Product Overview
Formulated to Create Rigid Bonds for Reliable Adhesion
3M™ Scotch-Weld Epoxy Adhesive 1838 is a controlled-flow product with high viscosity which allows for easy dispensing and ensures application is precise, accurate and reaches the desired results. Our Scotch-Weld™ Epoxy Adhesive 1838 provides high shear strength to deliver better dead load holding. With a 4:5 mix ratio, we formulated this particular epoxy adhesive to cure at room temperature. Upon mixing, 3M™ Scotch-Weld™ Epoxy Adhesive 1838 has a 60-minute work-life and reaches handling strength in approximately 8 hours and full cure in 7 days. The extended work-life provides extra time to adjust the application, position parts in order to meet the desired results.
Recommended Applications
- Metal bonding
- Metal to wood bonding
Understanding Epoxy Adhesives
Epoxy adhesives are part of the class of adhesives called "structural adhesives," which also includes polyurethane, acrylic, cyanoacrylate and others. Epoxies are formulated as liquid reactive polymers that undergo a chemical reaction when mixed and then cure to form a solid plastic material. Once the two parts are mixed in their specified ratio, they begin the curing process and offer a limited working time where the adhesive can be applied and the two surfaces positioned as needed. This work life lasts anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. These structural adhesives provide high shear and peel strengths, depending on the formula, and better heat and chemical resistance than other common adhesives. In general, epoxy adhesives have the highest overall strength and offer the best performance and most resistance to high temperatures, solvents and outdoor weathering.
Epoxy adhesives are widely used in building and home construction; aircraft and automobile manufacturing; bicycle, boat, golf clubs, ski and snowboard assembly as well as a host of home use and other applications. They are used virtually anywhere high-strength bonds are needed along with resistance to environmental conditions. These adhesives are popular for their ease of use, mechanical strength and chemical resistance. Formulations can be created to make epoxies flexible or rigid, transparent or opaque, quick setting or slow setting. The versatility with which epoxy adhesives can be formulated helps meet almost any requirement for bonding wood, metal, glass, stone and various plastics.