Aeropoxy Pumps/Filler

[neond7]

Does anyone use dispenser pumps for the 1:1 mix Aeropoxy structural adhesive? I found some 1:1 pumps at http://www.shopmaninc.com/epoxy.html, but I'm not sure if they will fit on the quart size container sold by GLR. I know I could mix it by weight, but I'm a "keep it simple" guy and I just want to push two pumps and start mixing.....

Also, does anyone know if you can use West Colloidal silica with it to "thicken" this epoxy when you need to put it places where you can't have it flow/drip/sag?

Thanks!

[CarVac]

You can buy two sets of West System pumps and use the biggest one from each, but a full pump of structural Aeropoxy is overkill. Put it in squeeze bottles and it will be just like hobby epoxy. I've never used colloidal silica before, but when it comes to fillers it only takes a little to retard the sagging.

If you are worried about the mix ratio, don't be. Just judge by the color: if it is too milky-whiteor too clear of an amber color then just add whatever is lacking.

[GregGleason]

Similar to CarVac, I put all my Aeropoxy in smaller plastic bottles, both laminating and adhesive, that I got in the travel section of the Container Store. I then label the bottles accordingly. I have a digital scale that can weigh in grams, so I get my 1:1 ratio (or 100:27 for laminating epoxy). Pumps may very work, but I learned epoxy by weighing and I like a greater degree of certainty. You can get digital scales for $20 and more, and (once in a while) for less.

Greg

[neond7]

Lets say I'm really set on using pumps for the quart size Aeropoxy containers. Is the threads on the Aeropoxy quart size the same size as the West System containers?

My thought is, for small jobs I'll use the small clear epoxy mixing cups and use a 50/50 mix by volume i.e., pump just enough to get to the 20ml line, then move to the next pump and pump out another 20ml.... then start mixing it with a popsicle stick.

Also, has anyone used fillers such as colloidal silica with the Aeropoxy? Just wanted to make sure they were compatible.

[G_T]

Just FYI - usually mix ratios are specified by weight not volume. Sometimes both values are given. The two components do not typically have the same density. You might want to weigh out some of each component, to see what the volume ratio should be.

I always weigh epoxy if it is for structural purposes. Properties decrease as the ratio is altered. It can go in the direction of making a resultant plastic that can creep under load. It may make a brittle mix. But it won't be as good as it was intended to be.

You can put your mixing cup on a scale and zero it out. You can pump the epoxy into the cup, and get the correct ratio that way. You get the convenience of the pumps but the certainty of weighing.

Mix well...

Gerald

[CarVac]

The pumps fit.

You really do not have to be strict about the volumes, since one-to-one epoxies have less sensitivity: a given error has a smaller percentage impact. Just judge based on color and you should be fine.

Also, 6209 is formulated to be 1:1 in both volume and weight.

Anyway, if pumping small amounts you will not be able to use fill lines and the like because the epoxy is so thick. When using squirtbottles I make adjacent puddles in a mixing cup and judge equality based on the area and thickness. Then, I mix and add more to correct the color.

[aerostadt]

Does filling Aeropoxy from the 1.75 lb can really work? The stuff is so thick it hardly pours.

[CarVac]

What do you mean by filling? I used funnels to fill the squirtbottles, and it took around 20 minutes.

[COrocket]

Also, has anyone used fillers such as colloidal silica with the Aeropoxy? Just wanted to make sure they were compatible.

Yes, it works awesome. The epoxy is pretty thick to begin with, so you don't have to add too much to make something that is of paste consistency. A little more makes peanut butter.

[Windeavor]

I have pumps on my West System epoxy but I prefer mixing 5:1 by weight. My Aeropoxy I measure by weight 1:1 as well. Don't have to worry about strength and hold quality that way. To be honest my Aeropoxy hardener is so thick and sticky I doubt it would even flow through a pump. Maybe its just mine but was like that when I got it. Even in these hot summer days it is still very thick. I gently warm it while mixing with a heat gun to get it flowing better if I need to pour it.