Device and method for melting a hot-melt adhesive

A method for melting a hot-melt adhesive, comprising the following steps:

• a) providing the hot-melt adhesive in a storage container having an inner volume of more than 50 L, wherein the storage container has a rigid lateral wall and two opposite side faces;
• b) arranging the storage container, containing the hot-melt adhesive in unmelted form, in a device for melting which comprises
• a heating plate, and
• a plunger comprising a plunger end face, a mounting and the storage container wherein
• the plunger end face and the heating plate are arranged opposite one another,
• the storage container is received in the mounting in such a manner that the hot-melt adhesive is arranged between the plunger and the heating plate,
• the storage container can be removed from the device,
• the heating plate has a V-shaped surface structure which is formed by ribs, and
• the V-shaped surface structure forms an outlet for melted hot-melt adhesive, wherein a first of the two opposite side faces of the storage container is arranged at the heating plate;
• and
• c) feeding the hot-melt adhesive relative to the storage container and in the direction towards the heating plate,
• wherein
• the two opposite side faces of the storage container are open, so that the hot-melt adhesive is brought into contact with the heating plate and there is formed melted hot-melt adhesive, which flows away on the heating plate, and
• wherein the hot-melt adhesive is pressed against the heating plate with a pressing pressure by means of the plunger, and the pressing pressure is preferably more than 7 bar.