Product Name
PLEXUS MA2045 - 490ml 10:1 Ratio Cartridge - White
Brief Description
Plexus MA2045 is a two-part, white methacrylate adhesive specifically engineered for the structural bonding of composite, thermoplastic, and metal assemblies. It is formulated to resist UV and yellowing, and features a highly thixotropic, non-sag consistency, making it suitable for vertical applications. This rapid-curing system develops fast, consistent strength at room temperature with minimal to no surface preparation required.
Popular Applications & Uses
- Structural bonding in marine vessels- Composite bonding in the transportation industry- Bonding of various thermoplastic, metal, and composite assemblies- Applications requiring a long open time with good gap-filling capabilities- Vertical surface bonding due to its non-sag formulation- Bonding raw metals such as aluminum, stainless steel, and raw steel- Bonding coated metals, including powder-coated or E-coated metals- Bonding various composites like DCPD, FRP, Gelcoat, Phenolics, Epoxy Based Composites, and RIM- Bonding thermoplastics such as ABS/ABS Blends, Acrylics, PBT, Polycarbonate, Rigid PVC, and TPUs
Industries that Commonly Use It
- Marine- Transportation/ Specialty Vehicle- General Manufacturing- Metal Fabrication- Plastic Fabrication- Fabrication- Construction/ Building Services- PVC Trimboard- Sign & Display
Special and Unique Features
- Excellent UV and yellowing resistance, maintaining a white appearance- Highly thixotropic formulation prevents sag and slide, even on vertical surfaces- Fast, consistent strength development at room temperature- Requires little to no surface preparation for many substrates- Provides a unique combination of excellent fatigue endurance, outstanding impact resistance, and superior toughness- Long working time of 40-45 minutes- Good gap-filling capabilities, up to 1.5 inches (50mm)
Key Properties
- Product Type: Two-part methacrylate adhesive- Mix Ratio: 10:1- Color: White (also available in blue for MA2045, but the product is specified as white)- Working Time: 40-45 minutes (some sources say 40-50 minutes)- Fixture Time: 100-135 minutes (achieves 500 psi in 100 minutes and 1000 psi in 130 minutes)- Shear Strength: 1600 to 2000 psi- Tensile Strength: 3000 to 3400 psi- Tensile Elongation: >30%- Max Gap Fill: Up to 1.5 inches (50mm)- Operating Temperature Range: -40°F to +180°F (-40°C to +82°C)- Highly thixotropic (non-sag)- UV stable
Surface Compatibility
- Composites: DCPD, FRP, Gelcoat, Phenolics, Epoxy Based Composites, RIM- Thermoplastics: ABS/ABS Blends, Acrylics, PBT, Polycarbonate, Rigid PVC, TPUs- Raw Metals: Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Raw Steel (with PC120 primer for some raw metals)- Coated Metals: Powder coated or E-coated Metals- Other compatible materials: Polyester, Styrenic, Urethane, Vinyl Ester
Known backups / known substitutes
The search results indicate that finding direct "alternative products" for Plexus MA2045 can be challenging, with some sources stating "No alternative products found" and recommending contacting specialists for recommendations. However, other Plexus methacrylate adhesives or similar structural adhesives from brands like 3M, ASI, LOCTITE, LORD, SCIGRIP, and Sika are generally considered alternatives for various bonding applications, though not necessarily direct substitutes for MA2045's specific properties.- Plexus MA2015 (UV resistance, minimal yellowing, marine and transportation)- Plexus MA2030 (UV resistance, prevents yellowing, marine and transportation)- Plexus MA2230 (robust, bonds thermoplastics, metals, composites, marine and transportation)- Plexus MA2245 (powerful, excels in bonding thermoplastics, metals, composites, marine and transportation)- Plexus MA3940 (fast setting, rapid strength gain, for thermoplastics, metals, composites sensitive to crazing)- Plexus MA560-1 (long open time, for large structures, bonds thermoplastic, metal, composite assemblies)- General methacrylate adhesives from other manufacturers like 3M, ASI, LOCTITE, LORD, SCIGRIP, Sika.
Comparison Note
Plexus MA2045 stands out among structural adhesives due to its specific combination of a long working time (40-45 minutes), excellent UV and yellowing resistance, and highly thixotropic (non-sag) properties, making it ideal for large assemblies and vertical applications where aesthetics and extended open time are crucial. Its ability to bond a wide range of dissimilar materials (composites, thermoplastics, metals) with minimal surface preparation offers significant advantages over traditional fastening methods like welding or rivets, distributing stress more effectively and increasing design freedom. While other methacrylate adhesives offer similar strength and toughness, MA2045's specific formulation for UV stability and non-sag in a white color makes it a preferred choice for applications in marine and transportation where appearance and ease of application on complex geometries are important.
