Product Name
Plexus MA560-1 (56000 Black & 56500 White) Non-Sag Gel, 60-70-Minute MMA Adhesive for Metals & Composites, Chemical Resistant
Brief Description
Plexus MA560-1 is a two-part, non-sagging methyl methacrylate (MMA) structural adhesive designed for high-strength bonding of thermoplastic, metal, and composite assemblies. It features a long working time of 55 to 70 minutes, making it suitable for large structures and applications requiring extended open time. The adhesive cures at room temperature and provides excellent fatigue endurance, outstanding impact resistance, and superior toughness.
Popular Applications & Uses
- Bonding stringers and liners into large fiberglass boats, with bond lines up to 1.00 inch (25 mm) thick.- Structural bonding of composite body panels on buses and coaches.- Adhering doors, headlamp surrounds, and front grills for trucks.- Manufacturing of wind-blades, nacelle housings, and lightning suppression systems in the wind energy sector.- General industrial bonding applications requiring high strength and resistance to fatigue and environmental conditions.- Bonding magnets in electric motor manufacturing.- Assembly of railway carriages, including floating floors and modular washrooms.
Industries that Commonly Use It
- Marine (for boat building and repair)- Transportation/ Specialty Vehicle (for buses, trucks, railway, and other specialty vehicles)- General Manufacturing (for various structural assemblies)- Metal Fabrication (for bonding aluminum, stainless steel, raw steel, etc.)- Plastic Fabrication (for bonding thermoplastics, acrylics, PVC, styrenics, urethane, vinyl ester)- Aerospace/Defense (for structural bonding applications)- Energy (specifically wind energy for turbine components)- Construction/ Building Services (for building components)- Sign & Display (for commercial signs and displays)
Special and Unique Features
- Very long open time of 55-70 minutes, ideal for large structures and complex assemblies.- Non-sag gel consistency, allowing for vertical or overhead bonding and excellent gap filling up to 1.00 inch (25 mm).- High strength and very high elongation (>130%), providing flexibility and durability.- Excellent fatigue endurance and outstanding impact resistance.- Superior toughness, ensuring long-lasting and durable bonds.- Requires minimal or no surface preparation for most substrates.- 1:1 mix ratio for easy and reliable dispensing.- Chemical resistant, suitable for harsh environments.
Key Properties
- **Adhesive Type:** Two-part Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) Adhesive- **Colors:** Black (56000) and White (56500)- **Mix Ratio (by volume):** 1:1- **Working Time:** 55-70 minutes at room temperature (74°F / 23°C)- **Fixture Time:** Approximately 4 hours (reaches 500 psi in ~3 hours and 1000 psi in ~4 hours)- **Gap Filling:** Up to 1.00 inch (25 mm)- **Tensile Strength:** 2,500 - 3,100 psi (17.2 - 21.3 MPa)- **Shear Strength:** 1,600 - 2,200 psi (9.6 - 11 MPa)- **Elongation at Break:** >130%- **Operating Temperature Range:** -67°F to +249.8°F (-55°C to +121°C)- **Viscosity (cP x1000):** Part A: 145-185, Part B: 170-205- **VOCs during cure:** <1% (<10 g/L)
Surface Compatibility
- Metals (e.g., Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Raw Steel, Galvanized Steel)- Thermoplastics (e.g., ABS, Acrylic, PVC, Styrenic, Urethane)- Composites (e.g., Fiberglass, FRP, Vinyl Ester, SMC)- Gelcoats- Polyester- Polyamides (Nylons)- Polycarbonate
Known backups / known substitutes
- Infinity Bond MMA 560 (similar open time of 50-65 minutes)- SCIGRIP SG 300-40 (mentioned as an alternative to Plexus)- Other Plexus MMA adhesives with varying open times and properties, such as MA530 (moderate open time) or MA590 (longer open time).- Other brands of Methyl Methacrylate Adhesives (MMAs) from manufacturers like H.B. Fuller, Bostik, 3M, LORD, Sika.
Comparison Note
Plexus MA560-1 stands out among MMA adhesives for its exceptionally long working time of 55-70 minutes, which is crucial for large-scale applications where precise alignment and extended assembly time are required. While other MMA adhesives offer faster cure times for rapid production, MA560-1 prioritizes a prolonged open time without compromising on high structural strength, impact resistance, and chemical resistance. Its non-sag gel consistency and ability to fill large gaps (up to 1 inch) further differentiate it for demanding structural bonding of dissimilar materials like metals and composites, often with minimal surface preparation.
