PLEXUS MA8120 GB - Metals, Zinc-Treated, Galvanized Metals, Hot-Dipped Metals, Nylons, and Plastics MMA Glue Slow 20-Min Set Toughened Low-Odor Marine Optimized

Product Name

- PLEXUS MA8120 GB - Metals, Zinc-Treated, Galvanized Metals, Hot-Dipped Metals, Nylons, and Plastics MMA Glue Slow 20-Min Set Toughened Low-Odor Marine Optimized

Brief Description

- Plexus MA8120 GB is an advanced, two-part, low-halogen methyl methacrylate (MMA) structural adhesive.- It is specifically engineered for high-strength, durable bonding of a wide range of materials, including various metals (such as zinc-treated, galvanized, and hot-dipped steel), nylons, and other hard plastics, as well as composites.- This formulation offers a slow 18-22 minute working time, is toughened for excellent impact and fatigue resistance, features a low-odor formula, and is optimized for demanding marine environments.

Popular Applications & Uses

- Structural bonding of various metal, plastic, and composite assemblies.- Bonding of hot-dip and electrogalvanized zinc steel and other metals to dissimilar substrates.- Marine applications, including bonding hulls, deck liners, ski boats, yachts, internal fixtures, canoes, and kayaks.- Automotive and transportation assemblies, such as bonding panels, brackets, and composite parts for trucks, RVs, and buses.- Replacing welding or riveting in manufacturing processes to bond dissimilar materials and improve finished appearance.- Component bonding in modular assemblies for marine vessels.

Industries that Commonly Use It

- Marine- Metal Fabrication- Plastic Fabrication- General Manufacturing- Transportation/ Specialty Vehicle- Aerospace/Defense- Construction/ Building Services- Government & Military

Special and Unique Features

- **Marine Optimized**: Designed to withstand dynamic loads and harsh conditions, including salt spray and moisture, making it ideal for marine environments.- **Low-Odor Formula**: A significant advantage over many traditional MMA adhesives, improving the working environment.- **Toughened Formula**: Provides exceptional toughness, impact resistance, and flexibility, especially across dissimilar substrates, to withstand vibration and stress.- **Primerless Adhesion**: Bonds effectively to a wide range of metals, thermoplastics, and composites with minimal to no surface preparation.- **Slow 20-Minute Set Time**: Offers an 18-22 minute working time, allowing ample time for assembly alignment and bonding.- **Glass-Microbeads (GB) Reinforced**: Contains inert glass beads (0.012-inch / 0.3mm) to enforce a minimum bond gap/width and enhance strength and toughness.- **Low Halogen**: An advanced formulation with low halogen content.- **Excellent Environmental Resistance**: Resists temperature swings, vibration, and chemical exposure, including salt solutions and bases (pH 3-10).

Key Properties

- **Chemistry**: Two-part Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) structural adhesive.- **Mix Ratio**: 1:1 by volume.- **Color**: Gray.- **Working Time**: 18-22 minutes (at 23°C / 73°F).- **Fixture Time**: 70-90 minutes (at 23°C / 73°F).- **Tensile Strength**: 2,500 – 3,000 psi (17.2 – 20.6 MPa).- **Tensile Elongation**: 45% – 65%.- **Shear Strength**: 1,800 – 2,400 psi (12.4 – 16.5 MPa).- **Gap Fill**: Contains 0.012-inch (0.3mm) glass beads for minimum bondline enforcement.- **Viscosity (Adhesive/Activator)**: 40,000 – 70,000 cP.- **Cure System**: Room temperature cure.

Surface Compatibility

- **Raw Metals**: Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Raw Steel.- **Coated Metals**: Hot Dipped Galvanized (G90, G60), Electrogalvanized, Powder-coated, or E-coated Metals.- **Thermoplastics**: ABS/ABS Blends, Acrylics, Polyamides/Nylons (Nylon-6, Nylon-12, etc.), PBT, Polycarbonate, Rigid PVC, TPU.- **Composites**: DCPD, FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic), Gelcoat, Phenolics, Epoxy-Based Composites, RIM.- **Note**: Not recommended for low-energy surfaces like HDPE, LDPE, or Polyolefins.

Known backups / known substitutes

- Other Plexus MMA adhesives (e.g., MA8110, MA2230, MA2245, MA1025, MA420FS, MA422, MA2015, MA205HV, MA300, MA310, MA530, MA560-1, MA590, MA8105 GB, MA830, MA832, MA920, MA1020, MA3940).- Infinity Bond MMA Adhesives (e.g., Infinity Bond MMA 2245, Infinity Bond MMA 300, Infinity Bond MMA 422).- ASI MMA Adhesives.- SCIGRIP Adhesives (e.g., SG100, SG200, SG300 Series).- LORD MMA Adhesives.- Other structural acrylic adhesives from manufacturers like 3M, Permabond, Devcon, Sika, and Loctite.- Epoxy-based adhesives (though MMAs offer different properties like higher peel strength and flexibility).

Comparison Note

- Plexus MA8120 GB, as an MMA adhesive, offers superior peel strength, impact resistance, and flexibility compared to many epoxy-based adhesives, making it less brittle and more suitable for applications with dynamic loads or differential thermal expansion.- It provides rapid strength development and often requires minimal surface preparation, which can lead to faster production times compared to epoxies or polyurethanes.- While some MMA adhesives can have a strong odor, Plexus MA8120 GB is formulated as a low-odor product.- Its toughened and marine-optimized formulation, combined with glass microbeads, provides enhanced durability and bondline control for challenging environments.