Bonding dissimilar materials together requires special consideration, particularly in an environment subject to temperature change. This is because differential thermal expansion and contraction between materials can induce stress into the substrates and into the joint. For this reason slightly flexible, toughened adhesives can be better than rigid methods of fixture - such as mechanical fastenings.

There are three basic joint types; coaxial, lap and butt joints. Anaerobic adhesives are usually most suitable for coaxial type joints (where one part slots into another). Whether or not the joint needs to be dissembled will determine the strength of adhesive to use. Lap joints can be bonded easily with cyanoacrylates. For butt joints (not usually suitable for adhesives) or other joints which could be subject to particularly heavy loading or peel and cleavage stresses, toughened epoxies and structural acrylic adhesives offer the best performance.