Product Name
- PLEXUS Bulk MA300 Part A Adhesive (Resin) 5 Gallon Pails & 50 Gallon Drums
Brief Description
- PLEXUS MA300 is a two-part methacrylate adhesive (MMA) designed for structural bonding of thermoplastic, metal, and composite assemblies. It offers a combination of high strength, stiffness, and rapid room-temperature cure.- This product is supplied as a non-sagging gel, making it suitable for various application orientations.
Popular Applications & Uses
- Structural bonding in transportation assemblies, including automotive, RV, and marine applications.- Composite reinforcement and panel bonding.- Joining of various thermoplastics.- Adhesion to coated or powder-coated metals, as well as raw aluminum and steel.- General manufacturing processes where high-strength structural bonds are required.
Industries that Commonly Use It
- Aerospace/Defense- Automotive Service/Repair- Construction/ Building Services (e.g., architectural cladding)- Fabrication- General Manufacturing- Marine- Metal Fabrication- Plastic Fabrication- Sign & Display- Thermoforming- Transportation/ Specialty Vehicle
Special and Unique Features
- Two-part adhesive system with a convenient 1:1 mix ratio by volume and weight.- Non-sag thixotropic gel consistency allows for precise application in vertical or overhead joints.- Rapid strength build-up, reaching structural holding strength in minutes at room temperature.- Offers a combination of high toughness and stiffness for high-load structural bonding.- Wide substrate compatibility, bonding unprimed plastics, coated/raw metals, and composites.
Key Properties
- Working Time: 3-6 minutes- Fixture Time: 12-15 minutes (to 500 psi) at 74°F (23°C)- Mix Ratio: 1:1 by volume and weight- Tensile Strength: 3,000 – 4,000 psi (20.7 – 27.6 MPa)- Lap Shear Strength: 3,000 – 3,800 psi (20.7 – 26.2 MPa)- Operating Temperature Range: -67°F to 250°F (-55°C to 121°C)- Gap Filling: 0.03 in. – 0.125 in. (0.75 mm – 3.2 mm)- Viscosity (Part A & B): 40,000 – 70,000 cP- Color (Part A): Beige/Cream- Chemical Resistance: Excellent resistance to hydrocarbons, acids and bases (pH 3-10), and salt solutions. Susceptible to polar solvents, strong acids and bases.
Surface Compatibility
- Thermoplastics: ABS, Acrylics, PVC, Polycarbonates, PBT, Styrenics, Urethanes (general), Vinyl Esters, TPUs.- Metals: Aluminum (Plexus Primer Suggested), Carbon Steel (Plexus Primer Suggested), Stainless Steel (Plexus Primer Suggested), Coated/Painted Metals, Raw Steel.- Composites: FRP, Gelcoats, Phenolics, RTM, Epoxy Based Composites, DCPD modified polyesters.
Known backups / known substitutes
- Plexus MA310: Offers a slightly longer working time (15-18 minutes) for larger assemblies or when more alignment time is needed.- Infinity Bond MMA 300: A methyl methacrylate adhesive with similar chemistry, shown in some tests to be stronger and potentially more cost-effective.- ACRI-BOND 200: Developed as a comparable alternative, offering similar performance with potential improvements in shelf life, availability, and value.- Other methacrylate adhesives from ITW Performance Polymers brands (e.g., Devcon, Permatex) or other manufacturers specializing in structural adhesives.
Comparison Note
- Plexus MA300 is a fast-curing methacrylate adhesive ideal for applications demanding rapid fixture and high structural strength.- While MA300 excels in speed and bond performance, alternatives like Plexus MA310 provide a longer working time, which can be beneficial for more complex assemblies or when precise alignment is critical.- Other substitutes, such as Infinity Bond MMA 300 and ACRI-BOND 200, offer comparable performance and may present advantages in terms of strength, cost-effectiveness, or availability, making them viable considerations depending on specific project requirements.
