EPOXY: Ask FOC

Why Crystallization Happens

QUESTION:  Why does crystallization happen?   ANSWER: Simply put, the liquid resin is fighting to return to its natural state, which is a solid form. Crystallization in epoxies is so common that major manufacturers have written datasheets on the subject....
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Why Epoxy Packages Are Not Available of Less Than 2.5 or 2 Grams

QUESTION: Why aren’t packages of less than 2.5 or 2 grams available?   ANSWER: Some epoxy manufacturers offer 2.5-gram packages as their smallest quantity; one manufacturer offers a 2-gram package. When packaging the material, the manufacturers are...
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How to Select the Right Epoxy for a New Application

QUESTION: How can I select the right epoxy for a new application? ANSWER: I’m happy to help you determine the epoxy that will work best for your application. Just send an email to me at KBarker@focenter.com and include answers to these questions: Can you...
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Epoxy Information in the Form of a Matrix

QUESTION: Do you have epoxy information in the form of a matrix?   ANSWER FOC does have a Single Fiber, Single Mode and Multimode terminations matrix that can be found in the BLOG ARTICLE:  Does epoxy cause core cracking? Tips to identify and prevent...
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Epoxy Past Expiration

QUESTION: Our epoxy is past expiration – can it still be used?   ANSWER: Fiber Optic Center recommends that you test the material before using it in your production process. Cure it to see if it sets as expected. However, it’s difficult to determine...
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How Precise Epoxy Packaging Weights Are

QUESTION: How precise are the epoxy packaging weights?   ANSWER: The fiber optic world is driven by precision. If you purchase a 4-gram package, you can rely on getting 4 grams of epoxy. This is a data point to consider as you determine which package size...
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Does Fiber Optic Center Accept Returns of Crystallized Epoxies?

QUESTION: Does Fiber Optic Center accept returns of crystallized epoxies?   ANSWER: It’s important to remember that there’s nothing wrong with the material. Since crystallized epoxy is not defective, we do not accept returns. Of course, if you encounter a...
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Premixed, Frozen Epoxy: Best for the Process

QUESTION: Would premixed, frozen epoxy work better for my process?   ANSWER: Our customers who use premixed, frozen epoxy report two major benefits: (1) No need to worry about improper mixing due to operator error. Epoxy that is overmixed, undermixed, or...
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How to Tell if the Epoxy Has “Gone Bad”

QUESTION: We have issues with crystallized epoxy: has the epoxy had “gone bad”?   ANSWER: This question has come up so often, I have written an article to educate our customers about crystallization in epoxies including information on: How this...
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Crystals in Epoxy and What It Means

QUESTION: I found crystals in our epoxy. Does this mean it has gone bad?   ANSWER: Crystallization in epoxies can look like salt granules in an otherwise clear liquid. Or the epoxy may look foggy, milky, or grainy. Or it may have solidified. Rest assured,...
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