Product Introduction of 3M Scotch-Weld Structural Adhesive Film AF 163-2
Our 3M Scotch-Weld Structural Adhesive Film AF 163-2 encompasses a family of thermosetting modified epoxy adhesives in film form that delivers long-term durability and addresses specific challenges for metal and composite solid panel and honeycomb sandwich construction, where high fracture toughness and peel strength are essential. Designed for 250°F (120°C) cure, this adhesive film can also be cured within a broad range from 180°F (80°C) to 300°F (150°C), offering excellent shop handling characteristics and pre-bond humidity performance on composite substrates.
3M™ Scotch-Weld™ Structural Adhesive Film AF 163-2 is available in a variety of weights and carriers to meet diverse application needs while helping control material costs. It also includes an unsupported version for reticulation purposes. Compatible with multiple substrates and 3M primers, it delivers reliable, high-strength bonding performance. The adhesive offers high fracture toughness and peel strength across a wide range of environmental conditions, with excellent bonding from -67°F to 250°F (-55°C to 121°C).
This thermosetting epoxy film is a clean, efficient solution for bonding metals, composites, and honeycomb materials, minimizing the use of mechanical fasteners such as rivets. Supported versions are ideal for monolithic bonding or honeycomb sandwich structures, while unsupported versions are suitable for reticulation onto honeycomb cores. The film’s ease of handling, wide cure range, and reduced mess compared to liquid adhesives make it highly efficient for aerospace structural applications.
Key Features
- Designed for 250°F (120°C) cure
- Adhesive can be cured from 180°F (80°C) up to 300°F (150°C)
- Excellent shop handling characteristics
- Excellent pre-bond humidity performance on composite substrates
- Unsupported version available for reticulation
- High-fracture toughness and peel strength
- Compatible with a variety of 3M™ Scotch-Weld™ Structural Adhesives Primers
- Provides high bond strength across various temperatures and environments
- Minimizes the need for mechanical fasteners in structural designs
Key Applications
- Bonding metal, honeycomb, and composite structures in aerospace manufacturing
- Honeycomb sandwich construction for lightweight structural designs
- Solid panel bonding for both metal and composite substrates
- Applications requiring high fracture toughness and peel strength under demanding conditions
- Use in reticulation processes with unsupported film versions
- Replacing mechanical fasteners for improved structural integrity and weight reduction
- Composite bonding where clean application and minimal mess are required
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
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| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Adhesive Type | Epoxy |
| Application | Bonding |
| Cure Rate | 90 min |
| Curing Temperature (Celsius) | 121 ℃ |
| Curing Temperature (Fahrenheit) | 250 ℉ |
| Factory ISO Certification | No ISO Certification information available |
| Maximum Cure Conditions (Celsius) | 121 ℃ |
| Maximum Cure Conditions (Fahrenheit) | 250 ℉ |
| Maximum Operating Temperature (Celsius) | 121 ℃ |
| Maximum Operating Temperature (Fahrenheit) | 250 ℉ |
| Minimum Cure Conditions (Celsius) | 107 ℃ |
| Minimum Cure Conditions (Fahrenheit) | 225 ℉ |
| Minimum Operating Temperature (Celsius) | -55 ℃ |
| Minimum Operating Temperature (Fahrenheit) | -67 ℉ |
| Nominal Adhesive Thickness (Imperial) | 2.5 mil, 5.5 mil, 7.5 mil, 9.5 mil, 13 mil |
| Nominal Adhesive Thickness (Metric) | 0.064 mm, 0.14 mm, 0.191 mm, 0.241 mm, 0.33 mm |
| Nominal Weight (Imperial) | 0.015 lb/ft², 0.03 lb/ft², 0.045 lb/ft², 0.06 lb/ft², 0.085 lb/ft² |
| Product Color | Red, Pink, Green, Yellow, Blue, Tan |
| Product Form | Roll |
| Storage Environment | Freezer Storage |
| Substrate | Composite, Metal |
| Dimensions and Classifications | |
| Overall Length (Imperial) | 2 yd, 36 yd, 50 yd, 60 yd, 63 yd |
| Overall Length (Metric) | 1.8 m, 33 m, 45.7 m, 54.9 m, 57 m |
| Overall Width (Imperial) | 0.38 in, 0.4375 in, 0.75 in, 1.125 in, 2.25 in, 2.3125 in, 3.5 in, 4.5 in, 5 in, 5.75 in, 6.3125 in, 10.5 in, 12 in, 18 in, 36 in, 40 in, 48 in |
| Overall Width (Metric) | 0.9 m, 1 mm, 1.2 mm, 10 mm, 11 m, 19 mm, 29 mm, 57 mm, 59 mm, 89 mm, 114 mm, 127 mm, 146 mm, 160 mm, 267 mm, 305 mm, 457 m, 914.4 mm |
