Brush up on how to bond two Fiberglass Reinforced Polymer shapes together. Precision and technique will give you the results you want, so follow this video closely for optimal adhesion.
When you need to bond two FRP shapes together or bond an FRP shape to another structural material, adhesives are a good solution. For best results, the surfaces to be bonded must be prepared properly, and the recommended type of adhesive must be used. Adhesives should also be applied in a controlled environment, as air temperature and humidity can affect the cure.
In this video, we demonstrate how to bond FRP shapes. But first, please remember to use proper safety practices. Eye protection and skin protection are a must.
Many types of adhesive work well with FRP. Choosing one depends on the clamp time you need for your application. We have had excellent results with epoxy, methacrylate and urethane adhesives. If you’re not sure which adhesive to use, contact us for more information. Always follow the Material Safety Data Sheet for the adhesive you are using.
The first step is preparing the bonding surface. You’ll need to sand the surfaces to remove the gloss and slightly abrade the surface. An 80-grit sandpaper works well. Be careful not to damage the reinforcing fibers by sanding too deeply.
When you’re finished sanding, wipe the surface down with a clean cloth and a solvent such as MEK or acetone. When you apply the adhesive, you will need to spread a thin film of adhesive on both surfaces to be joined. Make sure the entire surface to be bonded is covered with adhesive.
After you place the two pieces together to bond, you will need to hold them in position until the adhesive has time to cure. The clamp time will vary depending on the type of adhesive you are using, so be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
For more tips on fabricating with FRP, check out our fabrication manual and additional product literature.