Epoxy resins are the go-to solution for specialty bonding applications. They are an extremely strong and versatile class of adhesives primarily composed of curable monomers which harden when cross-linked with a choice of reagents. This allows manufacturers to apply the resin in a liquid form'usually in a casting mold or as a surface coating'before inducing polymerization. The result is an extremely durable adhesive bond that can add chemical and/or thermal performance.
You can find more information on our web, so please take a look.
High-temperature epoxies'as the name suggests'are curable resins designed for industrial service in harsh environments. Critically, they are engineered to withstand high peak and ongoing operating temperatures with inherently good resistance to the various dynamic phenomena that can compromise materials under high thermal stress. However, the heat-resistant properties of high-temperature epoxies are not the only performance parameter that you need to bear in mind when choosing an epoxy resin system.
Here are some key questions you should ask when choosing high-temperature epoxies for tough specialty bonding, coating, and potting applications.
What are Your Temperature Requirements?
The first thing to consider is the maximum operating temperature of the assembly. High-temperature epoxies come in a range of formats for different purposes but are typically primed for two distinct temperature regimes: high and ultra-high temperatures.
Generally speaking, high-temperature epoxies feature a temperature resistance of up to 400°F, while ultra-high epoxies can withstand temperatures up to 600°F.
Will Mechanical Shock and Vibration be an Issue?
Some high-temperature epoxies must also contend with mechanical shock. To maintain adequate structural durability throughout dynamic operations at elevated temperatures, adhesives will require a cross-linked matrix optimized for excellent strength and toughness. Structural epoxies may be qualified by specific mechanical properties (e.g. lap, peel, or shear strength) to help you select the right one for the job.
What Material is Your Substrate?
The bond strength of your high-temperature epoxy is not solely determined by the formula of the adhesive. Your substrate materials matter. So, it naturally follows that you should choose an epoxy system with a good bond affinity to whichever materials you are working with (ceramics, metals, etc.). An example of this would be the need to match the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) between the adhesive and the substrate to minimize the risk of high temperatures warping materials and causing the bond to break down. Additionally, if you are embedding components within the epoxy, you will need to choose a compatible high-temperature epoxy (i.e. in specialty potting).
Do You Need an Epoxy with Special Properties?
Last, but not least, you should consider whether your high-temperature epoxy requires any additional special properties. Most offer exceptional corrosion resistance and negligible outgassing as standard. But you may be carrying out maintenance of deeply corroded parts, in which case, machinability becomes a factor. Or you are carrying out repair work on high-throughput, high value machines thus fast cure speeds become attractive to ensure you can get your system back online as soon as possible. The dielectric strength, or electrical resistance, of the epoxy, may also be a defining factor, especially in circuit encapsulation applications.
High-Temperature Epoxies from Aremco
At Aremco, we offer a broad selection of high-temperature epoxies engineered for specialty bonding and complex potting applications. We have engineered ultra-high and specialty high-temperature adhesives to suit specific end-use scenarios, including 1:1 systems, single part adhesives, and two-component (ceramic/metal-filled) epoxies.
Looking for High-Temperature Epoxies?
Contact a member of the Aremco team today if you would like to request a quote on any of our high-performance adhesive systems.
When you're ready to buy resin, you've probably got a few questions. Things like
>>How do I mix resin?
>>What can I make with resin?
>>Where can I find a coupon code?
And if you're asking these, that's awesome. Because they're ALL good questions.
And you might think that's enough.
But here's the thing.
Ignorance is NOT bliss when it comes to resin. In fact, it's the reason I see many people quit. It's not that they did things wrong. It's that they bought the wrong resin for what they wanted to make.
So instead of having a big mess'
Wait a minute. So I can't just buy any resin and use it?
Of course, you can.
If you don't mind
' Risking your safety
' Holding your breath while waiting to see if it cures
' Calling your resin ugly swear words like you slippery little jungle demon
But if you want to make something
' Bbubble-free
' Shiny and gorgeous
' That you can't wait to use, gift, or even sell
Here are ten questions you should know the answers to BEFORE you buy resin for your next project.
