Metal bonding provides high strength and versatility but brings several challenges if not performed correctly. Here is your guide to avoiding the five most common bond pitfalls.
- Inadequate Surface Preparation
The biggest mistake? Rushing the prep work. Oil, corrosion and oxidation will prevent the adhesive from sticking properly. Clean the surface well with degreaser and sand any smooth metals before applying. This provides the necessary roughness in texture which the adhesive can adhere to properly. For Metal bonding adhesive, visit www.ct1.com/product-applications/metal-to-metal-adhesive
- Using the Wrong Adhesive
Different metal adhesives serve different purposes. Epoxy can be excellent for structural bonds, maybe acrylic is better with dissimilar metals. Think about your individual metals, temperature range and stress state before selecting a material If you are ever unsure, reference the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Ignoring Cure Times
Impatience kills bonds. Note: dry does not mean cured. And creating stress to that tissue too early will result in a hole through it and permanent loss of strength. Respect the cure times — these exist for a reason. Environments like temperature and humidity also impact on curing time so keep that in mind while working.
- Using Too Much or Not Enough Glue
More isn’t better. Too much adhesive weakens the coat and spills out creating a mess. Not enough leaves voids that may weaken the column. Use a thin layer that covers the entire bonding surface. The thin bond line is the optimal state of most adhesives.
- Bonding in Poor Conditions
Even if you have perfect technique, if the temperature is too high or low even a slight amount of humidity buildup can cause malfunctions. Always work in a clean, dry environment and within the temperature range to which adhesive will harden at.