Product Name
PLEXUS MA422 Two-part methacrylate - 5 Gallon Pail Adhesive IT132
Brief Description
Plexus MA422 is a two-part methacrylate structural adhesive designed for high-performance bonding of composite, thermoplastic, and metal assemblies. It offers a unique combination of exceptional strength, elongation, and fatigue resistance, often replacing welding and mechanical fasteners. This adhesive cures quickly at room temperature and requires minimal to no surface preparation for many applications.
Popular Applications & Uses
- Structural bonding of composite, thermoplastic, and metal assemblies- Bonding panels, brackets, and aerodynamic components in transportation (trucks, buses, recreational vehicles)- Marine applications such as bonding hulls, deck liners, ski boats, yachts, and internal fixtures- Joining aluminum, steel, stainless steel, and powder-coated parts in metal fabrication- Bonding various plastics including ABS, acrylics, PVC, polycarbonate, FRP, gelcoat, polyester, styrenic, urethane, and vinyl ester- Bonding magnets in electric motors and loudspeakers- Signage and display assembly, including acrylic panels and metal supports
Industries that Commonly Use It
- Transportation/ Specialty Vehicle- Marine- General Manufacturing- Metal Fabrication- Plastic Fabrication- Fabrication- Aerospace/Defense- Construction/ Building Services- Sign & Display- Energy (Alternative Energy)
Special and Unique Features
- Requires virtually no surface preparation for many substrates- Non-sag thixotropic dispensing, allowing for easy application on vertical surfaces and good gap filling- Excellent fatigue endurance and outstanding impact resistance- Superior toughness and flexibility, accommodating differential thermal expansion and contraction- Rapid cure time at room temperature, achieving 75% ultimate strength in 35-40 minutes- Can bond dissimilar materials effectively- Excellent resistance to hydrocarbons, acids, bases (pH 3-10), and salt solutions
Key Properties
- Chemistry: Two-part Methyl Methacrylate (MMA)- Mix Ratio: 10:1 (by volume)- Working Time: 17 – 24 minutes- Fixture Time: 35 – 40 minutes (to 75% ultimate strength)- Operating Temperature Range: -40°F to 250°F (-40°C to 121°C)- Tensile Strength: 2,700 – 3,000 psi (18.6 – 20.7 MPa)- Shear Strength: 1,600 – 2,300 psi (11.0 – 15.9 MPa)- Tensile Elongation: 75 – 100%- Gap Filling: 0.03 in. – 0.375 in. (0.75 mm – 9.5 mm)- Color (mixed): Blue (though activator is blue, and adhesive is off-white, resulting in blue when mixed)- Viscosity (Adhesive A): 100,000-130,000 cP- Viscosity (Activator B): 35,000-70,000 cP- Shelf Life: 10-13 months when stored between 54°F (12°C) and 74°F (23°C)
Surface Compatibility
- Composites: DCPD, FRP, Gelcoat, Phenolics, Epoxy Based Composites, RIM- Thermoplastics: ABS/ABS Blends, Acrylics, PBT, Polycarbonate, Rigid PVC, TPUs, Polyester, Styrenic, Urethane, Vinyl Ester- Metals: Raw Metals (Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Raw Steel), Coated Metals (Powder coated or E-coated Metals)
Known backups / known substitutes
- Maven MMA422- Infinity Bond MMA 422- Other Plexus MMA adhesives (e.g., MA320, MA310, MA300, MA832, MA920, MA2015, MA2030, MA330)- General Methyl Methacrylate Adhesives (MMAs) from brands like 3M, ASI, Bostik, Devcon, LOCTITE, LORD, SCIGRIP, Sika, Permabond
Comparison Note
Plexus MA422 is a premium, high-performance structural methacrylate adhesive known for its robust bonding capabilities across a wide range of materials with minimal surface preparation. While it offers exceptional properties, alternative MMA adhesives like Infinity Bond MMA 422 are available that claim similar or superior performance at a potentially lower cost, providing competitive options for businesses seeking strong, reliable bonds.
