Gluing

Swarovski products can be glued to a wide range of materials in a variety of application areas. The greatest quality is ensured by following the entire application process.

• Product Overview
• Machines and Tools
• Tools and setup support
• Application
• Useful Information
• Quick Assistance

Product Overview & Machines and Tools

The following products are suitable for gluing with an additional adhesive system:

Machines and tools

The following machines, tools and aids can be used for the various processes involved in gluing Swarovski products.

Tools and setup support

Typical tools and materials used for Swarovski crystal gluing include:

• CNC milling machine, box column drill, hand drill, 90° / 95° / 163° twist or NC drills, and milling cutters
• Test Pen (art. 9030/000), isopropyl alcohol, acetone, blow torch, corona treater, plasma cleaner, and precision balance
• Dispensing robot, fluid dispenser, dispensing gun, dispensing syringes with dispensing tips, and mixing nozzle (art. 9030/126)
• CG 500 (A+B), CG 610 (A+B), and other adhesive systems selected for the application
• Chaton Sieve, vacuum pump with silicone hose (art. 9040/022), tweezers, wax stick, UV light, and drying oven
• Plastic gloves and protective eyewear

If you need help choosing a suitable setup for your application, contact eCrystalHouse. We can review the crystal type, base material, adhesive system, production volume, and curing requirements, then help you select and supply a practical set of compatible tools and materials for testing or production.

Application

When gluing Swarovski crystals, optimal results are obtained by coordinating the entire application process. Following the application steps in the right order is very important.

Experience has shown that the most common reasons for crystals becoming detached are inappropriate areas of application, poorly produced cavities, unsuitable gluing systems, and insufficient quantities of glue. Product-specific application instructions are detailed later in this section.

Cavity production

Many Swarovski crystals require cavities in order to be applied to materials. A properly produced cavity in combination with a suitable gluing system ensures a stylish, long-lasting application. The cavity makes it easy to glue properly and ensures higher protection of the crystal against mechanical and chemical stress.

There are several different production methods and cavity types. Always take into consideration the requirements and base material of the finished product when choosing the appropriate cavity, pre-treatment method, and kind of glue.

Production methods

Cavity types

Depending on the Swarovski products used, various cavity types can be made using the different production methods.

Chaton cavity

The optimal cavity for a XIRIUS Chaton is produced at an angle of 95°–98°, for a XILION Chaton at 90°–93°, for a XIRIUS Light an angle of 163°–166°. The cavity should have the same maximum diameter as the crystal plus at least 0.1 mm.

The stone sizes available for Swarovski crystals can be found in the General Information size reference. For particularly large crystals with a prominent girdle, it is advisable to use an additional countersinking process.

Chaton casting cavity

For items manufactured by casting, an additional indentation at the bottom of the cavity can be drilled to avoid a rounded tip, therefore preventing the crystal from being raised out of the cavity.

Additional cavity types

Indentation

When gluing an article with a flat back it is also advisable to create a cavity as shown here. This cavity ensures that the crystal is better protected against mechanical and chemical stress. The depth of the cavity depends on the height of the girdle (Flat Back) or the height of the Crystal Textures and the thickness of the base material.

End-to-end cavity

An end-to-end cavity is the simplest option when producing cavities. When selecting the glue, please note the additional instructions regarding the gluing gap.

Blind hole

A blind hole is another option when producing cavities. It allows Swarovski crystals in a variety of heights to be set and protected in the material. When selecting the depth of the cavity, ensure that there is still a gap between the lowest point of the crystal and the base material. When selecting the glue, please note the additional instructions regarding the gluing gap.

Step milling

Compared to a simple blind hole, step milling offers better hold of the crystal with less glue. When selecting the depth of the cavity, ensure that there is still a gap between the lowest point of the crystal and the base material. When selecting the glue, please note the additional instructions regarding the gluing gap.

* for crystal texture (except from coldfix and removable foil)

3D milling and production tolerances

3D milling

3D milling offers an optimum fit with the smallest gluing gap. Due to the fact that the cavity is adapted to the contours of the crystal, CNC milling machines are required.

Production tolerances for cavities

When producing cavities, the dimensions should be based on the main dimensions, including the maximum tolerance for the crystals used, and the production tolerance. These dimensions can be requested from your Swarovski sales organization.

Incorrect cavities

Checking surface tension and pre-treatment

Checking the surface tension

The surface tension is an indicator for the wetting properties of the surface to be glued. A surface tension of at least 38 mN/m is recommended for gluing Swarovski crystals. It should also be randomly tested during production. It is best to use the Test Pen (art. 9030/000) to measure the surface tension.

1

Before gluing, mark the surface.

2

If the ink remains visible for 2 seconds, the surface is suitable for gluing.

