Acid Dip and Paint Bake no Problem for Axil Adhesives
JMW Aluminium, the Newcastle based manufacturer of quality architectural aluminium products, has turned to Axil Adhesives Ltd for assistance in streamlining their production and improving product quality.
Richard Robson, Buyer for JMW, takes up the story: “We make aluminium flashings from 1.5mm, 2mm and 3mm material and have to fix a buttstrap to each edge for the purposes of jointing the flashings on site. These straps are fixed prior to powder coating the product and the assembly then has to be dipped into 207 caustic acid and Novox 302 acid, coated and then baked in the oven at 220°C for 15 minutes, with up to 60 minutes additionally at 125°C in the drying oven. Throughout all this, whatever fixing method we use must not fail.”
Andrew Baker, Marketing Manager of Axil Adhesives says “when we were approached by JMW, we knew straight away that the most suitable product would come from our Axil Loc XP range of two part methacrylates. We have used these adhesives before in bonding assemblies before powder coating and the results have been excellent. It’s always better to bond materials before powder coating them, otherwise your final bond strength is determined by the adhesion of the coating to the surface, which may or may not be as strong as the adhesive you are using. This is why we have invested time and resource in developing adhesives able to survive the paint bake cycle.”
Richard Robson continues “Axil recommended their Axil Loc XP527 and when we trialled it, the results were fantastic. Once the product has cured, we can not shift the butt straps and this bond strength remains after we have dipped, painted and baked the flashings. I was concerned that this adhesive may prove too expensive for our requirements, but I was happily surprised that Axil were able to supply at very cost effective rates.”
Andrew Baker concludes “At Axil, we try not to be the type of company that just throws bottles and tubes of adhesive at customers until they find one that works. As a percentage of turnover, our group spends more per annum on research and development resources than most UK manufacturers and we make full use of this investment when deciding which products to recommend. When working with JMW, we considered their requirements and the first adhesive we recommended was suitable. When you consider the costs of testing products, not only in money but in time, it’s a real advantage to work with an adhesive supplier that can minimise those costs to the customer.”