Structural Acrylics / Methacrylates / Epoxies

Structural Acrylics / Methacrylates / Epoxies Explained

The world of adhesives has come a long way, with various compounds offering tailored solutions to meet the demands of diverse applications. Structural acrylics, methacrylates, and epoxies are three key categories of high-performance adhesives that cater to different industries and applications.

Let’s explore this range of adhesives in more detail.

Structural Acrylics / Methacrylates / Epoxy adhesives explored

Let’s explore this range of adhesives in more detail.

Aluminium Epoxy Stick – S1011

Aluminium Epoxy Putty Sticks, S1011, are hand-kneaded, non-rusting epoxy putty sticks that mix in one minute to provide fast, permanent repairs to items made of ferrous and aluminium metals.

Each aluminium epoxy stick comes in a handy rod form with the curing agent encapsulated in the contrasting colour base material. Its putty-like consistency eliminates drips and runs, providing a no-mess application with no tools required to use. It is a blackish in colour after use.

Steel Epoxy Stick – S1010

Steel Epoxy Putty Stick, S1010, is a hand-kneadable, non-rusting, steel-reinforced epoxy putty that mixes in one minute to provide fast, permanent repairs to items made of ferrous and aluminium metals.

This putty steel stick comes in a handy rod form with the curing agent encapsulated in the contrasting colour base material. Its putty-like consistency eliminates drips and runs, providing “no mess” application with no tools required to use.

Structural Methacrylate Adhesive – S1300

Structural Methacrylate Adhesive S1300 is a two-part A&B component system ideal for all types of bonding requirements on steel, aluminium, polycarbonates and general plastics.

This structural adhesive is also very good on vertical surface bonds because it is an MMA Methacrylate. As a result, it exhibits excellent structural strength even without priming the surfaces.

Available in the following sizes:

• 50ml White Structural Methacrylate Adhesive
• 400ml White Structural Methacrylate Adhesive
• 50ml Black Structural Methacrylate Adhesive
• 400ml Black Structural Methacrylate Adhesive

Toughened Acrylic Adhesive – S1500 – 50ml

Toughened Acrylic Adhesive S1500, is a two-component, pink and green, structural methacrylate adhesive, designed for the bonding of high strength metal and composite applications. It is suitable for bonding: Aluminium, Stainless Steel, carbon fibre, GRP wood and glass. It is particularly suitable for model railway kits especially for the attachment of fine detailing, and between metal and plastic.

Applicator Gun – 400ml twin cartridge

This twin applicator gun 400ml twin cartridge is a heavy-duty metal gun designed to dispense 400ml twin cartridges. It is suitable for all 400ml 1:1 twin cartridge no matter what adhesive is in the cartridge and when used in conjunction with a static mixer, nozzle reference XM1004 it provides the perfect pre-mixed adhesive ready for bonding.

Applicator Gun – 50ml twin cartridge

Applicator Gun – 50ml twin cartridge is suitable to dispense any 50ml 1:1 ratio twin cartridge no matter what type of adhesive is in the cartridge or who manufactured the adhesive and when used in conjunction with a static mixer, nozzle reference XM1001 it provides the perfect pre-mixed adhesive ready for bonding.

Mixer Nozzle for 400ml twin cartridge XM1004

These mixer nozzles fit the 400ml cartridges and are suitable for S1300 – 400ml structural methacrylate black and Structural Methacrylate Adhesive – S1300 – 400ml. They are to be used in conjunction with the 400ml twin cartridge applicator gun.

Mixer Nozzle for 50ml twin cartridge XM1001

These mixer nozzles fit all 50ml cartridges and are suitable for all of our two-part adhesives including epoxies, acrylics and polyurethanes. They are to be used in conjunction with the 50ml twin cartridge applicator gun for applying our Structural Methacrylate Adhesive – S1300 50ml and the Toughened Acrylic Adhesive – S1500 – 50ml.

Structural Acrylics

Structural acrylics are a class of adhesive compounds based on acrylic chemistry. They are known for their excellent bonding strength, fast curing times, and good durability. These adhesives are highly suitable for bonding plastics, metals, and composites, making them a popular choice in the automotive, aerospace, electronics, and industrial sectors.

Structural Acrylics Benefits

High strength

Structural acrylics offer excellent tensile, shear, and peel strength, enabling them to withstand significant stress and pressure.

Fast cure times

These adhesives cure quickly at room temperature, minimizing production downtime and ensuring efficient assembly processes.

Versatility

Structural acrylics can bond a wide range of substrates, including metals, plastics, and composites.

Environmental resistance

These adhesives offer good resistance to chemicals, moisture, and temperature variations, ensuring longevity and reliability in various conditions.

Methacrylates (MMA)

Methacrylate adhesives, also known as methyl methacrylate (MMA) adhesives, are a subgroup of structural acrylics. MMA adhesives are two-component systems that consist of a resin and a hardener, which combine to form a strong, durable bond. Their excellent adhesive strength and gap-filling capabilities make them ideal for heavy-duty applications in transportation, construction, and marine industries.

Methacrylates (MMA) Benefits

High strength

MMA adhesives offer exceptional structural strength, allowing them to support heavy loads and resist stress.

Gap-filling capability

These adhesives can fill gaps up to several millimeters, compensating for irregular or uneven surfaces and enhancing the bond strength.

Chemical resistance

MMA adhesives exhibit good resistance to a wide range of chemicals, making them suitable for harsh environments.

Flexibility

Unlike rigid adhesives, MMA adhesives can accommodate a certain degree of flexibility, helping to maintain the bond under stress and vibration.

Epoxies

Epoxy adhesives are two-component systems based on epoxy resin and a hardener. They are well-known for their robust bonding capabilities, making them a preferred choice in aerospace, automotive, construction, and electronics industries. Epoxies can bond various substrates, including metals, plastics, ceramics, and wood, and can be formulated to suit specific applications.

Epoxy Benefits

High strength

Epoxy adhesives are renowned for their excellent mechanical strength, providing durable bonds in demanding applications. Temperature resistance: These adhesives can withstand a wide range of temperatures, ensuring bond stability in diverse conditions.

Chemical resistance

Epoxies offer strong resistance to many chemicals, such as acids, alkalis, and solvents, making them suitable for use in corrosive environments.

Versatility

Epoxy adhesives can be tailored to cater to different substrates, cure times, and application requirements, ensuring optimal performance.

Cost of Structural Acrylics / Methacrylates / Epoxy adhesives

We offer bulk buy options for all of these adhesives to help reduce the cost to your business.

Not sure if Structural Acrylics / Methacrylates / Epoxy Adhesives are right for your requirements?

If you are not sure if these adhesives are correct for your requirements, please contact us to discuss your requirements and we can point you in the right direction.

Structural Acrylics / Methacrylates / Epoxies Conclusion

In summary, structural acrylics, methacrylates, and epoxies are all advanced adhesive options that cater to various industries and applications. By familiarising yourself with their distinct properties, advantages, and limitations, you can make an informed decision when selecting the ideal adhesive for your project requirements. Choosing the appropriate adhesive ensures a dependable and long-lasting bond, contributing to the overall success and durability of your end product.