Why Toughened Epoxy Is Critical In Building Quality Golf Clubs
Golf is a precision sport that demands top-notch equipment to achieve the best results. While a skilled player can still perform decently with your average golf clubs, access to a well-constructed set can take their game to the next level.
Whether or not a set of clubs is superior can depend on a variety of factors. This blog, however, will focus specifically on the role of toughened epoxy in the critical connection between a golf club's shaft and its head, as well as best practices when installing a golf shaft.
Prevent A Poorly Bonded Golf Shaft With Toughened Epoxy
As an area responsible for the transfer of energy to the ball, a poorly bonded golf club shaft can affect the accuracy, consistency, and distance of a golfer's shot. For this reason, manufacturers and repair professionals alike use toughened epoxy to bond a club's shaft to its head.
Toughened epoxy is a two-part adhesive system commonly used in golf club manufacturing to bond the shaft to the club head during shaft installation. Because of its high strength, durability, and ability to withstand the stresses and loads exerted during a golf swing, epoxy is preferred over other types of adhesives.
How To Install A Golf Shaft With Toughened Epoxy
The process of using epoxy in shaft installation typically involves the following steps:
- Preparing the shaft and club head: The first step is to prepare the shaft and club head for bonding, which involves cleaning the surfaces with a solvent to remove any oils or dirt that could interfere with the bond.
- Mixing the epoxy: Next, thoroughly mix the two parts of the epoxy adhesive system until it becomes a uniform color. A mixing nozzle or other mixing device can ensure the epoxy gets mixed completely. Typically, a golf club manufacturer will use a pre-measured, two-part epoxy cartridge like Infinity Bond EP 420 that dispenses the exact ratio of resin and hardener needed for a strong bond.
- Applying the epoxy: Once the epoxy is mixed, apply it to the inside of the club head's hosel and the shaft's tip. These two parts are then pressed together and twisted slightly to ensure that the epoxy gets evenly distributed between the two surfaces. Wipe excess epoxy away from the bond area.
- Curing the epoxy: After joining the shaft and club head, allow the epoxy to cure. The curing time can vary depending on the specific epoxy used but requires at least 24 hours for the epoxy to reach a full cure and maximum strength.
- Finishing the club: Once the epoxy has cured, inspect the bond area and remove any residual excess epoxy. The club can then be finished with paint and a protective coating.
An important thing to keep in mind when installing a golf club shaft is over-application of epoxy adhesive when bonding the shaft and club head can result in swing weight problems. As the club is played over time, excess epoxy can also break loose and cause the shaft to rattle. Properly following these installation best practices can help to prevent these issues.
Have Additional Questions?
Overall, toughened epoxy is indispensable in golf club manufacturing because it provides a strong and durable bond between the shaft and the club head. Its properties ensure that the club can withstand the stress of a golf swing, but only when properly prepared and applied.
For more information on using toughened epoxy for golf club manufacturing applications and which brand the experts at Gluegun.com recommend, don't hesitate to reach out to a member of our team today.