Product Name

PLEXUS MA320 Cream, Black & White Colors - 490ml 10:1 Ratio Cartridges

Brief Description

Plexus MA320 is a two-part methacrylate adhesive engineered for the structural bonding of thermoplastic, metal, and composite assemblies. This adhesive is renowned for its high strength, exceptional durability, and superior toughness, particularly in low-temperature environments. A key advantage is its requirement for minimal to virtually no surface preparation, streamlining application processes. It is supplied with a 10:1 mix ratio.

Popular Applications & Uses

- Structural bonding of thermoplastic, metal, and composite assemblies.- Composite bonding in various sectors, including wind blades, turbine housing assemblies, marine stringers, liners, and deck to hull bonding.- Bonding composite body panels for buses and coaches.- Adhering doors, headlamp surrounds, and front grills for trucks.- Securing floating floors and modular washrooms in railway carriages.- Replacing traditional fastening methods such as welding and rivets in manufacturing processes.

Industries that Commonly Use It

- Aerospace/Defense- Automotive Service/Repair- Construction/Building Services- Energy (specifically Wind Energy)- Fabrication (Metal and Plastic)- General Manufacturing- Marine- Metal Fabrication- Plastic Fabrication- Transportation/Specialty Vehicle

Special and Unique Features

- High strength and durability for robust bonds.- Superior toughness, maintaining performance even at low temperatures (e.g., below -17°C / 1.4°F).- Requires minimal to virtually no surface preparation, enhancing production efficiency.- Achieves fast and consistent strength development at room temperature.- Offers exceptional low-temperature impact resistance.- Provides high elongation and excellent stress distribution.- Features non-sag thixotropic dispensing for easy application.- Exhibits excellent chemical resistance to acids, bases, and salt solutions.- Available in Cream (Off-White), Black, and White colors to suit various aesthetic requirements.

Key Properties

- **Chemistry:** Two-part methacrylate adhesive- **Mix Ratio:** 10:1 by volume- **Working Time:** 8-12 minutes (typically 8-10 minutes)- **Fixture Time:** 25-30 minutes- **Operating Temperature:** -67°F to 250°F (-55°C to 121°C)- **Tensile Strength:** 1,700 – 2,200 psi (11.7 – 15.2 MPa)- **Shear Strength:** 1,500 – 2,000 psi (10.3 – 13.8 MPa)- **Elongation at Break:** 60 – 100%- **Gap Filling:** 0.03 in. – 0.375 in. (0.75 mm – 9.5 mm)- **Viscosity (Part A):** 135,000 – 175,000 cP- **Viscosity (Part B):** 30,000 – 70,000 cP

Surface Compatibility

- **Thermoplastics:** ABS, ABS Blends, Acrylics, PBT, Polycarbonate, Rigid PVC, TPUs, Vinyls, Polyurethanes, Styrenics.- **Metals:** Raw metals (Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Raw Steel), Painted/Coated metals (Powder coated or E-coated Metals).- **Composites:** DCPD, FRP, Gelcoats, Phenolics, Epoxy Based Composites, RIM, SMC, Vinyl Esters.

Known backups / known substitutes

- Infinity Bond MMA 320 is noted as a potential alternative, with some testing suggesting it may offer superior strength and cost-effectiveness.- Other Plexus methacrylate adhesives such as MA300, MA310, MA330, MA420, MA420FS, MA422, MA550, MA590, MA685, MA830, MA832, MA920, MA205HV, and MA2045.- Various structural adhesives from other manufacturers, including epoxies and urethanes, may serve as substitutes depending on specific application requirements.

Comparison Note

Plexus MA320 is a well-established and high-performing structural adhesive in the market. While it delivers excellent results, comparative testing has indicated that alternatives like Infinity Bond MMA 320 might offer comparable or even superior strength and can be more cost-effective for certain applications. It is highly recommended that users consult the technical data sheets for all products and conduct their own testing to ensure optimal suitability and performance for their specific bonding needs.