PLEXUS MA320 - 5 Gallon Pail Adhesive

Product Name

PLEXUS MA320 - 5 Gallon Pail Adhesive

Brief Description

Plexus® MA320 is a two-part methacrylate structural adhesive engineered for high-strength bonding of thermoplastic, metal, and composite assemblies. It offers exceptional durability and toughness, even at low temperatures, and typically requires minimal to no surface preparation.

Popular Applications & Uses

- Structural bonding of thermoplastic, metal, and composite assemblies.- Composite bonding applications in the transportation, marine, and wind energy industries.- Bonding floating floors and modular washrooms in railway carriages.- Adhering composite body panels on buses and coaches.- Bonding doors, headlamp surrounds, and front grills for trucks.- Marine applications, including composite stringers, liners, and deck to hull bonding.- Manufacturing of wind blades, turbine housing assemblies, and lightning suppression systems.

Industries that Commonly Use It

- Aerospace/Defense- Construction/ Building Services- Energy (specifically Wind Energy)- Engineering Services- Fabrication (for composites, plastics, and metals)- General Manufacturing- Marine- Metal Fabrication- Plastic Fabrication- Transportation/ Specialty Vehicle

Special and Unique Features

- Two-part methacrylate adhesive system.- 10:1 mix ratio by volume.- Cures at room temperature.- Achieves fast, consistent strength development.- Provides exceptional low temperature impact resistance and superior toughness down to -67°F (-55°C).- Offers high elongation and excellent stress distribution.- Features non-sag thixotropic dispensing, allowing for application as a gel.- Generally requires minimal to no surface preparation for many substrates.

Key Properties

- Working Time: 8 – 12 minutes.- Fixture Time: 25 – 30 minutes.- Operating Temperature: -67°F to 250°F (-55°C to 121°C).- Gap Filling: 0.03 in. – 0.375 in. (0.75 mm – 9.5 mm).- Tensile Strength: 1,700 – 2,200 psi (11.7 – 15.2 MPa).- Tensile Elongation: 60 – 100%.- Lap Shear Strength: 1,500 – 2,000 psi (10.3 – 13.8 MPa).- Mixed Density: 7.80 lbs/gal (0.93-0.94 g/cc).- Viscosity (Adhesive A-side): 135,000 – 175,000 cP.- Viscosity (Activator B-side): 30,000 – 70,000 cP.- Available Colors: Off-white, white, or black.- Excellent resistance to acids and bases (pH 3-10) and salt solutions.- Susceptible to polar solvents, strong acids and bases, and hydrocarbons (including gasoline and diesel fuels).

Surface Compatibility

- Thermoplastics: Including ABS/ABS Blends, Acrylics, PBT, Polycarbonate, Rigid PVC, and TPUs.- Metals: Such as Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Raw Steel, and coated metals (powder coated or E-coated).- Composites: Including DCPD, FRP, Gelcoat, Phenolics, Epoxy Based Composites, and RIM.- Capable of bonding both similar and dissimilar substrates.

Known backups / known substitutes

- Infinity Bond MMA 320: Noted as a strong alternative with similar chemistry, potentially offering superior strength and cost-effectiveness.- Other Plexus methacrylate adhesives: MA832, MA920, MA685, MA830, MA550, MA590, MA420FS, MA422, MA310, MA425, MA530, AO 420.- General structural acrylic (MMA) adhesives from various manufacturers.

Comparison Note

Plexus MA320 is a widely recognized structural adhesive known for its performance. However, alternatives like Infinity Bond MMA 320 have demonstrated comparable or potentially superior strength in testing, often at a more competitive price point. When considering substitutes, it is critical to consult manufacturer data sheets for detailed specifications and to conduct testing to ensure suitability for specific applications and service conditions.