by FOC Technical Experts | Mar 29, 2019 | EPOXY: Ask FOC
QUESTION: How do you safely dispose of epoxy? ANSWER: Once it cures and hardens, epoxy can be thrown away in regular waste. Think of it this way: You must allow a gallon of house paint to dry and harden before throwing it out. Liquid epoxy can be hazardous,...
by FOC Technical Experts | Mar 19, 2019 | EPOXY: Ask FOC
QUESTION: Why is bond line thickness important? ANSWER: Proper bond line thickness ensures you’ll achieve the adhesive properties AND performance specified in the epoxy’s datasheet. If there is inadequate bond line thickness, the risks include low strength...
by FOC Technical Experts | Mar 12, 2019 | EPOXY: Ask FOC
QUESTION: Since cleanliness counts, how can I improve my epoxy work surface? ANSWER: The pot life on epoxy starts the moment the two parts are mixed. This means you need to plan your work, and have everything you need at your fingertips. Here’s a...
by FOC Technical Experts | Mar 7, 2019 | EPOXY: Ask FOC
QUESTION: Which package size of epoxy is right for my process? ANSWER: I often encourage my customers to consider purchasing 4-gram packages of epoxy – if this size supports their process. Briefly, here’s why I recommend the 4-gram package: Higher...
by FOC Technical Experts | Feb 25, 2019 | EPOXY: Ask FOC
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. According...
by FOC Technical Experts | Feb 13, 2019 | EPOXY: Ask FOC
QUESTION: What is the recommended minimum bond line thickness? ANSWER: A general guideline for minimum bond line thickness is between 25 to 150 microns (1 to 6 mils) – as a starting point. I recommend you choose a certain level to start, then make a few thicker...
by FOC Technical Experts | Feb 11, 2019 | EPOXY: Ask FOC
QUESTION: How do we get information about allergic issues on some of the specific epoxy products you sell? ANSWER: By reading the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) prior to handling, which is available for each hazardous product supplied, you can review general health...
by FOC Technical Experts | Feb 6, 2019 | EPOXY: Ask FOC
QUESTION: What if you continually have problems with epoxy mixing? ANSWER: In my time at Fiber Optic Center, I’ve noticed a trend. Sometimes when an epoxy-related issue emerges, there’s an assumption that the epoxy has an inaccurate mix ratio or is defective....
by FOC Technical Experts | Jan 31, 2019 | EPOXY: Ask FOC
QUESTION: What’s the easiest way to load a syringe with a mixed package of epoxy? ANSWER: It’s important to have BOTH HANDS available to do the job. This means your syringes should be clean, ready to use, and positioned for loading. I recommend using a test...
by FOC Technical Experts | Jan 28, 2019 | EPOXY: Ask FOC
QUESTION: We use extremely small quantities of epoxy. How can we reduce waste? ANSWER: I suggest you purchase the smallest package available, mix Part A and Part B, dispense all the material into syringes, and use what you need immediately. A favorite tip: As...
by FOC Technical Experts | Jan 23, 2019 | EPOXY: Ask FOC
QUESTION: Our technicians might be overmixing epoxy. What advice can you give us? ANSWER: If you mix too vigorously, you can trap air in the material and introduce bubbles. In the production process, it’s important to dispense a drop of epoxy – not a bubble. So...
by FOC Technical Experts | Jan 16, 2019 | EPOXY: Ask FOC
QUESTION: How can we minimize epoxy material waste and reduce costs? ANSWER: Recommendations to adjust your epoxy process, which can minimize material waste and reduce costs Here are two ideas to alter your epoxy-related production process. These process...
by FOC Technical Experts | Jan 8, 2019 | EPOXY: Ask FOC
QUESTION: If the epoxy has filler or glass beads, will that interfere with the strength of the bond – and create the need for a thicker bond line? ANSWER: If an epoxy has a filler or glass beads, the manufacturer has included the filler for a reason. The filler...
by FOC Technical Experts | Jan 4, 2019 | EPOXY: Ask FOC
QUESTION: What happens if you overmix epoxy? ANSWER: The possibility of overmixing is more likely. The goal is to thoroughly blend Part A and Part B with minimal bubbles. (In the production process, you don’t want to dispense a bubble instead of drop of epoxy.)...
by FOC Technical Experts | Dec 27, 2018 | EPOXY: Ask FOC
QUESTION: How can one verify that epoxy processes are appropriate for the product? ANSWER: The only way to verify that epoxy processes are appropriate for the product is through destructive product testing during process development. And since destructive...
