Product Name
PLEXUS MA420 (aka AO420) - 490ml 10:1 Ratio Cartridge- Cream IT101X
Brief Description
Plexus MA420 (also known as AO420) is a two-part, rapid-curing methacrylate adhesive designed for high-strength structural bonding of a wide range of thermoplastic, metal, and composite assemblies. It is supplied in a 490ml cartridge with a 10:1 mix ratio and is known for requiring minimal to no surface preparation.
Popular Applications & Uses
- Structural bonding of bus, truck, and rail body panels.- Marine hull-to-deck and composite assembly.- Industrial signage and enclosure fabrication.- OEM applications in plastics and composites.- General industrial manufacturing and mechanical repairs.- Bonding various metals, plastics, and composites in fabrication processes.
Industries that Commonly Use It
- Transportation/Specialty Vehicle- Marine- General Manufacturing- Metal Fabrication- Plastic Fabrication- Automotive Service/Repair- Sign & Display- Aerospace/Defense (for structural bonding of composites and metals)- Construction/Building Services (for structural elements and signage)
Special and Unique Features
- Rapid-curing system with a short working time of 4-6 minutes and a fixture time of 15-22 minutes.- Requires virtually no surface preparation for many substrates.- Provides a unique combination of excellent fatigue endurance, outstanding impact resistance, and superior toughness.- Non-sag thixotropic gel consistency, suitable for vertical and overhead applications.- High structural strength, with lap shear up to 3,800 psi (26.2 MPa) and tensile strength up to 3,000 psi (20.7 MPa).- Durable under stress, withstanding vibration, fatigue, and dynamic loads.
Key Properties
- Product Type: Two-part methacrylate adhesive- Mix Ratio (Volume): 10:1- Working Time: 4-6 minutes- Fixture Time: 15-22 minutes (achieves 75% ultimate strength)- Operating Temperature: -67°F to 250°F (-55°C to 121°C)- Gap Filling Capability: 0.03 in – 0.375 in (0.75 mm – 9.5 mm)- Tensile Strength: 2,700 – 3,000 psi (18.6 – 20.7 MPa)- Lap Shear Strength: 3,000 – 3,800 psi (20.7 – 26.2 MPa)- Elongation at Break: 30-50%- Shore D Hardness: 73- Color: Cream (also available in amber, blue, or black)- Viscosity (cP x 1000): Part A: 100-125; Part B: 35-80- Shelf Life: 7-13 months depending on component and storage conditions (typically 10-13 months for Part A, 9-10 months for Part B/activator)
Surface Compatibility
- Thermoplastics: ABS/ABS Blends, Acrylics, PBT, Polycarbonate, Rigid PVC, TPUs.- Composites: FRP, DCPD, Epoxy-based composites, Gelcoat, Phenolics, RIM.- Metals: Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Raw Steel, Carbon Steel, Powder-coated and E-coated metals.- Styrenics- Urethanes (general)- Vinyl Esters*Plexus Primer may be suggested for some metals like Aluminum and Stainless Steel.
Known backups / known substitutes
- Plexus MA420FS (fast setting version)- Plexus MA2015 (UV resistance, minimal yellowing, marine/transportation)- Plexus MA2230 (robust, marine/transportation)- Plexus MA2245 (powerful, marine/transportation)- Plexus MA330 (high strength and stiffness)- Plexus MA3940 (for crazing-sensitive materials)- UltraLok® 420GB Structural MMA Adhesive- ARALDITE 2053 Acrylic Adhesive
Comparison Note
Plexus MA420/AO420 stands out as an industry standard for composite bonding in the transportation sector due to its rapid cure, high structural strength, exceptional fatigue endurance, and impact resistance, all while minimizing the need for extensive surface preparation. Its non-sag formulation and broad substrate compatibility make it a versatile choice for demanding structural adhesive applications across various industries.
