December 10, 2024
Epoxies are an adhesive bonding solution for a wide range of applications from DIY projects to industrial structural bonding needs. These products often come in two parts, a hardener and a resin, and are known for their great strength and durability. Epoxies are also a versatile group of adhesives as they can have various properties including different types of resistance, different levels of flexibility, and different set times for application. They are often used to bond various substrates.
What is Set Time?
In the adhesives world, set time refers to the point in time at which an adhesive is no longer workable. For two-part epoxies, set time is when the epoxy hardens enough after the two parts were mixed together that the substrates can no longer be adjusted. Set time is important because it impacts the application and production process.
Similarly, work time is the amount of time leading up to the set time that you can apply and easily adjust or manipulate the substrates before the epoxy starts to set. Also sometimes confused with set time, cure time is the time it takes for an adhesive to fully harden and reach its maximum strength. An epoxy's work life could be about 5 minutes, its set time could be closer to 10 minutes, and its cure time could be almost 24 hours.
Epoxy Adhesive Set Times
Set times for epoxy adhesives can vary widely depending on their exact chemical makeup. They can range anywhere from a few minutes to well over an hour. While there are not hard cutoffs for set times, epoxies often fall into the three groups below concerning their set time.
- Fast-setting epoxy adhesive- An epoxy adhesive with a fast set time can set within a few minutes or up to about 20 minutes. Because of their fast bonding, they are ideal for applications that require speed.
- Medium setting epoxy adhesive- A medium set time epoxy may have a timeframe anywhere from 20 minutes to up to 45 minutes. They are often a better choice than a fast set epoxy adhesive when you are dealing with a larger application area.
- Slow setting epoxy adhesive- These are adhesives can have a set time well beyond that of just 30 or 45 minutes. Some products may even have a set time over an hour. These adhesives can be good for some industrial applications.
When deciding between a fast-setting epoxy glue or a slow one, it is important to take into account the specific application and what will be best for your needs.
When to Use a Fast-Setting Epoxy Adhesive
While there are benefits to each type of set time, fast-setting epoxy adhesive products offer some unique advantages and are the best choice for specific projects. You should probably use a fast-setting epoxy adhesive in the following instances:
Fast Production Times
Fast-setting epoxy adhesives are great for high-speed production processes. They can help reduce the amount of unnecessary wait time and help businesses pump out large quantities of products in a shorter amount of time.
Smaller Surface Areas
Using a fast-setting epoxy adhesive glue for a large surface area is usually a bad idea because the glue could start to set before you have time to put the substrates together or position the components. On the other hand, a fast set epoxy adhesive is great for smaller surface areas because the components will be held in place in a short amount of time.
Quick Repairs
Fast-setting epoxy adhesives are often perfect for small fixes or quick repairs when you do not need a lot of working time. You can complete these repairs swiftly and move on because the bond will form quickly.
Small Components
If you are working with small components, a fast-setting epoxy adhesive may be a good choice. Because the epoxy will harden faster, it decreases the chances of these small components shifting or moving out of alignment. This is particularly beneficial for applications where the small components need to stay in a specific position such as with electronic components.
Products to Check Out
There are many fast-setting epoxy adhesives on the market, so our team is just highlighting a few for you to check out.
General Purpose
This 3m epoxy adhesive is a great fast-setting epoxy glue that is suitable for several different types of structural bonding applications. It can be used to bond wood, metal, plastic, glass, stone, and more and has a set time of 15 to 20 minutes. This multipurpose adhesive also has a high shear strength and a low viscosity.
Non-Sag
This product is a fast set speed epoxy with a working time of three to five minutes. It also has the consistency of a thixotropic paste to prevent running and sagging. On top of its non-sag formulation, the epoxy has gap-filling abilities so it can be used for a wide range of applications.
Flame Retardant
3M DP100FR Fire-Resistant Epoxy
If you are in need of a fast-setting epoxy adhesive that is also flame retardant, this product may be a good choice. It is UL 94 V-O certified and passes the FAA 14 CFR 25.853 60-second vertical burn test. It can be great for electrical assembly applications and or other applications involving exposure to high heat or flames.
General Purpose
Another general-purpose epoxy adhesive, this product reaches handing strength in 10 to 15 minutes and provides a clear bond line. It can form strong, durable bonds with various types of substrates including different metals and plastics.
Not Sure Which Fast-Setting Epoxy Adhesive You Need?
Every application has different requirements, so the best fast-setting epoxy glue for you will depend on your specific application. Along with choosing an epoxy adhesive with a fast set time, you should also pay attention to other properties like strength, chemical resistance, and more. To ensure you choose the best product for your application, you should speak with one of our adhesive experts and get a customized product recommendation.
