Product Name
Plexus MA300 Black All Purpose High Strength 5-minute MMA Adhesive (IT410 & IT412)
Brief Description
Plexus MA300 Black is a two-part methacrylate (MMA) adhesive engineered for the structural bonding of thermoplastic, metal, and composite assemblies. It features a 1:1 mix ratio, a rapid working time of 3 to 6 minutes, and quickly achieves high strength. This product is supplied as a non-sagging gel, making it suitable for precise application in various orientations.
Popular Applications & Uses
- Structural bonding in transportation assemblies, including automotive, RV, and marine applications.- Composite reinforcement and panel bonding.- Joining of various thermoplastics such as ABS, acrylics, polycarbonate, PBT, rigid PVC, and TPU.- Adhesion to coated or powder-coated metals, as well as raw aluminum and steel.- Manufacturing of wind turbine blades and housing assemblies.- Bonding floating floors and modular washrooms in railway carriages.- Assembly of composite body panels for buses and coaches.- Bonding doors, headlamp surrounds, and front grills for trucks.
Industries that Commonly Use It
- Aerospace/Defense- Automotive Service/Repair- Construction/ Building Services- Energy (specifically wind energy systems)- Fabrication- General Manufacturing- Marine- Medical Device/ Prosthetics- Metal Fabrication- Plastic Fabrication- Transportation/ Specialty Vehicle
Special and Unique Features
- High strength and stiffness for demanding structural bonds.- Versatile bonding capability across a wide range of dissimilar materials.- Cures at room temperature, eliminating the need for heat.- Fast working time (3-6 minutes) and rapid fixture time (11-16 minutes to handling strength).- Non-sagging gel consistency allows for precise application, even on vertical or overhead surfaces.- Excellent resistance to hydrocarbons, acids and bases (pH 3-10), and salt solutions.- Offers good impact and fatigue resistance, making it suitable for dynamic environments.- Requires minimal surface preparation, often only a solvent wipe.- Tolerant of off-ratio mixing, providing some flexibility in application.- Capable of filling large gaps, up to 0.125 inches (3.2 mm).
Key Properties
- **Adhesive Type:** Two-part Methacrylate (MMA)- **Mix Ratio (Volume & Weight):** 1:1- **Working Time (at 74-75°F / 23°C):** 3-6 minutes- **Fixture Time (at 74-75°F / 23°C):** 11-16 minutes (to 500-1000 psi)- **Operating Temperature Range:** -67°F to 250°F (-55°C to 121°C)- **Gap Filling Capability:** 0.03 in. – 0.125 in. (0.75 mm – 3.2 mm)- **Tensile Strength (ASTM D638):** 3,000 – 4,000 psi (20.7 – 27.6 MPa)- **Lap Shear Strength (ASTM D1002):** 3,000 – 3,800 psi (20.7 – 26.2 MPa)- **Strain to Failure (Elongation):** 5 – 15%- **Viscosity (Part A & B):** 40,000 – 70,000 cP- **Color:** Black (also available in Cream/Beige/Straw)- **Shelf Life:** 12-13 months (when stored continuously between 55°F and 77°F / 13°C and 25°C)
Surface Compatibility
- **Thermoplastics:** ABS, Acrylics, Polycarbonate, PBT, Rigid PVC, TPU, Styrenics, Phenolics, RTM, RIM.- **Metals:** Aluminum (primer suggested for optimal performance), Carbon Steel (primer/coating for exterior applications), Stainless Steel (primer suggested), Painted/coated metals, Galvanized metal.- **Composites:** FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastic), Gelcoats, Polyesters (including DCPD modified), Vinyl Esters, Epoxy-based composites.- **Other:** Rubbers, Wood.
Known backups / known substitutes
- **Plexus MA310:** A variant offering a slightly longer working time (15-18 minutes) for more flexibility in assembly.- **Infinity Bond MMA 300:** A product with similar chemical makeup, shown in testing to potentially offer superior strength and be more cost-effective.- **Infinity Bond MMA 310:** Designed for bonding difficult substrates, including metals, plastics, and fiberglass, with a medium work time of 14-19 minutes.- **ACRI-BOND 200:** An alternative developed to offer comparable performance with improved shelf life, availability, and value.- **ASI MP 55300, ASI MP 55305, ASI MP 55420FSLG:** Other methacrylate adhesives from Adhesive Systems Inc.- **UltraLok 420-1, UltraLok 421GB, UltraLok 422GB:** Chemical Concepts' alternatives to certain 3M acrylic adhesives.- **Devcon Plastic Welder (14320):** Plexus MA300 is noted as replacing this older popular formula.
Comparison Note
Plexus MA300 is distinguished by its fast cure speed, making it ideal for applications where rapid fixture and minimal downtime are critical. While it excels in speed, alternatives like Plexus MA310 provide a longer open time, which can be beneficial for larger assemblies or when precise alignment requires more flexibility. Compared to traditional mechanical fasteners like bolts or welding, MMA adhesives like Plexus MA300 offer comparable or superior bond strength, reduce labor, and can bond dissimilar materials without issues related to corrosion or thermal expansion. They are also less brittle than many epoxies, providing better impact and fatigue resistance, especially when bonding materials with different coefficients of thermal expansion.
