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Epoxies and How to Use Small Quantities Without Wasting

Published: January 11, 2016
, Last updated: September 18, 2025

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QUESTION: We are getting epoxy 353nd from you in a package of 2gr. Is it the minimum package? We are concerned about wasting material because we are using 353nd only for MTP assembly. Do you have any suggestions to reduce waste?

 

 

ANSWER:

It is not possible to make a smaller package of 353ND. 353ND has a mix ratio of 10:1. For a 2 gram package the 1 part of hardener has to be measured to +/- 0.01 grams, to maintain this mix ratio. To do better than this is not practical in the repackaging business.

I can suggest to mix the 2 gram packet, use what you need immediately, then as quickly as possible put the rest of the mixed 353 into a syringe that can be used for dispensing later. Freeze the syringe in at least a -20°C freezer (-40°C is preferred, if you have one).  Depending on how cold you are able to store the syringe, you will be able to prolong the pot life of the 353 by days, weeks, or months (in the case of -40°C). When you need a little more 353, remove the syringe from the freezer, let warm up briefly, and hopefully dispense another small quantity. You can refreeze and keep using, as long as the 353 doesn’t cure in the syringe.

 

 

SM6AskFOCIcon Answered by AskFOC Technical Team January 11, 2016

 

 

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FOC FAQ Fiber Optic Center has a team of technical experts and marketing strategists with decades of years in the field. This team contributes to the fiber, cable and specialty industries coverage through news, alerts, reports and general media information.
About Fiber Optic Center, Inc.
Fiber Optic Center, Inc., (FOC), is an international leader in distributing fiber optic components, equipment, materials, and supplies known for helping customers make the best cable assemblies in the world for over three decades. Material property consultation is provided by technical experts for lapping film, epoxy, adhesives, optical coatings, and optical plastics during application specific material selection. Technical process expertise is offered in several key technology areas. Specialized expertise includes cable assembly line mastery, fiber broadband field installation best practices, and technical advancements in telecom, datacom, data centers, and hyperscale. Optical cable specification development includes design and quality testing. FOC's impact reaches the network physical capabilities through fiber manufacturing process expertise from preform fabrication and shaping, fiber drawing, and coating requirements for double clad fibers used for high power fiber laser applications to solution doping, vapor phase doping, rare earth chelates and halide recipe consultation. Fiber Optic Center is the preferred choice for the world’s fiber professionals as the industry connection to the most innovative optical products, technologies and technical experts who integrate their manufacturing knowledge and vast experience into customers' worldwide operations. @FiberOpticCntr

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