Description
Thixotropic epoxy gel coats are used for hand laminating and tooling applications. They cure at room temperature and offer abrasion resistance. A color-neutral variant is available for adding pigments and fillers. For high-temperature applications up to 140°C (284°F), a specific high-temperature variant is recommended.
Features
- Easy to use and wets out well over various surfaces.
- Coats vertical surfaces without sagging.
- After becoming 'tacky-hard', fiberglass cloth can be laminated behind the surface coat using specific putty or laminating epoxy to produce strong, lightweight tools.
- Applications include precision tooling, master and pattern making, core boxes, and fixtures.
- Cured surface machines precisely without chipping.
Technical Properties
- Mix Ratio By Volume: 5A:1B
- Mix Ratio By Weight: 100A:15B
- Specific Gravity: 1.43 g/cc
- Specific Volume: 0.70 cm³/kg (19.4 cu. in./lb.)
- Pot Life: 20 minutes
- Thin Film Working Time: 40 minutes
- Thin Film Recoat Time: 60 minutes
- Tack Free Time: 4 hours
- Cure Time: 16 hours
- Shore Hardness: 85 D
- Barcol 935 Hardness: 87
- Colour: Red
- Ultimate Tensile: 179.3 MPa (26,000 psi)
- Flexural Strength: 206.8 MPa (30,000 psi)
- Compressive Strength: 165.5 MPa (24,000 psi)
- Heat Deflection Temp: 56°C (133°F)
- Shrinkage: 0.00015 mm/mm
- Mixed Viscosity: Light Paste
Instructions
Preparation
- Avoid breathing fumes; use in a well-ventilated area. A NIOSH-approved respirator is recommended.
- Wear safety glasses, long sleeves, and rubber gloves to minimize skin contact.
- Do not mix components in glass or foam containers due to high exotherm.
- Store and use materials at room temperature (23°C/73°F). Elevated temperatures will reduce Pot Life.
- Resin and Hardener must be properly measured and mixed to achieve full cure properties.
- A small test application is recommended to determine suitability.
Applying A Release Agent
Use a specific release agent to prevent adhesion on nonporous surfaces like resin, metal, or glass.
Measuring / Dispensing
- Accurate ratio measurements by volume or weight are required for proper curing.
- Dispense Parts A and B in proper proportions into clean containers.
Adding Color
The system can be colored with specific tints. Pre-mix tint with Part A thoroughly before adding Part B.
Mixing
- Ensure mixing utensils are clean and free of contaminants.
- Mix Parts A and B thoroughly for at least 3 minutes with a square-edged mixing stick, scraping sides and bottom of the container.
- If using a drill mixer, follow with hand mixing to ensure thorough mixing.
- Pot life can be extended by pouring mixture into a shallow pan.
Adding Fillers
Dry fillers can be added. Pre-mix dry filler with Part A before adding Part B.
Important
Mixed resin with hardener is exothermic. A concentrated mass can generate enough heat to melt a plastic cup, burn skin, or ignite materials. Do not use foam or glass containers or apply sections thicker than 0.32 cm (1/8”). If exotherm begins, move to an open-air environment.
Applying
- Apply two thin layers using a disposable chip brush.
- Work quickly after mixing to avoid premature setting.
- After applying one thin layer, let partially cure for 1 hour until “tacky hard”.
- Apply a second thin layer and let partially cure for 1 hour until “tacky hard”.
- Next, specific putty or laminating resin and reinforcement cloth may be laminated over the surface coat.
Cure Time
Refer to specified Cure Times at 23°C (73°F) depending on mass. Cured material will be hard and unable to penetrate with a fingernail. Cured epoxy can be dry sanded. If machining or sanding, wear a NIOSH-approved mask to prevent inhalation of particles.
Heat Curing
This product cures at room temperature and does not require heat. Cure time can be reduced by applying mild heat. Higher curing temperatures increase the Heat Deflection Temperature. Allow epoxy to cure for 30 minutes, then cure for 1 hour at 93°C (200°F). Allow casting to cool before handling.
Painting
Cured material can be painted with acrylic enamel paints. Let paint fully dry before use.
Removing Epoxy
For uncured/non-curing epoxy, scrape off as much material as possible. Clean residue with specific cleaner, lacquer thinner, acetone, or alcohol. Follow safety warnings for solvents and ensure adequate ventilation.
