / or at least one additive.

[0081] The Figures 8 and 9show a further embodiment of a packaging unit 90, which is essentially similar to the packaging unit 50 of the Figures 4 and 5 and which can also be used in the method according to the invention

[0082] In contrast to the example of Figures 4 and 5 The device 90 is designed with a static mixer 91. The static mixer 91 consists of a hollow cylinder 92 in which a coil 93 is inserted to form a spiral flow path 94. The fluid base component and the additives flow along the flow path and mix there.

[0083] The mixer 91 is thus a static mixing medium, which is designed as a stationary mixing medium in the mixing chamber or on a wall of the mixing chamber. For this purpose, the mixing chamber is modified into a spiral flow path formed by a hollow cylindrical chamber with a spiral flow path therein. List of reference symbols

[0084] 1 Device 2 Feed unit 3 Finishing unit 4 Application unit 5 Melting unit 6 Application roller 11 Device 12 Feed unit 13 Finishing unit 14 Application unit 15 Melting unit 16 Base component 17 Aggregate 18 Application roller 21 Device 22 Feed unit 23 Finishing unit 24 Application unit 25 Housing 26 Base component 27 Aggregate 28 Application roller 50 Finishing unit 51 Housing 52 Volume, mixing chamber 53 Upper area 54 Pump 55 Feed 56 Inlet 57 Dosing unit 58 Reservoir 59 Valve 60 Mixing device 61 Mixing element 62 Drive motor 63 Shaft 64 Bottom 65 Opening 70Assembly unit 71Mixing element 90Assembly unit 91Mixer 92Hollow cylinder 93Helix 94Flow path Examples Example 1:

[0085] Technomelt PUR 270 / 7 (Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, Germany) was used as the adhesive base component, into which yellow, magenta, and blue color pastes were stirred in amounts of 0.1, 0.5, or 1.0 wt.% each, based on the total weight of the adhesive. For this purpose, the adhesive base component was melted in a convection oven at 140°C for 45 minutes. 200 g of this was transferred to a reactor (160°C), and the color paste was added and stirred under vacuum for 10 minutes.

[0086] The adhesives prepared in this way were subjected to a visual evaluation, viscosity (Brookfield, spindle 28, 150°C, 5 rpm) was determined, and an oscillation test was conducted on a rheometer. From this, the temperature of the crossover between storage and loss modulus (tan δ = 1) and the temperature at which the storage modulus G` reaches the value 10 6 < Pa were evaluated. The results are presented in Table 1. Table 1: Viscosity (Pas) 0% color paste 0.1% color paste 0.5% color paste 1.0% color paste Yellow paste 34 40 44 47 Magenta paste 34 40 43 46 Blue paste 34 40 42 46 T [°C] if tan (δ)= 1.00 Yellow paste 49,3 50,4 52,4 53,3 Magenta paste 49,3 53,4 55,4 56,4 Blue paste 49,3 54,4 55,4 56,4 T [°C] if G' = 1000000 Pa Yellow paste 46,0 46,3 47,3 47,3 Magenta paste 46,0 48,4 49,0 49,4 Blue paste 46,3 49,4 49,4 50,4 Example 2:

[0087] Technomelt PUR 270 / 7 (Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, Germany) was again used as the adhesive base component, into which a black color paste was stirred in quantities of 1, 2, 3, or 5 wt.% based on the total weight of the adhesive. For this purpose, the adhesive base component was melted in a convection oven at 140°C for 45 minutes. 200g of this was transferred to a reactor (160°C), and the color paste was added and stirred under vacuum for 10 minutes.

[0088] The viscosity (Brookfield, spindle 28, 150°C, 5 rpm), initial strength, strength build-up, viscosity, and color stability at application temperature were determined for the adhesives prepared in this way. An oscillation test was conducted on a rheometer, from which the temperature of the crossover between storage and loss modulus (tan δ = 1) and the temperature at which the storage modulus G` reaches the value 10 6< Pa were evaluated. The results are presented in Table 2. Table 2: After 2 hours 270-7 270-7 + 1% black paste 270-7 + 2% black paste 270-7 + 3% black paste 270-7 + 5% black paste EMod [N / mm 2 ] 42 40 43 48 41 σ - max [N / mm 2< ] 2,2 1,9 2,2 2,7 3,1 ε-fraction[%] - 43 134 127 538 After 2 days EMod [N / mm 2 ] 85 89 85 83 56 σ- max [N / mm 2< ] 7,9 18,4 16,9 15,9 13,0 ε-fraction[%] 842 752 822 768 907 After 7 days EMod [N / mm 2 ] 116 99 79 94 63 σ- max [N / mm 2< ] 21,5 14,2 14,7 19,1 13,4 ε-fraction[%] 922 599 675 759 851 Viscosity [Pas] After mixing 29 45 54 58 153 After 1 hour 36 46,2 57,2 64,4 183 After 2 hours 41,3 50,1 68,7 77,8 212 After 3 hours 45,3 54,6 78,4 88,8 251 Table 3 0% color paste 0.1% color paste 0.5% color paste 1.0% color paste 5.0% color paste Viscosity (Pas) 29 45 54 58 153 T [°C] if tan (δ)= 1.00 49,4 50,4 57,5 55,4 63,5 T [°C] if G' = 1000000 Pa 45,6 46,3 45,3 45,3 46,3 Example 3:

