3.3.3 Joining

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers permanent and temporary joining methods, various adhesives, and mechanical fasteners used in the production of graphic products as described in the lecture notes.

PVA (polyvinyl acetate) glue

A classic white water-based glue that is versatile for paper, card, and other natural materials, drying clear to form a strong, permanent bond.

Spray adhesives

Adhesives that come in cans and provide a quick, even layer; ideal for mounting posters or sticking down large sheets without wrinkles.

Contact adhesives

Adhesives that require a layer on both surfaces which is allowed to get tacky before the surfaces are carefully pressed together.

Hot-melt adhesives (glue gun)

Solid sticks that melt in a glue gun to provide a hot, liquid adhesive that sets fast as it cools, used for quick assembly of prototypes or joining different materials.

Double-sided tape

A clean and quick joining method with adhesive on both sides that is excellent for packaging tabs.

Permanent joining methods

Techniques for building graphic products that create strong, lasting connections not meant to be easily undone.

Temporary joining methods

Methods used for graphic products that need to be assembled for use and then taken apart, allowing flexibility without damaging materials.

Slots

Cut lines or shapes that one piece of material can slide into to create a joint.

Tabs and flaps

Extensions of a material designed to fit into slots or fold and tuck to create a joint.

Arrow tabs

A specific type of tab shaped like an arrow, designed to push through a slot and then expand slightly to hold in place.

Tuck flap

A type of flap that tucks into packaging to keep a lid down.

Dust flaps

Added components in packaging that provide extra reinforcement and prevent dust from entering.

Glue tab

A flap or component intended to have adhesive applied to it to hold a package together.

Lock rudder flaps

A base-locking mechanism that can securely hold the base of packaging together without glue when assembled in the correct order.

Mechanical fasteners

Physical objects that use mechanical force, friction, or interlocking shapes to create a joint instead of bonding substances.

Staples

Small metal fasteners driven through paper or card and then bent to hold them together.

Paper fasteners

Small metal fasteners with two legs that are pushed through holes and then bent flat to secure the material.

Binding combs and wires

Fasteners threaded through punched holes to join multiple sheets of paper together, commonly used in calendars.

Adhesive

A substance used to bond materials together, also known as glues and cements.

Screws and bolts

Mechanical fasteners that are not typically used in graphic products.