Epoxy Application Guide - LOCTITE

1 Epoxy ApplicationGuideSteel PuttySuperior MetalAluminum PuttyWearing CompoundPneu-WearTable of Contents1 Epoxy Application GuideFIXMASTER & NORDBAK Epoxy Application GuideLoctite Epoxy Compounds have been developed toprovide cost-effective solutions for numerous repairand maintenance applications . LOCTITE Epoxy Compounds offer provenmaintenance solutions to the problems caused bywear, abrasion, chemical attack, erosion, vibration,corrosion, fatigue, and mechanical damage. This manual is designed to assist maintenancepersonnel through many common everyday all repair procedures are listed. However, withthe techniques shown here, combined with theversatility of LOCTITE products and the ingenuity ofthe user, many hundreds more are possible.

2 Forapplication assistance or technical information inthe United States, call 1-800- LOCTITE (1-800-562-8483). In Canada, call visit us on the web at INFOM ixing ..2 Surface Preparation ..2-3 Application Tips ..3-4 Fixmaster Epoxies ..4 Nordbak Epoxies ..5 REPAIR APPLICATIONSPipe and Ducting Repairs ..6-7 Metal Surface Repairs ..8-9 Shaft Repairs ..9-10 Keyways ..11 Splines ..12 Heat Exchangers & Condenser Repairs ..13-14 Pump Repairs ..15-16 Application EXAMPLESF ixmaster Epoxies ..17 Nordbak Epoxies ..17 PRODUCT SELECTIONO rdering Information ..18-19 Properties/ Application Charts ..20-21 General Info2 Epoxy Application GuideMIXING The following tips are designed to facilitate the process ofworking with LOCTITE repair compounds under a variety of mixing of epoxies, inproper ratio, is critical to the performanceof the material.

3 Whenever possible, thecomplete container should be mixed atone time. If the material is to be mixed inseparate batches, the user must becareful to adhere to the mix ratios whichappear on the product label. The material is mixed by adding hardenerto resin. The mixing process is completewhen the product is free from streaks orother variances. Failure to thoroughly mix the material will causesoft spots or overall failure of the product. Mixing should take 3 to 5 minutes. Large masses of Epoxy (over one pound) can be mixed moreeasily by turning out the resin and hardener onto a clean,disposable surface. Mix and knead material with a putty knife orother flat tool until the product is thoroughly mixed.

4 Do not foldmaterial into the mix as this process can cause air entrapmentthat will weaken the cured product. compounds begin to cure, or harden, when thehardener is added to the resin. Epoxy cures by a chemicalreaction that causes exotherming, or the process of giving offheat. There are some basic principles of working with epoxycompounds that every user should understand: Cure times are mass larger the mass that ismixed, the faster it will cure. If the mixed material cannot beapplied during the working time specified on the product label,mix it in smaller batches. Cure times are temperature higher thetemperature, the faster the product will cure.

5 Ideal mixingtemperature of epoxies is between 55 F and 80 F. If the Application is to occur at higher temperatures, the productshould be stored at room temperature or slightly below to slowdown the chemical reaction between resin and hardener. At lower temperatures, the Epoxy will cure very slowly or mayfail to cure at all. To speed up the cure at low temperatures,store product at room temperature and heat parts to be repairedprior to Application . The repaired area can also be heated with aheat gun upon completion of the epoxies are skin and eye irritants, and many epoxyhardeners are corrosive. Always wear appropriate gloves andgoggles or face shield during mixing and handling.

6 Observegood industrial safety practices, and review product MaterialSafety Data Sheet (MSDS) prior to use for completeprecautionary PREPARATIONThe successful Application of any LOCTITE FIXMASTER orNORDBAK Epoxy is largely dependent on correct surfacepreparation. For this reason, it is critical that allapplications begin with a thorough preparation of the repairsurface in keeping with the instructions in this section. Surface conditions vary from Application to Application . Thissection is designed to prepare any substrate for use with allrepair products in the LOCTITE Epoxy SURFACE PREPARATIONE nsure that the surface is dry and stop all liquid all dirt, paint, rust, and other contaminates byabrasive blasting or other suitable mechanical techniques.

7 Degrease thoroughly using LOCTITE ODC-Free Cleaner & Degreaser. Provide a profile by abrasive blasting or other mechanical bond an Epoxy to a badly degradedsurface or to fill large voids, first tackweld wire mesh over the damaged area, then fill the prepared area with the prevent Epoxy from adhering to asurface, as when casting parts or intooling applications , coat the surfacewith LOCTITE Silicone Lubricant (ProductNo. 51360) or other release agent. CLEANING THE SURFACEC lean the surface with LOCTITE ODC-Free Cleaner & Degreaser. Areas immersed in oil must be cleaned repeatedly to draw theoil out of the surface. Use a heat gun to force oil out of thepores.

8 Allow the surface to cool, then degrease again. After cleaning, roughen the surface to produce a good following methods may be used, but in all cases theobjective is to obtain an anchor profile of to (75 to 125 microns). Abrasive blast using an angular grit such as aluminum oxide,silicon carbide, or Black Beauty 1240 medium grade. Roundabrasive grit should notbe used. High velocity water blastingwith an abrasive medium is also recommended. (See figure 1)The wire meshreinforces the repairarea and forms amechanical backing forthe is turned out ontoa disposable surface toensure proper mixingGeneral Info3 Epoxy Application GuideFigure 1.

9 For best results, abrasive blast the Application grit blasting is not possible, roughen the surface using acoarse grinding wheel (60 grit or coarser) or a needle gun toachieve the desired profile. (See figure 2)Figure 2. Coarse grinding of the surface is also recommended forsurface coarse sandpaper or a file is acceptable only if the firsttwo methods cannot be utilized. After roughening, the surface must again be thoroughlycleaned with LOCTITE ODC-Free Cleaner & Degreaser. Repairs should be made as soon as possible to avoid rusting. WET SURFACESS urface must be dry. Exceptions are when using Wet SurfaceRepair Epoxy , Underwater Repair Epoxy or Metal MagicSteel.

10 These products will cure in the presence of water. Figure 3. Stop leaks with a wooden plug or screw inserted in areaof the leak is caused by corrosion, the side wall may be the hole to a point where the wall is close to its originalthickness. Then plug the opening using a suitable material. All surface condensation, wetness, or dampness must bewiped clean and dried off using a hot air gun or similar device. Continue surface preparation in accordance with the precedingsection on Surface TIPS For Maximum BondPre-coat the Application surface byrubbing the mixed Epoxy into thesubstrate. This technique, called"wetting out the surface," helps theepoxy repair material fill all thecrevices in the Application surface,creating a superior bond betweenthe Epoxy and substrate.