Product Name
PLEXUS Bulk MA310 Part A Adhesive (Resin) - 5 Gallon Pails & 50 Gallon Drums
Brief Description
Plexus MA310 is a two-part, 1:1 mix ratio methacrylate (MMA) adhesive designed for high-strength structural bonding of thermoplastic, metal, and composite assemblies. It is a medium-curing system that provides a balance of handling flexibility and fast strength development at room temperature.
Popular Applications & Uses
- Structural bonding of thermoplastic, metal, and composite assemblies.- Panel bonding and structural assemblies in transportation.- Bonding liners, stringers, and deck-to-hull joints in marine applications.- Bonding composite panels and coated metals in signage.- General manufacturing of thermoplastic and composite assemblies.- Bonding poorly prepared surfaces.- Applications requiring outdoor weathering or solvent exposure.
Industries that Commonly Use It
- Aerospace/Defense- Automotive Service/Repair- Chemical Industry- Construction/ Building Services- Fabrication- General Manufacturing- Marine- Metal Fabrication- Plastic Fabrication- Sign & Display- Transportation/ Specialty Vehicle
Special and Unique Features
- Two-part methacrylate adhesive with a 1:1 mix ratio.- Medium working time of 15-18 minutes for controlled assembly.- Fast fixture time of 30-35 minutes at room temperature.- High strength and stiffness.- Toughened formula.- Non-sag thixotropic dispensing, suitable for vertical or overhead applications.- Excellent gap tolerance, filling up to 0.125 inches (3.2 mm).- Excellent chemical resistance to hydrocarbons, acids and bases (pH 3-10), and salt solutions.- Requires little to no surface preparation.- 100% Reactive.- Excellent tolerance to off-ratio mixing.
Key Properties
- **Color:** Cream (Part A: Off-White, Part B: Yellow)- **Mix Ratio:** 1:1 by volume and weight.- **Working Time:** 15-18 minutes at 75°F (23°C).- **Fixture Time:** 30-35 minutes at 75°F (23°C) (some sources state 40-55 minutes).- **Operating Temperature:** -67°F to 250°F (-55°C to 121°C).- **Tensile Strength (ASTM D638):** 3,500-4,500 psi (24.1-31.0 MPa)- **Tensile Modulus:** 150,000-175,000 psi (1034-1207 MPa)- **Strain to Failure (Elongation):** 5-15% (some sources 20-40%)- **Lap Shear Strength (ASTM D1002):** 3,000-3,500 psi (20.7-24.1 MPa)- **Viscosity (Part A & B):** 40,000-70,000 cP.- **Hardness:** Shore D 80.- **Flash Point:** 51°F (11°C).
Surface Compatibility
- **Thermoplastics:** ABS/ABS Blends, Acrylics, PBT, Polycarbonate, Rigid PVC, TPUs, Polyamide, ASA, Styrenics, Urethanes (general), Vinyl Esters.- **Metals:** Aluminum*, Stainless Steel*, Raw Steel*, Coated metals (Powder coated or E-coated Metals), Galvanized metal.- **Composites:** DCPD, FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Polyester and Epoxy), Gelcoat, Phenolics, Epoxy Based Composites, RIM.- **Other:** Wood, poorly prepared surfaces.- **Not suitable for:** Polyolefin (e.g., PE, PP, PTFE).*Plexus Primer PC120 suggested for raw metals like Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Raw Steel.
Known backups / known substitutes
- Plexus MA300 (faster curing, shorter working time).- Plexus MA320 (different mix ratio, often for composite bonding).- Plexus MA330 (similar working time, high strength/stiffness).- Plexus MA420 (rapid cure, for transportation composite bonding).- Plexus MA2015 (UV resistance, minimal yellowing, marine/transportation).- Plexus MA832 (primer-free structural bonding of metals, thermoplastics, composites).- Plexus MA920 (low-odor, high-strength).- ACRI-BOND 210 (alternative with improved shelf life, availability, and value).- Infinity Bond MMA 310 (similar chemical makeup, often a cheaper alternative, showed stronger bonds in one test).- UltraLok® 310 MMA Structural Adhesive (8-12 min work time, 25 min fixture time, 4,000 psi strength).- Other MMA adhesives from brands like 3M, ASI, Bostik, LOCTITE, LORD, SCIGRIP, Sika.
Comparison Note
Plexus MA310 offers a medium working time (15-18 minutes) compared to Plexus MA300 (3-6 minutes), providing more flexibility for positioning and alignment of larger or more complex parts before curing. While Plexus MA310 is a well-known product, alternatives like Infinity Bond MMA 310 may offer similar chemical makeup and properties, sometimes at a lower price point and potentially with stronger bonds in certain tests. The relatively short shelf life (7 months from manufacture) and inconsistent availability of Plexus MA310 can lead users to seek alternatives.
