PLEXUS AO420

Harmonization Code : 3904.61.00.00 | Polytetrafluoroethylene plates / sheets / film / tape / strip, self-adhesive, in rolls

PLEXUS AO420

Main features

  • Controlled 4-6 Minute Assembly
  • Broad 0.75-9.5 mm Gap Range
  • Balanced Strength and Elongation

Product Description

Plexus AO420 / MA420 is a two-part, 10:1 methacrylate adhesive for structural bonding of thermoplastic, metal, and composite assemblies. At 75 deg F (23.9 deg C), the non-sagging system has a 4-6 minute work time and reaches 1,000 psi (6.9 MPa) in 20-22 minutes. Its 0.75-9.5 mm gap tolerance accommodates varied joint geometries, while typical cured properties include 16.8-20.5 MPa tensile strength, 20-40% elongation, and 73 Shore D hardness. Applications include composite bonding in transportation and other supported mixed-material assemblies.

Key features

  • 4-6 Minute Work Window: Provides controlled assembly time at 75 deg F (23.9 deg C).
  • 0.75-9.5 mm Gap Tolerance: Accommodates a broad range of structural joint thicknesses.
  • Balanced Strength and Elongation: Typical cured values combine 16.8-20.5 MPa tensile strength with 20-40% elongation.

Applications

Applications include structural bonding of thermoplastics, metals, and composites, including transportation composite assemblies.

Product Family

PLEXUS AO420

Catalog Product

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TDS, SDS & Technical Documents

Technical Specifications

General Properties
Chemistry TypeChemistry Type
Methacrylate
Component SystemComponent System
2 Part
DensityDensity
0.98 kg/m3
Electrical Properties
Volume ResistivityVolume Resistivity
1E14 Ohms⋅cm

Additional Information

Structural adhesives

Plexus MA420 (AO420) Two-Part Methacrylate Structural Adhesive

Plexus MA420 is a two-part methacrylate structural adhesive system consisting of MA420 Part A adhesive and AO420 Part B activator. The components are mixed and used together as one adhesive system for bonding thermoplastics, metals, and composites. The system uses a 10:1 mix ratio by volume and provides a typical work time of 4-6 minutes at 75°F (23.9°C).

Two-part MMA adhesive system MA420 Part A + AO420 Part B 10:1 mix ratio by volume 4-6 min typical work time
Technical properties

MA420 / AO420 system properties

Part A and Part B properties are identified separately where they describe the materials before mixing. Mix ratios, work time, joint characteristics, and cured mechanical properties apply to the combined MA420 / AO420 adhesive system.

Mix ratio by volume
10:1
MA420 Part A to AO420 Part B.
Work time
4-6 min
Typical at 75°F (23.9°C).
Gap tolerance
0.75-9.5 mm
Typical cured joint range.

As-supplied and before-processing properties

Values are typical for the separate components and processing at 75°F (23.9°C) where stated.

Property Part A: MA420 Part B: AO420 Unit Method / condition
Color Off-white Off-white, blue, or black   Typical as supplied
Density 0.97 1.05 g/mL Typical as supplied
Viscosity 100-125 35-80 x 1,000 cP Typical as supplied
Mix ratio by volume 10 1 ratio Part A to Part B
Mix ratio by weight 9 1 ratio Part A to Part B
Work time 4-6 minutes Mixed system at 75°F (23.9°C)
Fixture time 18-22 minutes Mixed system at 23°C
Shelf life 10; 7 for black variant months Continuous storage at recommended conditions

Mixed-system and final cured properties

These values apply to the combined MA420 / AO420 system. Mechanical results remain specific to the stated test methods and substrates.

Property Value Unit Method / condition
Gap tolerance 0.75-9.5 mm Typical cured joint range
Hardness 73 Shore D Typical cured property
Tensile strength 16.8-20.5 MPa ASTM D638 / ISO 527
Tensile modulus 1,026-1,388 MPa ASTM D638 / ISO 527
Elongation at break 20-40 % ASTM D638 / ISO 527
Lap shear - aluminum 26.6 MPa ASTM D1002; adhesive failure
Lap shear - carbon fibre 23.1 MPa ASTM D1002; cohesive failure

Values are typical and are not specifications. Component-specific properties apply only before mixing, while joint and mechanical properties apply to the correctly mixed MA420 / AO420 system.

Processing

Preparing and applying the MA420 / AO420 adhesive system

MA420 Part A and AO420 Part B are prepared, mixed, dispensed, and assembled as one adhesive system. Maintain the specified mix ratio and complete assembly within the available work-time window.

Stage 1
Condition and clean
Apply the adhesive at 18-30°C (65-85°F). Bonding surfaces should be clean, dry, and free of grease, dirt, and other contamination.
Stage 2
Prepare substrates
Prepare thermoplastic, metal, or composite surfaces as required for the specific substrate condition. Composite surfaces should remain free of dust and mold-release contamination.
Stage 3
Mix and dispense
Combine MA420 Part A and AO420 Part B at 10:1 by volume or 9:1 by weight. When using a static mixer, purge the mixer before dispensing material for the bonded assembly.
Stage 4
Assemble and fixture
Mate the parts within the 4-6 minute typical work-time window at 23.9°C and maintain fixture support until sufficient handling strength develops.
Storage and handling

Maintain both components under controlled storage conditions

Store MA420 Part A and AO420 Part B continuously at 13-25°C. Temperatures above 27°C reduce shelf life, and storage above 38°C should be avoided. Storage at 7-18°C can extend product life; allow the material to return to room temperature before use. Typical shelf life is 10 months, or 7 months for the black variant, when maintained under the recommended storage conditions.

Next steps

Discuss Plexus MA420 with Krayden

Discuss the complete MA420 / AO420 two-part adhesive system, dispensing configuration, substrate preparation, joint geometry, work-time requirements, fixture planning, and package needs with Krayden. Share your substrates and assembly process so the technical team can help evaluate the complete adhesive system for your application.

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