Product Introduction
3M™ Scotch-Weld™ Composite Surfacing Film AF 163-2 is a family of thermosetting modified epoxy adhesives in film form, engineered to provide long-term durability and meet the demanding challenges of metal and composite solid panel and honeycomb sandwich construction. It delivers high fracture toughness and peel strength, making it ideal for critical aerospace applications.
Designed for a standard 250°F (120°C) cure, this adhesive film can also be cured at temperatures ranging from 180°F (80°C) to 300°F (150°C) to meet various manufacturing process needs. It features excellent shop handling properties for ease of application and outstanding pre-bond humidity performance on composite substrates. An unsupported version is available for reticulation processes.
3M™ Scotch-Weld™ Composite Surfacing Film AF 163-2 is compatible with multiple substrates and a variety of 3M™ Scotch-Weld™ Structural Adhesives Primers, ensuring strong, reliable bonds across a wide range of materials and conditions. Once cured, it provides high bond strength from -67°F to 250°F (-55°C to 121°C).
3M™ Scotch-Weld™ Composite Surfacing Film AF 163-2 Features
- Designed for 250°F (120°C) cure, with flexibility to cure between 180°F and 300°F (80°C to 150°C)
- Excellent shop handling characteristics for easy application
- Superior pre-bond humidity resistance on composite substrates
- Available in both supported and unsupported versions (for reticulation)
- High fracture toughness and exceptional peel strength for demanding applications
- Compatible with multiple substrates and primers for versatility in bonding operations
- Provides durable bonds from -67°F to 250°F (-55°C to 121°C)
3M™ Scotch-Weld™ Composite Surfacing Film AF 163-2 Applications
- Structural bonding of composites, metals, and honeycomb sandwich panels
- Composite surfacing for aerospace components
- Applications requiring high peel strength and fracture toughness
- Bonding operations needing strong pre-bond humidity performance
- Projects utilizing reticulation processes with unsupported adhesive film
Compatible 3M™ Scotch-Weld™ Structural Adhesives Primers:
- 3M™ Scotch-Weld™ Structural Adhesives Primer EW-5000
- 3M™ Scotch-Weld™ Structural Adhesives Primer EW-5000 AS
- 3M™ Scotch-Weld™ Structural Adhesives Primer EW-5000 ET
- 3M™ Scotch-Weld™ Structural Adhesives Primer EC-3917
- 3M™ Scotch-Weld™ Structural Adhesives Primer EC-3924 B
What is Structural Adhesive Film?
Structural adhesive films help reduce the need for mechanical fasteners such as rivets, enabling designers to create lightweight, innovative structures. These thermosetting epoxy films bond a wide range of substrates, including metals, honeycomb cores, and composites, offering strong structural integrity while minimizing weight.
Available in supported and unsupported versions, these films are suitable for various bonding processes such as monolithic bonding, honeycomb sandwich construction, and reticulation. They cure at temperatures between 180°F and 350°F, offering greater efficiency and cleaner application compared to traditional paste adhesives.
3M is on the Leading Edge of Innovation:
By enabling strong, lightweight bonding, 3M™ structural adhesive films empower designers to replace heavier metal components with advanced composites. This results in better erosion performance, reduced weight, and improved overall design efficiency in aerospace and other industries.
About Prostech
Prostech offers specialty materials (adhesives, tapes, thermal interface materials, insulating materials, sealants, PCB protection materials, …) along with manufacturing solutions. We proudly serve a wide range of industries and are an authorized distributor for leading global manufacturers of industrial materials and equipment. Our product range is designed to deliver customized solutions that address each customer’s unique needs.
With years of experience and a successful project history, we are confident in our ability to provide comprehensive material solutions. These solutions effectively tackle the challenges manufacturers face. To explore our full product catalog, simply click here. Our dedicated team is ready to assist with:
- Provide quotation, sample, TDS/MSDS, and technical consultation
- Testing sample quality and verifying product compatibility in our laboratory
- Customizing material formulas for special applications
- Adapting product sizes, quantities, and packaging to meet specific needs
- Offering expert advice on suitable equipment and automation processes
- Delivering technical training and on-site support for optimal product use
Moreover, Prostech ensures the safe and accurate global delivery of all materials, including “dangerous goods”, in compliance with legal regulations. For personalized technical support or to receive a quotation, please contact us today.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Adhesive Type | Epoxy |
| Application | Bonding |
| Cure Rate | 90 min |
| Curing Temperature (Celsius) | 121 ℃ |
| Curing Temperature (Fahrenheit) | 250 ℉ |
| Maximum Operating Temperature (Celsius) | 121 ℃ |
| Maximum Operating Temperature (Fahrenheit) | 250 ℉ |
| Minimum Operating Temperature (Celsius) | -55 ℃ |
| Minimum Operating Temperature (Fahrenheit) | -67 ℉ |
| Nominal Weight (Imperial) | 0.045 lb/ft², 0.06 lb/ft² |
| Product Color | Red |
| Product Form | Roll |
| Storage Environment | Freezer Storage |
| Substrate | Composite, Metal |
