PLEASE READ ABOUT MOULD RELEASE IN THE NEXT CHAPTER.
FIXATION SOLUTIONS
FIXATION SOLUTIONS
BONDING PASTES
Bonding pastes are specifically formulated for bonding GRP/fiberglass components, embedding inserts into laminates, and bonding wood to fiberglass structures.
They are designed for the assembly and bonding of two composite components, inserting panels, core materials, and cavity filling as an aid to lamination. They are available with a range of properties to suit various applications.
A good bond is characterized by adequate adhesion and physical properties to withstand the stresses placed upon the final composite component.
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Epoxy – the smart choice for bonding
In the 1960s, the Gougeon Brothers – boating enthusiasts from Bay City, Michigan – began experimenting with epoxy for their boat-building projects. Their work sparked a revolution in wooden boat construction, driven by the ability to create bonds stronger than wood itself. Further research revealed that epoxy could also form exceptionally strong and durable bonds between wood, fiberglass, and metal. This made epoxy a uniquely versatile bonding solution, suitable for a wide range of applications, from teak deck and strip plank bonding to interior joinery, carbon spar bonding, and bulkhead bonding.
Leading the Bonding Revolution: WEST SYSTEM® and PRO-SET® Epoxies
To help boat builders achieve the best results across various bonding applications, the Gougeon Brothers, Inc. (GBI), developed the WEST SYSTEM® and PRO-SET® epoxy ranges. West System International (WSI) now manufactures these products under license, in partnership with GBI. Since the 1970s, WEST SYSTEM and PRO-SET epoxies have been industry leaders in bonding strength, fatigue resistance, and moisture resistance. These product ranges have been extensively tested, both in the lab and through live trials with high-performance boats, consistently demonstrating their superior bonding capabilities.
WEST SYSTEM and PRO-SET epoxies are the clear market leaders in global sales. Leading boat builders who use our products for bonding, sheathing, and other key construction processes include Sunseeker, Princess, Enavigo Yachts, Spirit Yachts, and more.
More information: wessexresins.co.uk
MMA-Adhesives
Methyl methacrylate (MMA) adhesives are reactive acrylic adhesives that typically consist of an initiator and resin (or a resin and hardener). They cure quickly at room temperature, with strength developing rapidly. Once fully cured, the result is a strong thermoplastic with excellent resistance to shear, peel, and impact stresses. Most MMA adhesives contain rubber, which contributes to their strength.
MMA adhesives can bond most substrate materials, including metal, magnets, plastics, glass, wood, and composites. They are tolerant of imperfect surface conditions, such as oil contamination. Due to their exceptional strength performance, they often replace welding or riveting, allowing for more material options. These adhesives can also bond dissimilar materials and enhance the final product’s appearance. The built-in rubber toughening system provides a degree of flexibility, helping the adhesive handle differential thermal expansion, contraction, and thermal shock.
They are commonly used for structural bonding of advanced materials in industries such as aerospace, automotive, composites, and transport. MMA adhesives are also used to bond magnets in products like electric motors and loudspeakers. Their quick cure time makes them ideal for fast-paced production lines, and their strength performance exceeds the required standards.
More information: acralock.eu
BIGHEAD Fastening solution
The Core range simplifies your fastener selection: Male or female fixings are available with small, medium, and large heads, in carbon steel or 316 stainless steel. Installation and assembly guides make it easy to choose the right bigHead for the right application.
Benefits of bigHead’s Core range:
- Create secure fastening points without the need for drilling, punching, clamping, or riveting
- Reliably join mixed materials and thicknesses
- Single-sided access
- No witness marks on the ‘A’ surface
- Flexible installation and assembly options
- Comprehensive installation, assembly, and performance guidelines
If you need something different to Core range, you can choose from our Extended range, or even have a special design made.
More information: bighead.co.uk