Loctite Prism 401 Clear Multi-Surface Instant CA Adhesive-General Purpose (40140, 40104, 40161)

Product Name: Loctite Prism 401 Clear Multi-Surface Instant CA Adhesive (General Purpose)

Loctite Prism 401 is a surface-insensitive, general-purpose cyanoacrylate (instant) adhesive designed for the rapid bonding of a wide variety of materials, including difficult-to-bond substrates. Unlike standard super glues, 401 is specifically formulated to bond porous or absorbent materials such as wood, paper, leather, and fabric, in addition to metals, plastics, and elastomers.

Popular Applications & Uses
- Bonding porous materials that typically absorb other glues (wood, cork, paper).
- Rapid assembly of difficult-to-bond plastics and rubbers.
- General maintenance and repair where a fast, strong bond is needed on mixed substrates.
- Assembling consumer appliances, toys, and electronics.
- Bonding leather and fabric components in footwear or furniture.

Industries that Commonly Use It
- General Industrial Manufacturing
- Electronics (Component bonding)
- Furniture and Woodworking
- Consumer Goods (Toys, appliances)
- Automotive (Interior trim)

Special and Unique Features
- Surface Insensitive: Bonds well to acidic surfaces (like plated metals) and porous materials that inhibit the cure of standard super glues.
- Universal Bonding: Adheres to the widest range of substrates, including metals, plastics, elastomers, wood, paper, and leather.
- Fast Fixturing: Sets in seconds (3-10 seconds for most materials).
- Medium Viscosity: ~100 cP consistency prevents the adhesive from soaking into porous surfaces too quickly, keeping it on the bond line.
- High Strength: Provides high tensile and shear strength on most materials.

Key Properties
- Base: Ethyl Cyanoacrylate
- Color: Clear / Transparent
- Viscosity: Medium / Universal (~100 cP)
- Temperature Range: -40°F to 250°F (-40°C to 120°C) - *Improved heat resistance in newer formulas*
- Specific Gravity: 1.05
- Fixture Time: 3 - 10 seconds

Materials Bonded
- Porous Materials (Wood, Paper, Leather, Fabric)
- Plastics (ABS, PVC, Polycarbonate)
- Rubber (Nitrile, Neoprene)
- Metals (Steel, Aluminum, Zinc Dichromate)

Cure Information
- Fixture Time: 3 - 10 seconds.
- Full Cure: 24 hours.
- Cure Mechanism: Moisture cure (surface moisture triggers rapid polymerization).

Known backups / known substitutes for this product
- Loctite 495 (Standard super glue - thinner, less effective on porous materials).
- Loctite 406 (Wicking grade - better for rubber/plastic, worse for wood/paper).
- 3M Scotch-Weld CA100.
- Permatex Surface Insensitive Super Glue.

Comparison Note
- Loctite 401 is the "Universal Soldier" of instant adhesives. If you don't know exactly what material you are bonding, or if you are bonding **wood, paper, or leather**, 401 is the safest and best choice. Standard super glues (like 495) often soak into wood or fabric without curing; 401 is formulated to stay on the surface and cure rapidly.