Bonded or weld-on tiles? Conditions to confirm before choosing

Choosing between bonded and mechanically retained alumina tiles needs a review of the complete lining system. Surface orientation or temperature alone is not a fixing specification. This checklist helps a buyer request a proposed arrangement; it is not an installation design.

Ask for the actual fixing specification

For a bonded proposal, ask the supplier to identify the adhesive, compatible surfaces, preparation and curing instructions, and the documented operating limits. Compare those limits with the normal and maximum temperature, temperature changes and relevant chemicals in your duty. Different adhesive systems have different capabilities; do not assign one temperature limit to all bonded tiles.

For a weld-on or other mechanically retained proposal, ask for the tile geometry, attachment details, substrate requirements and installation instructions. A welded attachment does not by itself confirm suitability for corrosion, vibration or temperature. If an existing proposal is outside its documented limits, request a revised review rather than automatically substituting another fixing method or lining material.

Conditions to include in the review

• Equipment and location, drawing revision, substrate and surface orientation.
• Handled material, wear or impact observations, vibration and existing failure photos.
• Normal and maximum temperature, changes during operation, starts and stops.
• Wet or dry conditions and identified chemicals, including cleaning exposure.
• Installation access, who will install the system, and the required inspection or acceptance documents.

Keep open items visible before ordering

Record the proposed fixing, its supporting documents, unresolved duty conditions and who must confirm them. A supplier quotation or a photo of a similar installation is not engineering approval for your equipment. Do not treat an unanswered condition as confirmed compliance.

For background on why adhesives should not be treated as one interchangeable class, see TWI's overview of inorganic and ceramic adhesives. It is general joining guidance, not approval of a particular wear lining or a Vuulcan-supplied adhesive.

For product scope see alumina wear tiles. Send the duty, drawing, quantities and document requirements for a scope review; suitability and the fixing arrangement remain subject to the actual product and application review.

Updated: October 29, 2026