Product Name
- PLEXUS MA590 Two-part Methacrylate Adhesive - 5 Gallon Pail Activator IT178
Brief Description
- Plexus MA590 is a high-performance, two-part methacrylate structural adhesive designed for robust bonding of a wide range of materials, including thermoplastics, metals, and composite assemblies. It is particularly noted for its exceptionally long working time, excellent gap-filling capabilities, and superior toughness, making it ideal for large-scale and demanding structural applications.
Popular Applications & Uses
- Bonding stringers and liners into large fiberglass boats and other marine structures.- Structural bonding in the transportation industry, including panels for trucks, buses, rail, and construction equipment (e.g., side, roof, door panels, aerodynamic components).- Composite bonding for truck trailer beds, fenders, and stiffeners.- Joining various metals such as aluminum, stainless steel, raw steel, and powder-coated parts.- Bonding a wide array of plastics including ABS, acrylics, PVC, styrenics, and polycarbonates.- Bonding composite flooring to wood floors in specialty vehicles.- Attaching aluminum composite panels to building facades (cladding).- Bonding solid-surface countertops in manufacturing and installation.- Assembly of signage and display components, such as acrylic panels, frames, and metal supports.- Manufacturing of electric motors, specifically for bonding magnets to metal housings.
Industries that Commonly Use It
- Marine- Transportation/ Specialty Vehicle- General Manufacturing- Metal Fabrication- Plastic Fabrication- Construction/ Building Services- Aerospace/Defense- Automotive Service/Repair- Countertop- Sign & Display- Cladding
Special and Unique Features
- **Extra Long Working Time:** Offers a working time of 90 to 105 minutes, allowing ample time for application and positioning, especially for large assemblies.- **Excellent Gap-Filling:** Capable of filling gaps up to 1.5 inches (38 mm), accommodating irregular surfaces and high tolerance fits.- **High Strength & Elongation:** Provides high tensile and shear strength combined with very high elongation (>130%), contributing to durable and flexible bonds.- **Outstanding Toughness:** Delivers excellent fatigue endurance, superior toughness, and outstanding impact resistance.- **Easy 1:1 Mix Ratio:** Simple and consistent mixing at a 1:1 ratio by volume.- **Room Temperature Cure:** Cures effectively at room temperature, eliminating the need for external heat sources.- **Minimal Surface Preparation:** Often requires little to no surface preparation for many substrates, streamlining the bonding process.- **Non-Sagging Gel:** Dispenses as a non-sagging gel, suitable for vertical and overhead applications.- **Bonds Dissimilar Materials:** Effectively bonds a variety of dissimilar materials, such as metals to plastics or composites, accommodating different flexibilities.
Key Properties
- **Chemistry:** Two-part Methyl Methacrylate Adhesive (MMA)- **Mix Ratio:** 1:1 by volume- **Working Time:** 90 to 105 minutes- **Fixture Time:** 250 to 380 minutes (approximately 4 to 6 hours)- **Mixed Color:** Gray- **Operating Temperature:** -40°F to 180°F (-40°C to 82°C)- **Tensile Strength:** 2,000 – 2,500 psi (13.8 – 17.2 MPa)- **Shear Strength:** 1,500 – 2,500 psi (10.3 – 17.2 MPa)- **Tensile Elongation:** >130%- **Chemical Resistance:** Excellent to hydrocarbons, acids and bases (pH 3-10), salt solutions. Susceptible to polar solvents, strong acids and bases.
Surface Compatibility
- ABS- Acrylics- FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic)- Metals (Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Raw Steel, Powder-coated, E-coated)- Polyester (including DCPD modified)- PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)- Styrenics- Thermoplastics- Urethane- Vinyl Ester- Composites (Gelcoat, Phenolics, Epoxy Based Composites, RIM, Carbon Fiber)- Wood (in composite assemblies)
Known backups / known substitutes
- **Other Plexus MMA Adhesives:** MA560-1, MA420FS, MA422, MA1025, MA3940, MA330, MA832, MA920, MA2230, MA2245 (each with varying working times and specific properties).- **Infinity Bond MMA 422:** Offers similar properties with a shorter working time (around 20 minutes).- **Resinlab AR4315 Bonding Adhesive:** Mentioned as an alternative for marine applications.- **Weld On:** Also cited as a potential alternative.- **Other MMA Brands:** Adhesives from manufacturers like 3M, ASI, Lord, SCIGRIP, and Sika offer comparable methacrylate adhesive solutions.
Comparison Note
- Plexus MA590 is distinguished by its exceptionally long working time of 90-105 minutes, which is significantly longer than many other methacrylate adhesives that typically offer 5-45 minutes. This extended open time is crucial for large-scale applications, particularly in marine structural bonding, where precise alignment and ample application time are essential. It provides a unique blend of high strength, superior toughness, and excellent resistance to fatigue and impact, often allowing for the elimination of traditional mechanical fasteners and reducing the need for extensive surface preparation.