[0089] An adhesive base component (Technomelt PUR 270 / 7, Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, Germany) was applied to the straight edge of a particle board (IKEA, 19.00 mm high) with a color paste as described in Examples 1 and 2 using a HOMAG POWERLINE KRF 620 edge banding machine equipped with a Nordson MC Series application roller and a Nordson MC Series melting device. A 0.9 mm thick ABS edge banding (Giplast Sincro, Sitech) was then applied. The conditions were as follows: Conditions A:

[0090] Temperatures: Pre-melter: 130°C, hose: 130°C, head: 140°C; roller: 144°C Nordson pre-melter pump: 80 rpm Pump of the mixing head for the aggregate: 3 rpm (revolutions per minute, rpm) In approximately 3 hours, 80-100 sheets could be produced without problems No stringing, no smearing, closed adhesive joint Very high initial adhesion Conditions B:

[0091] Temperatures: Pre-melter: 130°C, Hose: 140°C, Head: 140°C Nordson Pre-melter Pump: 80 rpm Pump of the mixing head for the aggregate: 2.8 rpm 4 sample cartridges were filled Conditions C:

[0092] Temperatures: Pre-melter: 130°C, Hose: 140°C, Head: 140°C Nordson Pre-melter Pump: 80 rpm Pump of the mixing head for the aggregate: 2.4 rpm 4 sample cartridges were filled

[0093] Further reducing the pump power of the aggregate mixing head resulted in uncolored adhesive. It was observed that the colored adhesives processed just as well as the adhesive without aggregate.

Claims

1. A continuous method for the manufacture and application of an adhesive composition for adhesively bonding chipboards to an edge band, characterized in that (i) a hot-melt adhesive composition comprising at least one additive is continuously mixed with at least one color pigment to produce a manufactured adhesive; (ii) the adhesive thus manufactured is continuously applied to a substrate, the substrate being a chipboard; (iii) the substrate is adhesively bonded to a second substrate, the second substrate being an edge band, characterized in that the at least one color pigment in step (i) is selected and added in a controlled manner such that the color of the adhesive thus manufactured is matched to the substrate to which the adhesive is applied in step (ii).

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the hot-melt adhesive composition and / or the at least one color pigment in step (i) are dosed in in a controlled manner.

3. The method according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the hot-melt adhesive composition is (i) a 1-component reactive adhesive system, which is preferably moisture-cross-linking; or (ii) a physical curing thermoplastic adhesive system.

4. The method according to one of claims 1-3, characterized in that the manufacture and / or application of the adhesive takes place at an elevated temperature, in particular at a temperature above the melting point of the hot-melt adhesive composition5. The method according to one of claims 1-5, characterized in that the at least one additive: (i) is liquid at room temperature and comprises at least one polyol which is liquid at room temperature, at least one color pigment and optionally at least one reaction accelerator; or (ii) is solid at room temperature and comprises at least one polyolefin which is solid at room temperature and at least one color pigment.

6. The method according to one of claims 1-5, characterized in that in the method a device is used, the device comprising: - a supply unit, - a manufacture unit, - an application unit, the supply unit being used to supply the hot-melt adhesive composition and / or the at least one color pigment, the manufacture unit effecting both a continuous mixture of hot-melt adhesive composition with the at least one supplied color pigment to form the manufactured adhesive and a continuous delivery of the manufactured adhesive, the adhesive thus manufactured being delivered from the manufacture unit into the application unit and being applicable to a substrate by the application unit, the supply unit and / or the manufacture unit having a heater7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that (i) the supply unit has a dosing unit for the dosed supply of the hot-melt adhesive composition and / or the at least one color pigment, or the manufacture unit has a dosing unit for the dosed supply of the at least one color pigment; and / or (ii) the supply unit allows a manual supply of the hot-melt adhesive composition and / or the at least one color pigment or has such a supply; or (iii) the supply unit allows a controlled supply of the hot-melt adhesive composition and / or the at least one color pigment or has such a supply; and / or (iv) the manufacture unit allows a controlled supply of the hot-melt adhesive composition and / or the at least one color pigment or has such a supply; and / or (v) the supply unit and / or the manufacture unit comprises at least one pump which effects a continuous supply or delivery of the hot-melt adhesive composition; and / or (vi) the supply unit and / or the manufacture unit comprises a pump which effects a continuous or discrete supply of the at least one color pigment; and / or (vii) the manufacture unit comprises a mixing device, the mixing device preferably having a mixing chamber which has a static or dynamic mixing means, for mixing the hot-melt adhesive composition and / or the at least one color pigment; and / or (viii) the manufacture unit has a distribution device for the distributed introduction of the hot-melt adhesive composition and / or the at least one color pigment into the mixing chamber; and / or the application unit has means for applying the adhesive, preferably a nozzle and / or an application roller; and / or the application unit has a reservoir for temporarily storing a defined quantity of the adhesive, the reservoir optionally being used as a supply unit and manufacture unit, and the mixing in the reservoir preferably taking place as a result of the rotation of the application roller.