Do all assembly and clamping during the open time to ensure a dependable bond. It is the portion of the cure time, after mixing, that the epoxy mixture remains a liquid and is workable. This phase is also called working time or wet lay-up time. Cure time is shorter when the epoxy is warmer and longer when the epoxy is cooler. As it cures, mixed epoxy passes from a liquid state, through a gel state, to a solid-state. As it cures, epoxy passes from the liquid state, through a gel state, before it reaches a solid-state (Figure 1). This period of transformation is the cure time. Mixing epoxy resin with a hardener begins a chemical reaction that transforms the combined liquid ingredients into a solid. Be sure to scrape the sides of the mixing container. Using a stir stick, blend properly metered resin and hardener for at least one full minute. Datasheets can be found in the “PDF” tab on each product’s description page on this website. See the hardener label or technical data sheet for the weight ratio of the resin and hardener combination you’re working with, and use a scale to measure the desired weight. The exact weight measurement for these ratios is slightly different from the volume ratio due to resin and hardener density. To achieve the correct 2:1 mix ratio by volume, simply measure out 2 parts resin to 1 part hardener before mixing the components. ![]() When not using pumps, you’ll need to measure Entropy resins and hardeners by weight or volume to achieve the correct ratio of 2-parts resin to 1-part hardener. Recheck the ratio anytime you experience problems with curing. Read the pump instructions before using the pumps.īefore you use the first pump-dispensed mixture on a project, verify the pumps are delivering the correct ratio by following the calibration process on the pump instructions. Partial strokes will give the wrong ratio. Depress each pump head fully and allow the head to rise completely back to the top before beginning the next stroke. Pump two full pump strokes of resin for each full pump stroke of hardener. To simplify dispensing and reduce the possibility of errors, use Entropy Pumps to meter the correct ratio of resin to hardener. Resin and hardener dispensed at the wrong ratio is the source of most cure-related problems. An accurate ratio is essential for epoxy to fully cure and develop its physical properties. Do not attempt to adjust the epoxy cure time by altering the mix ratio. Don’t use glass or foam containers because of the danger of exothermic heat buildup. Dispensing Resin and hardenerĭispense the correct proportions of resin and hardener into a clean plastic, metal, or wax-free paper container. It’s also a good idea to review epoxy safety protocols. Mix small batches until you’re confident of the mixture’s handling characteristics, and because epoxy kicks off faster in larger, contained batches. This way, you’ll get a good understanding of the epoxy’s open (or workable) time for the temperature you’re working in, and ensure that you’re properly metering the resin and hardener ratio. If this is your first time using an Entropy Resins epoxy product, begin with a small test batch to get a feel for the mixing and curing process before applying epoxy to your project. Whether you’re applying the epoxy mixture to wet out fiberglass, as a coating or a casting, the following steps will ensure a controlled and thorough chemical transition to a high-strength epoxy solid. ![]() ![]() Check the hardener label or the technical data sheet for the correct mix ratio of resin to hardener. Dispensing, Measuring & Mixing Epoxy Resin and HardenerĬareful measuring and thorough mixing of epoxy resin and hardener are essential for epoxy to cure properly.
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