Best way to epoxy Aluminum???
Best way to epoxy Aluminum???
(OP)
Ok,
You'd think this wouldn't be too difficult but I'm trying to epoxy two pieces of AL together. I am cleaning the surfaces thoroughly, and applying the epoxy as directed. The bond just isn't as strong as you'd think it should be. It's a tight fit situation so I'm condidering rivets if I can't get the glue thing to work out. Any ideas why I'm having bad results with epoxy?
I'm using metal epoxy BTW.
Would roughing up the surfaces matter?
AUUGGHHH!!
You'd think this wouldn't be too difficult but I'm trying to epoxy two pieces of AL together. I am cleaning the surfaces thoroughly, and applying the epoxy as directed. The bond just isn't as strong as you'd think it should be. It's a tight fit situation so I'm condidering rivets if I can't get the glue thing to work out. Any ideas why I'm having bad results with epoxy?
I'm using metal epoxy BTW.
Would roughing up the surfaces matter?
AUUGGHHH!!





RE: Best way to epoxy Aluminum???
What are you cleaning the surfaces with?
RE: Best way to epoxy Aluminum???
RE: Best way to epoxy Aluminum???
RE: Best way to epoxy Aluminum???
RE: Best way to epoxy Aluminum???
RE: Best way to epoxy Aluminum???
Meaning, a little bit of epoxy around a lot of metal powder?
You might get better bonds with unfilled epoxy.
Mike Halloran
NOT speaking for
DeAngelo Marine Exhaust Inc.
Ft. Lauderdale, FL, USA
RE: Best way to epoxy Aluminum???
RE: Best way to epoxy Aluminum???
RE: Best way to epoxy Aluminum???
It's an indoor application, and I'm developing a product for a client. It could be welded but I'm looking for quick and easy, not to mention the welding would bend a key piece that has to be straight. This would be for a mass production if things work out.
I hadn't considered oxidation especially not that quickly. Of all things to come up with this simple project, holding two pieces of Al together with epoxy. I've had better luck gluing LDPE.
RE: Best way to epoxy Aluminum???
Could you describe the joint configuration, and how you are evaluating its strength?
E.g. pin and socket, mortise and tenon, two flat rigid surfaces, two flexible parts, etc..
E.g. shear, tension, cleavage, peel, etc.
Mike Halloran
NOT speaking for
DeAngelo Marine Exhaust Inc.
Ft. Lauderdale, FL, USA
RE: Best way to epoxy Aluminum???
Regards,
Cory
Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.
RE: Best way to epoxy Aluminum???
To properly prepare a metal surface:
1) If the surface is oily or greasy, degrease it with Devcon Cleaner Blend 300.
2) Abrasive-blast the surface with 25-40 grit (or coarser) to produce a good surface
profile. If you cannot abrasive-blast the surface, use a 60 grit or coarser sandpaper to achieve a similar result.
3) Immediately coat the metal surface with Devcon FL-10 Primer to prevent it from rusting.
4) Make repairs as soon as possible after blasting the substrate to avoid oxidation
\surface prep.pdf
\FL-10 primer.pdf
This primer is recommended for both their urethane products, and under metal filled epoxies.
RE: Best way to epoxy Aluminum???
Sigh...
RE: Best way to epoxy Aluminum???
Mike Halloran
NOT speaking for
DeAngelo Marine Exhaust Inc.
Ft. Lauderdale, FL, USA
RE: Best way to epoxy Aluminum???
But it's clear something else has to happen to get a good bond. Sand blasting, cleaning with soap and water then alcohol isn't enough. I'm thinking "Imoose" is on the right track with a surface treatment. There's some chemistry going on I just don't understand. Hey-I'm mechanical!
RE: Best way to epoxy Aluminum???
Just talked to Devcon's technical people. They didn't think any surface prep is needed, sand blast, a good alcohol wipe and maintain a .01-.02 bond thickness, which I was not doing.
RE: Best way to epoxy Aluminum???