PLEXUS MA550 - 5 Gallon Pail Adhesive

Product Name

PLEXUS MA550 - 5 Gallon Pail Adhesive

Brief Description

Plexus MA550 is a high-performance, two-part methacrylate structural adhesive designed for robust bonding of various substrates, including thermoplastics, metals, and composites. It is known for its fast, consistent strength development at room temperature and requires virtually no surface preparation, making it a standard choice in demanding industrial applications.

Popular Applications & Uses

- Structural bonding of composite assemblies.- Bonding of thermoplastic components.- Metal bonding, including aluminum, stainless steel, and raw steel.- Secondary bonding applications in the marine industry, such as boat building, gelcoats, FRP, and plastics.- Transportation sector for bonding composite body panels, doors, and other components in rail, bus, coach, and truck manufacturing.- Wind energy applications, including the manufacture of wind blades and turbine housing assemblies.

Industries that Commonly Use It

- Marine- Transportation/ Specialty Vehicle- General Manufacturing- Metal Fabrication- Plastic Fabrication- Energy (specifically wind energy)- Aerospace/Defense- Automotive Service/Repair- Construction/ Building Services- Fabrication

Special and Unique Features

- Two-part methacrylate adhesive system.- Bright white color and UV stable, preventing discoloration over time.- Achieves fast, consistent strength development at room temperature.- Offers high elongation and excellent stress distribution for durable bonds.- Provides excellent fatigue endurance, outstanding impact resistance, and superior toughness.- Exhibits excellent resistance to hydrocarbons, acids, bases, and salt solutions.- Requires virtually no surface preparation, simplifying application and reducing labor.- Supplied as a non-sagging gel, suitable for various dispensing methods.

Key Properties

- Type: Two-part Methacrylate Adhesive (MMA)- Color: White- Mix Ratio (by volume): 10:1- Working Time: 40-50 minutes- Fixture Time (75% ultimate strength): 70-75 minutes at 74°F (23°C)- Operating Temperature Range: -67°F to +249.8°F (-55°C to 121°C)- Gap Filling: 0.03 in. to 0.375 in. (0.75mm to 10mm)- Tensile Strength: 1,800 – 2,400 psi (12.4 – 16.5 MPa)- Shear Strength: 1,200-1,800 psi (8.9 – 12.4 MPa)

Surface Compatibility

- ABS- Acrylics- Aluminum- FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic)- Metals (general, including stainless steel, raw steel, coated metals)- Polyester- PVC (Rigid PVC)- Styrenic- Thermoplastics (general, including PBT, Polycarbonate, TPUs)- Urethane- Vinyl Ester- Composites (DCPD, Gelcoat, Phenolics, Epoxy Based Composites, RIM)

Known backups / known substitutes

- Infinity Bond MMA 550- Other Plexus MMA adhesives (e.g., MA2015, MA2030, MA2245, MA2230, MA300, MA310, MA320, MA330, MA3940, MA420, MA830, MA832)- Adhesives from brands like 3M, Adhesive Systems Inc., Sika, Lord, and SCIGRIP may offer comparable solutions depending on specific application requirements.

Comparison Note

Plexus MA550 is often compared to alternatives like Infinity Bond MMA 550. While both are two-part methacrylate adhesives with a 10:1 mix ratio and similar bonding capabilities for metals, plastics, and composites, Plexus MA550 typically offers a faster handling strength (70-75 minutes) compared to Infinity Bond MMA 550 (120-150 minutes). However, Plexus MA550 can be a more expensive option. The choice between them often depends on the specific application's work time requirements, handling time needs, and budget considerations.