Product Name
PLEXUS MA590 Two-part Methacrylate Adhesive - 50 Gallon Drum Activator IT175
Brief Description
Plexus MA590 is a two-part methacrylate adhesive system designed for high-strength structural bonding of various materials, including thermoplastics, metals, and composites. This specific product is the IT175 Activator component, supplied in a 50-gallon drum, which is mixed with the MA590 adhesive base to initiate the curing process. It is known for its extra-long working time, excellent gap-filling capabilities, and superior toughness, making it ideal for large-scale industrial applications.
Popular Applications & Uses
- Structural bonding of thermoplastic, metal, and composite assemblies.- Bonding stringers and liners into large fiberglass boats and other marine structures.- Assembly of components in trucks, construction equipment, and other specialty vehicles, such as side panels, roof panels, door panels, and aerodynamic parts.- Bonding magnets in electric motor manufacturing.- Composite bonding for truck trailer beds, fenders, stiffeners, and sliding roofs.- Joining aluminum, steel, and powder-coated parts in metal fabrication.- Bonding ABS, acrylic, PVC, or polycarbonate in plastic fabrication.- Erecting signs, shop windows, and light structures in signage and display applications.- General industrial assembly and manufacturing where strong, durable bonds are required.
Industries that Commonly Use It
- Aerospace/Defense- Automotive Service/Repair- Construction/ Building Services- Fabrication- General Manufacturing- Marine- Metal Fabrication- Plastic Fabrication- Sign & Display- Transportation/ Specialty Vehicle
Special and Unique Features
- Extra-long working time of 90 to 105 minutes, allowing for precise positioning and assembly of large components.- Excellent gap-filling capability, accommodating bond lines up to 1.5 inches (38 mm) and irregular surfaces.- Non-sagging gel consistency when dispensed, suitable for various application orientations.- High strength and very high elongation (>130%), providing exceptional fatigue endurance, impact resistance, and toughness.- Bonds dissimilar materials effectively, such as metal to plastic or composites, accommodating differential thermal expansion and contraction.- Cures at room temperature, eliminating the need for external heat sources.- Often eliminates the need for surface preparation or primers on many substrates.
Key Properties
- **Adhesive Type:** Two-part Methacrylate Adhesive (MMA)- **Mix Ratio:** 1:1 by volume- **Working Time:** 90 to 105 minutes- **Fixture Time:** Approximately 4 to 6 hours (250 to 380 minutes) to achieve handling strength.- **Operating Temperature Range:** -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 – 2,200 psi (10.3 – 17.2 MPa)- **Elongation:** >130%- **Chemical Resistance:** Excellent resistance to hydrocarbons, acids and bases (pH 3-10), and salt solutions.- **Susceptibility:** Polar solvents, strong acids and bases.- **Color (Mixed):** Gray
Surface Compatibility
- **Thermoplastics:** ABS, Acrylic, FRP, Polyester, PVC, Styrenic, Polycarbonate, Urethane, Vinyl Ester.- **Metals:** Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Raw Steel, other raw metals, powder-coated or E-coated metals.- **Composites:** FRP, Gelcoat, Phenolics, Epoxy Based Composites, RIM, fiberglass, carbon fiber, unsaturated polyester, vinyl ester, sheet molding compound.- **Other:** Wood, glass.- Tolerant of minor surface contamination like oil.
Known backups / known substitutes
- **Epoxy Adhesives:** While also structural, epoxies are generally more brittle, less flexible, require more surface preparation, and have longer cure times.- **Mechanical Fasteners:** Such as bolts, screws, and rivets, which can be labor-intensive, prone to corrosion, loosening, and add weight.- **Welding:** Can be expensive, labor-intensive, and challenging for dissimilar materials or heat-sensitive substrates.- **Other Methacrylate Adhesives:** Other MMA formulations from Plexus (e.g., MA560-1, MA420FS, MA422, MA1025, MA3940) or competitors like Bostik's SAF & FIT range, which may offer different working times, cure speeds, or specific application benefits.
Comparison Note
Plexus MA590 methacrylate adhesive offers significant advantages over traditional joining methods like mechanical fasteners and welding by providing strong, durable bonds that distribute stress evenly, reduce weight, and resist corrosion. Compared to epoxy adhesives, MA590 provides greater flexibility, faster cure times, superior impact and peel strength, and better gap-filling capabilities, often without the need for extensive surface preparation or primers. Its long working time is particularly beneficial for large assemblies, though it is important to note that MMAs can have a stronger odor and are flammable, which may impact handling and shipping considerations.
