BUYER'S GUIDE
How to Choose a Plexus Adhesive
The Plexus range is organized mainly by working time and rheology, since all of the grades share the same basic methacrylate chemistry and bond a similar spread of substrates.
MA300 is the fast general-purpose choice, with roughly five minutes of working time. It suits small assemblies, repairs, and production where parts are fixtured quickly. It is available in white and black so the bond line can be matched to the part.
MA310 extends working time for larger assemblies that need positioning and clamping before the adhesive sets. MA530 is a non-sag gel with about 30 minutes of working time, formulated to stay in place on vertical and overhead bond lines instead of slumping, and its UV-stable gray finish suits visible joints.
Substrates and Surface Preparation
Plexus structural adhesive bonds thermoplastics including ABS, PVC, acrylic, polycarbonate, and many composites, along with steel, stainless, aluminum, and coated metals. Very low-surface-energy plastics such as polyethylene and polypropylene may still need a primer or surface treatment.
Surface prep is deliberately simple: wipe away loose contamination and abrade where practical. The tolerance for less-than-perfect surfaces is a major reason fabricators choose Plexus adhesives over epoxy in production environments.
Dispensing
Plexus cartridges use 1:1 or 10:1 ratios depending on grade, dispensed with a matching manual or pneumatic gun and a static mixing nozzle. Always discard the first short bead from a new nozzle to ensure the mix ratio is correct before bonding.
Where Plexus Adhesives Are Used
Plexus is widely specified in boat building, truck and trailer manufacturing, sign and display fabrication, panel assembly, and general composite fabrication. In maintenance work it bonds and repairs fiberglass, acrylic, and thermoplastic components that cannot be welded, and it handles mixed-material joints that would otherwise need fasteners.
PRODUCT GROUPING INTROS
Plexus MA300 Series
MA300 is the five-minute all-purpose Plexus methacrylate adhesive for fast structural bonding of plastics, metals, and composites, available in white and black in 50ml and 400ml cartridges.
Plexus MA310
MA310 offers extended working time for larger assemblies that need positioning and clamping, with the same high-strength bonding across plastics, metals, and composite materials.
Plexus MA530 Non-Sag Gel
MA530 is a 30-minute non-sag gel with a UV-stable gray finish, designed for vertical and overhead bond lines on metals, thermoplastics, and composites.
Dispensers & Mixing Nozzles
Manual and pneumatic dispensers and static mixing nozzles sized for 50ml and 400ml cartridges ensure every bead of Plexus adhesive is mixed at the correct ratio.
FAQS
What is Plexus adhesive used for?
Plexus adhesive is used for structural bonding of thermoplastics, composites, and metals in marine, transportation, signage, and industrial fabrication. It replaces welds, rivets, and fasteners in assemblies that need high impact and peel strength.
What is the difference between Plexus MA300 and MA310?
MA300 has roughly five minutes of working time for fast assembly, while MA310 gives longer open time for larger parts that need positioning. Both are high-strength methacrylate adhesive grades bonding the same range of substrates.
Does Plexus adhesive bond metal to plastic?
Yes. Plexus structural adhesive is formulated for mixed-substrate bonding and performs well joining metals to thermoplastics and composites, which is one of its main advantages over epoxy.
How much surface preparation does Plexus need?
Less than epoxy. ITW Plexus adhesive tolerates mill scale and light oils, so wiping away loose contamination and light abrasion is usually sufficient. Clean, dry surfaces still give the most consistent results.
How long does Plexus adhesive take to cure?
Working time ranges from about five minutes for MA300 to 30 minutes for MA530, with handling strength typically in 15 to 90 minutes and full cure within 24 hours depending on grade and temperature.
