Product Name
Plexus MA330 (33500) MMA Non-Sag Gel Adhesive for Plastics Metals & Composites 15-Min (DISCONTINUED)
Brief Description
Plexus MA330 was a two-part, 1:1 mix ratio methacrylate (MMA) adhesive engineered for high-strength structural bonding across a diverse range of materials, including thermoplastics, metals, and composites. It featured a non-sag gel consistency, making it suitable for vertical applications, and offered a medium working time of 15-18 minutes, achieving rapid strength development at room temperature.
Popular Applications & Uses
- Structural bonding of thermoplastic, metal, and composite assemblies.- Bonding fiberglass, ABS plastic, nylon plastic, acrylics, vinyls, stainless steel, polyesters, urethanes, and epoxies.- Automotive and marine applications, including boat building (hulls, deck liners, internal fixtures).- Replacing traditional joining methods such as screwing, riveting, or welding due to its high strength and durability.- Assembly of panels in trucks and construction equipment, including side and roof panels, door panels, and aerodynamic components.- Electric motor manufacturing for bonding magnets to metal housings.- Composite bonding for truck trailer beds and various composite parts like fenders and stiffeners.- Sign-making and metal-FRP bonding applications.- Seam-sealing for solid surface countertops and walls.
Industries that Commonly Use It
- Aerospace/Defense- Automotive Service/Repair- Construction/ Building Services- Countertop- Fabrication- General Manufacturing- Marine- Metal Fabrication- Plastic Fabrication- PVC Trimboard- Sign & Display- Transportation/ Specialty Vehicle
Special and Unique Features
- Non-sagging gel consistency, ideal for vertical and overhead applications.- Requires minimal to no surface preparation for many substrates, simplifying processes.- Delivers a combination of high strength and stiffness, contributing to robust bonds.- Achieves fast and consistent strength development at room temperature.- Toughened formulation provides excellent resistance to shear, peel, and impact stresses.- Exhibits good chemical resistance to hydrocarbons, acids, bases (pH 3-10), and salt solutions.- Tolerant of off-ratio mixing, offering some flexibility in application.- Capable of filling gaps ranging from 0.03 inches to 0.125 inches (0.75 mm – 3.2 mm).- Designed to withstand harsh climate conditions and a wide operating temperature range of -67°F to 250°F (-55°C to 121°C).
Key Properties
- Chemical Base: Methyl Methacrylate (MMA)- Mix Ratio: 1:1 by volume- Working Time: 15-18 minutes- Fixture Time (75% ultimate strength): 30-45 minutes at 74°F (23°C)- Tensile Strength: 3,500 – 4,500 psi (24.1 – 31.0 MPa)- Shear Strength: 3,000 – 3,500 psi (20.7 – 24.1 MPa)- Operating Temperature: -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 (mixed): 40,000 – 70,000 cP- Color: White (Part A), Black (Part B), Mixed (Gray)- Shelf Life: 7 months (cartridges)
Surface Compatibility
- Thermoplastics: ABS/ABS Blends, Acrylics, PBT, Polycarbonate, Rigid PVC, TPUs, Styrenic, Vinyl Ester- Composites: DCPD, FRP, Gelcoat, Phenolics, Epoxy Based Composites, RIM- Metals: Coated metals (powder coated or E-coated), Raw metals with PC120, Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Raw Steel- Other: Polyester, Urethane
Known backups / known substitutes
- Infinity Bond MMA 330: Considered a direct replacement with similar capabilities, often offering a longer shelf life and potentially more competitive pricing.- Plexus MA310: A very close substitute, noted for a slightly faster set time.- Maven MMA330: Identified as a direct substitute.- Maven MMA3010: A very close substitute, also with a slightly faster set time.- ACRI-BOND 200: An alternative for Plexus MA300, which shares similar characteristics with MA330.- Other MMA adhesives from reputable brands such as SCIGRIP, 3M Scotch-Weld, Permabond, and H.B. Fuller can serve as alternatives depending on specific application requirements.
Comparison Note
Plexus MA330 was a highly regarded, general-purpose MMA adhesive, recognized for its balanced combination of strength, stiffness, and ease of use with minimal surface preparation. As a discontinued product, direct availability is limited. However, the market now offers several modern MMA adhesives, such as Infinity Bond MMA 330, that provide comparable or even improved performance, often featuring extended shelf lives and competitive pricing, making them excellent replacements for former users.
