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In structural bonding, your choice of adhesive matters. Especially in critical bonding applications, the wrong adhesive could lead to disaster. While top brands provide products you can count on, they can also cost you a pretty penny. So, what about comparable adhesives from brands you may have never heard of?
With over fifty years of working experience in the structural adhesives industry, our team reviews the Infinity Bond EP 420 epoxy. We look at its pros, cons, and ideal use cases so you can decide if it is worth it for your application.
About Infinity Bond EP 420
The Infinity Bond EP 420 adhesive is a two-component epoxy with a toughened formula and a slow set speed. It offers great impact, shock, and weathering resistance that allows it to form semi-rigid bonds in demanding environments exposed to stress or thermal shock. The epoxy is also resistant to water and salt spray, as well as most organic solvents, acids, and bases. The Infinity Bond EP 420 epoxy adhesive can bond metals, ceramics, and most plastics, so it has diverse industrial and construction uses.
Some key specifications for Infinity Bond EP 420 are outlined below.
| Property | Infinity Bond EP 420 Specifications |
|---|---|
| Color | Off-white |
| Mix Ratio | 2:1 |
| Working Time | 20 to 30 minutes (at 75°F/24°C) |
| Fixture Time | 2 hours (at 75°F/24 °C) |
| Operating Temperature | −60°F to 302°F (−51°C to 150°C) |
| Lap Shear Strength (aluminum to aluminum) | >4,600 PSI |
| Tensile Strength | 9,000 PSI |
| Elongation | 3% |
| Impact Resistance | >150 in.-lb. |
| Thermal Conductivity | 0.104 Btu·ft/(ft²·hr·°F) at 113°F (45°C) |
| Hardness | 75-80 Shore D |
| Shelf Life | 12 months |
Key Advantages
The Infinity Bond epoxy can offer manufacturers a durable and versatile bonding solution for demanding assembly applications. Some key benefits of Infinity Bond EP 420 are outlined below.
- Manufacturers needing time to adjust and set parts or those working on larger assemblies can benefit from the epoxy's longer working time of approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
- With its tough, semi-rigid formulation, the Infinity Bond EP 420 adhesive is designed for demanding structural bonding applications exposed to impact and thermal shock where other adhesives may fail.
- Infinity Bond EP 420 is compatible with a wide range of substrates and environmental conditions that make it a versatile option for numerous structural bonding applications with different performance requirements.
- Generally, the Infinity Bond EP 420 may offer a cost-effective alternative to comparable products from more widely recognized brands. This lower price may lead to significant cost savings for manufacturers in the long run.
Potential Limitations
While the Infinity Bond EP 420 epoxy adhesive offers several great benefits that make it a premier choice for many manufacturers, it is not the best solution for every application. There are some potential drawbacks of the Infinity Bond EP 420 adhesive that manufacturers should be aware of before trialing it.
- Like most two-component epoxies, Infinity Bond EP 420 is not known for its flexibility. If elongation is a priority or the joint is exposed to regular movement, an MMA adhesive or a polyurethane structural adhesive is likely a better option.
- For manufacturers looking for a fast set time, Infinity Bond EP 420 is not the best choice. There are other epoxy adhesives with faster set times that can offer similar performance capabilities.
Common Applications
A semi-rigid epoxy, Infinity Bond EP 420 can provide a strong structural bond while offering resistance to impact, shock, and vibration. It is compatible with metals, ceramics, concrete, glass, and wood, so it is suitable for a range of industrial and construction applications. It can be a good choice for manufacturers looking for an adhesive for the following:
- Larger assemblies that require additional time for positioning and alignment.
- Structural bonding applications exposed to high levels of stress or impact.
- Applications with limited movement and flexibility requirements.
- Manufacturers looking for a cost-effective epoxy that matches their application requirements and doesn’t compromise performance.
Our Thoughts
Our complete review of Infinity Bond EP 420 revealed that it can be a cost-effective solution for manufacturers in need of a slow-setting, semi-rigid epoxy. Compared to some epoxies, it is designed to provide a higher level of thermal shock resistance and toughness. With its ability to bond numerous substrate materials, it can be a great option for a wide range of structural bonding applications. Just be sure the product specifications match your performance and production requirements.
You can learn more or buy a sample of Infinity Bond EP 420 online to trial it in your application. If you are not sure if EP 420 is right for you, you can browse our full collection of epoxy adhesives or contact our team to get a personalized adhesive recommendation that matches your specific needs.
