Product Introduction
Our 3M™ Scotch-Weld™ Structural Adhesive Film AF 126 encompasses a family of thermosetting modified epoxy adhesives in film form that provides long-term durability and meets specific challenges for metal and composite solid panel and honeycomb sandwich construction.
3M™ Scotch-Weld™ Structural Adhesive Film AF 126 provides excellent performance with easy-to-use shop handling properties. These adhesive films are available in a variety of weights to meet a range of needs without imposing excess material costs. All versions of AF 126 come with a non-woven matte scrim. With moderate peel strength, AF 126 provides a reliable, long-term bond suitable for composites and metals in solid panel and honeycomb sandwich fabrication. It is also compatible with multiple substrates and primers.
The following 3M primers are compatible with AF 126:
- 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
Our heat-curing, easy-handling film is designed to meet numerous customer specs in aerospace manufacturing. AF 126 supplies high fracture toughness through a spectrum of environmental conditions and is easy to work with. Once cured, it provides high bond strength from -67°F to 180°F (-55°C to 80°C) for use in multiple designs through various environments.
Structural adhesive films enable the designer to get more innovative with their parts, reducing the overall number of rivets required on structures. This thermosetting modified epoxy in film form can be used for bonding a wide variety of substrates, including metal, honeycomb, and composite. Structural adhesive films come in a variety of weights and thicknesses, minimizing the weight while maintaining structural integrity.
The films are available in supported versions, typically used for monolithic bonding or honeycomb sandwich structures. They are also available in unsupported form for reticulation onto honeycomb. These films can be cured from temperatures as low as 180°F to as high as 350°F. Because these films are less messy and don’t require mixing, they offer efficiencies in the design process. They are easier to use than typical paste adhesives.
Adhesive bonding enables a more lightweight structure because it allows more use of lightweight composites instead of traditional metallic materials. Structural adhesive films are employed anywhere metal-to-composite bonding is required. This provides good erosion performance while minimizing weight.
3M™ Scotch-Weld™ Structural Adhesive Film AF 126 Features
- Designed for 250°F cure (120°C)
- Adhesive can be cured from 180°F (80°C) up to 350°F (175°C)
- High-tack for shop handling performance
- Moderate peel strength
- Vacuum bag (out of autoclave) curable
3M™ Scotch-Weld™ Structural Adhesive Film AF 126 Applications
- Metal and composite bonding in solid panels and honeycomb sandwich construction
- Bonding applications requiring high fracture toughness
- Out-of-autoclave vacuum bag curing processes
- Aerospace structural bonding requiring moderate peel strength
- General metal-to-metal or composite-to-metal bonding with easy handling requirements
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 Film Adhesive, Epoxy |
| Application | Bonding |
| Cure Rate | 1 hr |
| Curing Temperature (Celsius) | 121 ℃ |
| Curing Temperature (Fahrenheit) | 250 ℉ |
| Maximum Cure Conditions (Celsius) | 107 ℃ |
| Maximum Cure Conditions (Fahrenheit) | 225 ℉ |
| Maximum Operating Temperature (Celsius) | 80 ℃ |
| Maximum Operating Temperature (Fahrenheit) | 176 ℉ |
| Minimum Cure Conditions (Celsius) | 82 ℃ |
| Minimum Cure Conditions (Fahrenheit) | 180 ℉ |
| Minimum Operating Temperature (Celsius) | -55 ℃ |
| Minimum Operating Temperature (Fahrenheit) | -67 ℉ |
| Nominal Adhesive Thickness (Imperial) | 5 mil, 10 mil, 15 mil |
| Nominal Adhesive Thickness (Metric) | 0.127 mm, 0.254 mm, 0.381 mm |
| Nominal Weight (Imperial) | 0.03 lb/ft², 0.06 lb/ft², 0.08 lb/ft² |
| Product Color | Off White, Green, Red |
| Shear Strength | 5000 psi |
| Storage Environment | Freezer Storage |
| Substrate | Composite, Metal |
| Overall Length (Imperial) | 36 yd, 72 yd |
| Overall Length (Metric) | 33 m, 65.8 m |
| Overall Width (Imperial) | 0.75 in, 1 in, 1.875 in, 4.5 in, 5.5 in, 5.875 in, 6 in, 7.5 in, 8 in, 12 in, 18 in, 36 in |
| Overall Width (Metric) | 0.9 mm, 19 mm, 25.4 m, 48 mm, 114 mm, 140 mm, 150 mm, 152 mm, 191 mm, 203 mm, 305 mm, 457 mm |