3

If the ink disappears or forms bubbles, the surface is not suitable for gluing. In this case, the pre-treatment cleaning methods should be checked.

Application Instruction Movie

Checking Surface Tension

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Pre-treatment

If the surface tension is below 38 mN/m, the following pre-treatment cleaning methods, applied in the correct order, can be effective in reaching the right level. After each cleaning process, the surface tension has to be checked again.

Pre-treatment cleaning methods

Choice of glue

The selection of the best gluing system is the next stage in ensuring a long-lasting application.

When selecting the most suitable glue, the following factors should be considered:

• The type of cavities/the resulting gluing gap
• The size of the crystals/gluing surface
• The gluing properties and finish required
• The type of base material

Factors in glue selection

The type of cavities/the resulting gluing gap

When selecting an adhesive, it is also important to consider the gluing gap that results from the type of cavity chosen. For cavities offering a large gluing gap, soft and gap-filling glues such as silicone glue are recommended to avoid tension in the glue joint.

Epoxyethane/polyurethane glues offer greater strength and can be used for cavities with a small gluing gap.

The size of the crystals/gluing surface

Please note that when gluing small crystals, glues with higher shearing strengths (e.g. CG 500 (A+B) two-component epoxy glue) should be used. Further information can be found in the manufacturer’s technical data sheets.

The gluing properties and finish required

When selecting glues, it is important to consider properties such as pot life, viscosity, color, curing time, ease of dosing, and shrinkage. Further information can be found in the manufacturer’s technical data sheets.

Adhesives tend to shrink during curing. There will be a greater amount of shrinkage if the wrong glue has been chosen, it is hardened under the wrong conditions, or if there is an incorrectly sized cavity (too much space around the crystal). The tension thus created can damage the foiling and the crystals may even detach. Glues that are very hard after curing and shrink considerably are not suitable for Swarovski crystals with foiling.

The foiling is torn from the crystal because of excessive glue shrinkage (shown in yellow).

The type of base material

The following table provides a selection of commonly known and globally available adhesives that are suitable for different uses and materials. Application tests are advisable to make sure the chosen glue fulfills the specific needs of your application.

Choice of glue: base materials

Viscosity: Measure of a fluid‘s resistance to gradual deformation by shear/tensile stress. It corresponds to the informal notion of 'thickness'.

Color: Description of the glue‘s color type after curing.

Bonding: Depending on the carrier material, the bonding of the glues can vary.

¹ The second gluing part has to be UV transparent.    ² For permanent (wash-resistant) application a Hotfix application is suggested.

Applications on plastics

There are many types of synthetic materials. The following table contains information regarding the adhesive qualities of a selection of plastics.

CG 500 (A+B) Two-component epoxy resin glue

CG 500 (A+B) is a high-performance gluing system for both foiled and unfoiled Swarovski crystals, exclusively distributed by Swarovski for professional use within the jewelry segment and other industries such as accessories, interiors, and electronics.

Key features

• Ideal mechanical resistance
• Ideal chemical resistance
• Future-oriented solution
• Diverse areas of application

Ideal mechanical resistance

CG 500 (A+B) absorbs impacts and withstands distortion. In addition, maximum elasticity protects the foiling.

Ideal chemical resistance

Diverse areas of application

Technical data of CG 500 (A+B)

Mixing CG 500 (A+B) two-component glue tubes

The exact mixing of the two-component glue is especially important. Only a fully homogenous mixture leads to the desired results. Care must be taken to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

1

Use an electric scale to weight out the two components at a ratio of 100 : 86 (resin : hardener).

2

Both components come in different color shades so that it is easy to see if they are thoroughly mixed.

3

Mix the two components until a homogenous result is achieved.

4

Put the glue in a dispenser.

5

Attach the dispensing tip to the syringe.

Application Instruction Movie

Mixing Two-Component Adhesive

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CG 610 (A+B) two-component epoxy resin glue

The CG 610 (A+B) two-component epoxy resin glue was specially developed for gluing Swarovski crystals of very small sizes, starting with PP 0. Depending on the area of application the adhesive can be used for crystals up to the size of PP 14.

Key Features

• Suitable for gluing very small crystals (starting with size PP 0)
• Low viscosity allows an easier dosing of small glue quantities
• Cost saving due to long pot life (140 min.)

Technical data of CG 610 (A+B)

Mixing CG 610 (A+B) two-component glue cartridgee

The 50 ml cartridge of CG 610 (A+B) is designed in a way that the containing resin and hardener do not have to be mixed together by the user. Just attach a dispensing gun and the mixing nozzle (delivered with the 50 ml adhesive package) to the cartridge and start gluing.

When using glue of the 750 ml box, resin and hardener have to be mixed in a different way. First, weigh the two glue components at a ratio of 100 : 48 (resin : hardener). It is very important to keep an exact mixing ratio of the two components to achieve maximum adhesion. Mix the two components well for at least one minute. Only a fully homogenous mixture leads to the desired results. When a homogenous mixture is achieved, put the glue into a dispenser/syringe and attach a dispensing tip.

