Product Introduction
3M™ Scotch-Weld™ Core Reinforcement Adhesive EC-3903 is a liquid adhesive specifically designed for bonding and reinforcing crushed honeycomb core structures. This green, organic liquid adhesive is applied via spray, allowing it to easily reach difficult-to-access areas within the honeycomb core. It has a viscosity of 100-300 cps and a flash point of 45°F (7°C).
This adhesive forms a solid coating when cured, effectively reinforcing the core structure. It is best used alongside 3M™ Scotch-Weld™ Structural Adhesive Films AF 126 or AF 126-2 for enhanced performance. Additionally, it can be combined with 3M™ Scotch-Weld™ EC-3703 to reduce viscosity and solids for specific application needs.
3M™ Scotch-Weld™ Core Reinforcement Adhesive EC-3903 Features
- Epoxy adhesive designed to bond and reinforce crushed honeycomb core
- Liquid spray application forms a solid coating upon curing
- Reaches difficult-to-access areas for comprehensive reinforcement
- Recommended for use with 3M™ Scotch-Weld™ Structural Adhesive Films AF 126 or AF 126-2
- Compatible with 3M™ Scotch-Weld™ EC-3703 to adjust viscosity and solids
- Viscosity range of 100-300 cps for optimal flow and penetration
- Flash point of 45°F (7°C)
3M™ Scotch-Weld™ Core Reinforcement Adhesive EC-3903 Applications
- Bonding and reinforcing crushed honeycomb core structures
- Applications requiring spray adhesives for inaccessible core areas
- Used in conjunction with structural adhesive films for enhanced structural integrity
- Ideal for aerospace components requiring core reinforcement
- Situations where viscosity adjustment is needed using 3M™ Scotch-Weld™ EC-3703
What Are Epoxy Adhesives?
3M™ epoxy adhesives belong to the structural adhesives family, which also includes polyurethane and acrylic adhesives. These adhesives consist of reactive components (Base and Accelerator) that, when mixed, cure to form a durable solid plastic material. 3M provides epoxy adhesives in various formats to suit diverse application needs:
- Two-Part: Components are stored separately for longer shelf life, mixed at the point of use to minimize waste. Available in duo-pak cartridges for use with the 3M™ EPX™ Applicator System or in bulk for large-scale operations.
- One-Part: Pre-mixed and shipped frozen, these adhesives are stored in freezers and thawed when ready for use.
- Adhesive Films: Pre-mixed and converted into film form for direct placement in bond lines, offering easy, clean application and requiring frozen storage.
After mixing, two-part adhesives begin curing immediately, offering a limited working time for positioning. Similarly, one-part adhesives have a limited out time after thawing before they must be applied. Work times can range from a few minutes to over 48 hours.
Epoxy adhesives are prized for their high shear and peel strengths, excellent environmental resistance, and mechanical durability. Their versatility enables formulations that are flexible or rigid, transparent or opaque, fast or slow curing, and suitable for room temperature or elevated temperature applications, making them ideal for high-performance bonding tasks.
What is Structural Adhesive Film?
Structural adhesive films reduce the need for mechanical fasteners such as rivets, allowing for lighter and more innovative designs, especially in aerospace applications. These thermosetting modified epoxy films bond various substrates including metals, honeycomb cores, and composites. They are available in various weights and thicknesses to minimize weight while maintaining structural strength.
These films are offered in supported versions for monolithic bonding and honeycomb sandwich constructions, as well as unsupported versions for reticulation onto honeycomb cores. They cure at temperatures ranging from 180°F to 350°F and are easier and cleaner to apply than traditional paste adhesives, improving production efficiency.
3M™ Scotch-Weld™ Structural Adhesive Film AF 126:
This family of thermosetting modified epoxy structural adhesives in film form is available in a range of weights. AF 126 films offer excellent mechanical properties, with vacuum bag curing possible at temperatures as low as 180°F (82°C). Versions with high tack and moderate tack are available for specific handling preferences.
About Prostech
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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:
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| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Adhesive Type | Epoxy |
| Application | Honeycomb Reinforcement |
| Brands | Scotch-Weld™ |
| Container Size (Imperial) | 5 Gallon |
| Container Size (Metric) | 18.93 Liter |
| Cure Temperature (Celsius) | 121 °C |
| Cure Temperature (Fahrenheit) | 250 °F |
| Product Color | Green |