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Choosing the Correct Glue

By: Eryn Capretta, Edgar Gonzalez, Kelly Lulashnyk, Jocelyn Realegeno, and Ian Wylie Date: May 5, 2014

Executive summary
It is well know that glue is used for a variety of purposes in our society. The real question is, out of all the options, which one works the best? The correct choice can allow for saved money, time and work for the consumers productivity. This paper discusses three different glue sticks and evaluates their performance to determine the correct choice. We expect to gather all the date May 1, 2014 giving ample time to record the results and report the findings. The labor, supplies and materials will cost approximately $6.25. The products featured can vary in price between locations.

Introduction
Due to their easy use and application, glue sticks are a common supply used in schools and offices. This report provides data on of three different glue stick products: Elmers, Cra-Z-Art and Studio G. We will evaluate number of sticks (per package), price, drying time, residue and weight capacity of all three glues to determine the best purchase. By finding the best glue, this will increase productivity and presentation for various assignments.

Overview of the Options


In order to evaluate number of sticks (per package), price, drying time, residue and weight capacity, we chose three different glue stick brands to determine the best purchase: Elmers Cra-Z-Art Studio G

By using these brands we were able to achieve diversity; each has a different company, production process and appearance. Yet, they are designed for the same application. This allows for accessible comparison between all three products to determine the best product. We chose brands that are popular and accessible to most consumers. These brands were purchased at Wal Mart and are easily found on the shelves of other retail locations. In addition, we used marbles found at Wal Mart to test weight capacity.

Statement of Criteria
To evaluate the glue sticks we chose four measurable and important qualities that consumers find relevant: Number of sticks (per package) Price Drying time Residue Weight capacity

For price, we purchased one package of each brand even though not all of the products came with the same number of sticks; our test only required one stick per brand. For drying time, we allowed for a timer to calculate the amount of time the glue took to dry. For weight capacity, we used marbles, each weighing the same amount to test the glues strength. Each of these criteria will determine the best product purchase for the consumer, because the tested qualities are all factors in the process of choosing. Consumers look for the product that will allow for task completion and the best value to the dollar.

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Method of Gathering Information


To start, we tested the drying time. We applied three strokes (forward, back, forward) of each glue stick to a plain sheet of notebook paper. Immediately after the third stroke we started a timer (using the timer in the clock application on the I Phone) to evaluate how long it took to dry. Dry meant that a person was able to run their finger across the section without sticking or having any residue come off. Through doing this we were able to evaluate residue; color or excess glue. We divided the results into categories based on amounts: None: no color, no glue left Medium: some shade of the original color or excess glue in parts Large: the color the same as application and excess glue throughout

For weight capacity we took marbles and water bottles to test how much weight each glue could hold. We took two water bottles (per glue), cut a hole in one of them in order to place the marbles in and then glued the tops together.

12 After we glued the tops together we dropped marbles into the opening of the bottom bottle one at a time; each marble weighed 4.1 grams. We then held the bottle by the top to test the glue strength. Once the bottles fell apart, we used the maximum number of marbles it held right before it broke to determine weight capacity.

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Comparison of Options Based on Criteria


Glue Number of sticks (per package) Two Price Drying Time (seconds) Residue Weight capacity (in grams) 30 marbles= 123 grams 35 marbles= 143.5 grams 15 marbles= 61.5 grams

Elmers

$0.97

1.51

Large

Cra-Z-Art

Two

$0.74

2.13

Medium

Studio G

Three

$1.29

2.28

None

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Conclusion and Recommendation


Based on our findings, Cra-Z-Art performed the best with the tested criteria. It had an average drying time and residue, was the cheapest purchase and held the most weight. Although it only came with two sticks per package, the results prove that it would be the best purchase for dollar value, holding up to each important category for consumers. Elmers was not far behind in value; having a faster drying time, an average price and an average weight capacity. Either purchase would be a value for the consumer and allow for the best use.

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