Dosage and setting

Dosage

The glue can be precisely dispensed via a variety of dosage systems. Dispensers with a vacuum connection prevent the glue from dripping and reduce the amount of cleaning needed. The correct amount of glue will additionally protect the foiling from external influences. Attention must be paid to the application and quantity of the glue.

Glue application

Irrespective of the shape of the gluing area, the glue should be applied as follows:

With a round gluing area, a dot of glue in the centre is sufficient. When the crystal is applied, the glue will be evenly distributed in the gluing gap. To glue a single spot, aim the dispensing needle just above the spot to be glued and lift it slowly upward to avoid any glue spreading out sideways.

With a square or rectangular gluing area, apply a cross of glue to ensure it is evenly spread into the corners.

Glue quantity

When selecting the amount of glue to dispense, ensure that when setting and pressing down on the crystal, the glue spreads to the edges, thus offering additional protection for the foiling.

Round Stone

Fancy Stone

Setting

Once the glue has been dispensed the Swarovski product can be positioned. Pick up the crystals, for example with a wax stick or tweezers, apply them to the gluing position, and press down gently.

For preparing Chatons for the positioning process, a Chaton Sieve can be helpful. Take the sieve according to the Chatons’ sizes. Place some crystals onto the sieve. By slightly shaking the tool and wiping over it with glove-covered fingers, the majority of Chatons automatically turn into the suitable position for gluing (table pointing upwards).

As a next step the Chatons can easily be picked up from the Chaton Sieve using a tool like the wax stick, tweezers, or a vacuum pick-up system.

The use of a silicone pick up tool is not recommended as this can impair the adhesion and the brilliance of the crystals.

Apply the crystals to the gluing position and press down gently. When working with cavities with large gluing gaps, the following tools assist in ensuring the optimum positioning:

To prevent the crystal from sinking or tipping during the hardening process, a small plasticine ball can be used to fix it in place.

Post-cleaning and curing

Post-cleaning

Excess glue that escapes during setting can be carefully removed using a cotton wipe that has been soaked in a solvent, e.g. isopropyl alcohol.

It must be removed while the glue is hardening, as dried glue cannot be fully removed. Remember to follow the glue manufacturer’s instructions, as well as considering the resistance of the base material.

Curing

The curing time of the glue depends mainly on the temperature, or on the humidity in the case of silicone glues. Please note the glue manufacturer’s instructions.

To minimize shrinking and tension during hardening, we recommend for standard two-component epoxy resin glues a maximum curing temperature of 50 °C (122 °F), with the exception of CG 500 (A+B) and CG 610 (A+B).

Both adhesives can be cured at a maximum temperature of 100 °C (212 °F), without any changes to its properties.

Overview of the simplified gluing process

1

Make sure that the surface on which you want to apply a crystal is suitable for gluing. Use the Test Pen (art. 9030/000) to check the material’s surface tension.

2

The surface must be correctly pre-treated before gluing (e.g. cleaning, degreasing).

3

The glue should be applied with a dispenser.

4

Pick up the crystal, using e.g. a tweezer, a plasticine stick or a vacuum pick up system. Carefully place the crystal and press it down gently.

5

Remove excess glue with a cotton stick soaked in a solvent eg. Isopropyl alcohol. Let the glue cure according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Application Instruction Movie

Gluing

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Product-specific application instructions

Application Advice for Crystal Textures Foil Overlay

Crystal Textures Foil Overlay is a quick and easy way of applying products from the Crystal Textures assortment. In addition to Hotfix, the foil overlay has now made these products suitable for including in designs using the sewing or gluing technique.

This makes these products the perfect solution for customers working with carrier materials that are not suitable for Hotfix application. Examples include materials that are pressure- or heat-sensitive, such as smooth leather or technical fabrics that do not absorb Hotfix glue.

Gluing technique

Using an additional gluing system, e.g., CG 500 or Araldite 2028, a Crystal Textures Foil Overlay motif can easily be included in designs.

The glue is applied to the reverse side of the motif or to the upper surface of the overlay foil. Solvent-based polyurethane adhesives can also be used, although we do not advise using a water-based polyurethane adhesive!

Using a glue to add the Crystal Textures Foil Overlay to designs is recommended for industries that are not exclusively working with textiles. For instance, in the shoe industry, where mainly PU materials are processed, Crystal Textures Foil Overlay can be applied to the side of a midsole.

For all gluing methods, we strongly recommend carrying out tests in accordance with customers’ needs and specifications.

Applying UV-transparent materials

When using UV glue, at least one part of the materials must be translucent for UV light. On a metal surface for example, only crystals without foiling can be applied. Similarly, foiled crystals can only be glued to UV-transparent materials.

