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Author: Subject: Bonding two fibreglass panels ..... how?
RazMan

posted on 12/7/05 at 09:52 PM Reply With Quote
Bonding two fibreglass panels ..... how?

I have a two piece rear section which is normally joined with nut & bolts but due to a (ahem) design change I need to permanently bond these panels together to maximise strength.
I will probably have to blend the panels after bonding to hide the adhesive line ...... but what adhesive do I use?

PU would seem to be a good choice but can I still blend the panels after bonding or will it just crack at the bond line?





Cheers,
Raz

When thinking outside the box doesn't work any more, it's time to build a new box

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Hugh Paterson

posted on 12/7/05 at 10:35 PM Reply With Quote
PU would work, as would epoxy which is a better secondary bond than the PU but generally slightly more expensive depends how strong u want it suppose
Shug.

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Triton

posted on 13/7/05 at 06:33 AM Reply With Quote
Fibreglass is the cheapest to use but perhaps more messy to actually do , depends how easy it is to get into where you need to join the panels.....if awkward use sikaflex as not so messy.
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smart51

posted on 13/7/05 at 07:31 AM Reply With Quote
Epoxy doesn't bond too well to polyester. You could use a polyester ashesive though.
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DarrenW

posted on 13/7/05 at 08:01 AM Reply With Quote
Ive seen the joins filled and blended using gel coat. With care it is possible to make it look one piece.






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RazMan

posted on 14/7/05 at 07:23 PM Reply With Quote
Thanks for the input guys - the panels are joined with a 30mm flange (and usually nuts & bolts). Two pack epoxy (Araldite or similar) should be ok then. I would use fibreglass resin but I think it will 'go off' a bit too quick for me and it's messy as hell - epoxy will give me 30 minutes or so which should be plenty of time.

If I get the positioning dead right I might make a feature of the join line but if it doesn't work out I can always blend it in with filler later. I am going to paint it anyway so I can wait and see what develops.





Cheers,
Raz

When thinking outside the box doesn't work any more, it's time to build a new box

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