Do you know what's painful? (Besides #5 on this list.) Buying a resin you think will work for your project only to find out AFTER using it that it failed miserably. You should never read that a resin will work for everything. There is no one-size-fits-all all resin.
So how do you know if a resin will work for your project?
'' BONUS: Here's my best advice on how to choose the best epoxy resin for your job.
Why does this matter? These numbers will let you know:
*Pot time = how much time you have to use the resin before it starts curing.
*Cure time = how long it takes for your resin to solidify.
*Minimum and maximum mixing amounts = Mix an amount between these two numbers to make sure your resin cures.
You want to be sure the resin will fit your project needs. These numbers will also make it easier to compare resin types.
You will get efficient and thoughtful service from HumenChem.
'' BONUS: Get all that information in our [FREE] ultimate guide to choosing a resin.
Epoxies generally have a shelf life of twelve months. Polyesters are usually half of that. Polyurethanes are even shorter. Buy enough resin to use entirely in half of the expected shelf life.
And once you've opened the resin, use it within 30 days. After that, the hardener can yellow.
'' BONUS: Here's how to figure out how much resin you need.
Anyone who tells you there isn't anything you shouldn't do with this resin is either clueless or unethical.
Clueless because they don't know their product. Unethical because they're more interested in making a sale instead of helping you make something beautiful.
Again'there is no one-size-fits-all resin. An epoxy resin for art isn't going to work as your resin for crafts.
'' BONUS: And trust me when I say I know a good way to make a resin mess. In fact, I know 10 different ways to make a resin mess.
This question applies to you resin beginners. You should start with an epoxy resin. Don't start with polyurethane or polyester resins. They're more complicated to measure and mix. It's also trickier to use them before the pot time expires.
'' BONUS: Get my best resin beginner tips.
You might be in love with this resin, but don't commit to forever just yet. Only buy a small resin kit to start. If it works for what you want, then buy a larger volume to get a better price.
'' BONUS: Read about the four goals you need to meet for resin jewelry making success.
Whoa. What does that even mean?
In a nutshell, if a resin has 'conforms to ASTM D-' on the label, it means it's safe to use.
And not all resins have this labeling. (Like 90% of the resins on this site don't.)
Even if you don't buy resin at Resin Obsession, please don't buy resin without this labeling.
Your health and safety aren't worth the risk.
'' BONUS: Here are 9 facts everyone should know about resin safety
Oh goodness. More technical stuff? Really? All I want to do is make resin crafts.
And I want to help you do that ' safely.
Safety data sheets tell you about the chemicals that you're using. You'll learn:
*How to protect yourself when using them
*How to dispose of resin
*Who to call in case of a chemical emergency
And I'm going to say this too'
Any company that won't give you this information either has something to hide. Or, doesn't think it's important for you to have safety information so you can protect yourself while using resin. I would NEVER buy resin where I couldn't get SDS.
'' BONUS: And by the way, that non-toxic phrase gets thrown around a lot too. Here's why the phrase non toxic resin is a load of codswallop.
A company like Resin Obsession, which makes resin for artists (as opposed to boat epoxy), can answer this question faster than a teenager texts juicy gossip.
Each resin has its own quirks and nuances that any experienced resin artist can help you with.
This is where you can really learn about working with resin. You should be able to get their best tips and tricks on making it shine. If they can't tell you much, it means they don't have experience with the epoxy resin. You want to know that you're going to get awesome technical support should you need it.
You've been through this entire article, and I can't thank you enough for reading this far.
If you're ready to buy resin, I would love the opportunity to help with your resin project. I've been a resin artist for more than 17 years and work with a great team of people to provide you with resin for artists.
Not floors. Not boats. Not adhesives.
If you're ready to jump in, you can buy resin supplies.
But, if you aren't ready to jump in, I get it. You want to make the most of your time and resources. And making something ugly isn't what you had in mind.
It's why I've got my Resin Fundamentals ebook.
You'll go from confused to confident with resin, in only a couple of hours. Buy the PDF book now and get a download link in minutes.
Unpublished Blog Posts of Resin Obsession, LLC © Resin Obsession, LLC
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