UV transparent materials: Please note that some crystal and glass colors as well as UV-stabilized plastics absorb UV light and are thus unsuitable for UV glues.

1

The surfaces to be glued must be properly pre-treated to achieve a sufficient surface tension. This can be tested via a Test Pen (art. 9030/000).

2

Dispense the UV glue.

3

Press down on the crystal, until the glue completely covers the gluing area.

4

Cure the glue for a few seconds using a UV light (following the manufacturer’s instructions), and remove any excess glue using a cleaning agent. The curing process can then be continued, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Application Instruction Movie

UV Gluing with Pointed Chatons

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Applying Crystal Textures on solid surfaces (with additional gluing system)

1

The surfaces to be glued must be properly pre-treated, so as to achieve sufficient surface tension.

2

Apply the correct amount of glue onto the carrier material.

3

Spread the glue equally on the material.

4

Position the motif in the desired location and press down firmly for a few minutes.

5

Glue that escapes during positioning can be carefully removed using a cotton wipe.

6

During curing it is suggested to put some weight on the motif.

Applying Flat Backs No Hotfix for mosaic tiles

Due to their dimensions (outer dimensions and height) and coating (protective lacquer), selected Flat Backs No Hotfix have been tailored specially for use in tiles and mosaics.

Protective lacquer is applied to the foiling of all crystals, and fully covers the reflective surface. Protective lacquer prevents moisture, cleaning agents, etc. from coming into direct contact with the reflective layer, which can lead to corrosion and damage the crystal.

Long-term, satisfactory solutions can only be achieved with paper-glued mosaic tiles and the use of recommended tile glues and joint sealers. When working with net-glued mosaics, their absorption and storage of moisture means the support net must be completely removed in the areas where the crystals are to be applied.

Find suppliers for tile glues and joint sealers on the supplier list in this Gluing section. Solvent-resistant and alkaline tile glues and joint sealers are not recommended.

Unsuitable areas of application

• In swimming baths and steam rooms
• In contact with chlorine and other aggressive cleaning agents
• In saunas, due to the high temperatures and moisture
• Outside

Mosaic application procedure

1

Cut out the marked tile area and remove it from the mosaic.

2

Apply the tile glue to the prepared base according to the manufacturer’s instructions, then carefully position the mosaic tile and press down.

3

Place the individual crystals in the gaps and lightly press down.

4

Before curing, remove any excess glue with a damp sponge; follow the manufacturer’s information regarding curing.

5

After curing, remove the paper support. Following this, the mosaic can be grouted with a soft rubber scraper.

6

Excess joint sealer can be removed with a wet sponge during curing.

Useful information

Applications on silver product

Without protection, silver product can turn yellow or black with time due to chemical reactions. To slow or stop these reactions the surface of silver items are often covered with a temporary (wax-based) or permanent protective coat (varnish-based).

Tarnishing on the surface of the metal often results in a decline in the surface tension under the recommended 38 mN/m.

Protective film

A self-adhesive film can protect against dirt during the application process and aid in positioning.

Blind hole

1

To protect the surface of the material used (e.g. metal, tiles, etc.) from dirt, a self-adhesive film can be applied.

2

It is then cut out along the previously produced cavities.

3

The crystal can now be glued into the cavity. Once any excess glue has been removed, the adhesive film can be removed following curing.

End-to-end cavities

1

Apply a self-adhesive film to the front of the material.

2

Place the Flat Backs No Hotfix elements into the end-to-end cavity from the back.

3

Now fill the cavity with glue. The glue should cover the entire foiling of the crystal, so as to avoid corrosion. The self-adhesive film prevents the glue spreading onto the front.

4

Once the glue has cured, the film can be removed.

Cutting and gluing Crystal Mesh

The transparent film should not be removed before gluing. The film allows the individual crystals to be aligned perfectly, and provides Crystal Mesh with the stability necessary for flawless application.

1

Cut the transparent film between the rows of crystals with a knife, but do not pull them apart, otherwise the stability of the crystals will be lost.

2

After cutting the film, there is some space between the rows which allows you further processing.

3

Cut the metal mesh with a scissor along the scored line, and remove the excess link rings. The Crystal Mesh is now ready for gluing.

When gluing flexible Crystal Mesh products, do not remove the transparent film until the glue has cured to ensure the proper alignment of the mesh.

Application Instruction Movie

Cutting Crystal Mesh

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Cutting Crystaltex Chaton Bandings

When working with Crystaltex Chaton Bandings, the lack of space between crystals means great care must be taken during cutting, so as to avoid damaging the crystals.

Quick Assistance

The following table outlines typical gluing problems, along with possible causes and recommendations on avoiding them.

Causes and recommendations