To help manufacturers find the right material for their application, Intertronics has launched a structural adhesive selector guide. The guide includes a full overview of five structural adhesive chemistries — methyl methacrylate (MMA), epoxy, polyurethane, UV curing, and cyanoacrylate. It covers 28 materials and their properties, curing and compatibility considerations.

The guide is designed to help manufacturers discover the optimal adhesive for establishing robust structural bonds with metals, plastics, and composite materials. It is tailored to the distinct needs of industries such as automotive, aerospace, electronics, construction, medical, and consumer. Alongside information on chemistry and substrate suitability, it adds specific information on cure time, chemistry, and bond strength, and explains the packaging each material is available in, be it twin-packs, cartridges, and/or bulk. Additionally, information is included on each material’s resistance to water/humidity, chemicals, and heat, to indicate for what environments it might be suitable.

“When choosing a structural adhesive, various factors will influence the decision; developing a specification will involve weighing up priorities and deciding on allowable compromises,” said Kevin Brownsill, head of Technical: Learning and Development, Intertronics. “Selecting a material involves balancing the benefits with the trade-offs and coming to an informed decision. There are many factors to consider – adhesives applications are notoriously complex – but this guide is a helpful starting point.”

Customers who require further guidance on structural adhesive selection can speak with Intertronics’ experienced team for insightful technical and application guidance. The company also offers a seminar, The Art and Science of Choosing a Structural Adhesive, which Intertronics can deliver at its technology center in Kidlington, Oxfordshire, or at a customer’s site.

To learn more and view the selector guide, visit www.intertronics.co.uk.