MAX 1618 A/B
High-Performance Clear  Resin
(48 FLUID OUNCE COMBINED VOLUME)
1 Quart MAX 1618 PART A ( 32 FL.OZ)
AND
1 Pint MAX 1618 PART B (16 FL.OZ)

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
MAX 1618 A/B is our new ultra-clear resin system engineered by our R&D laboratories that specifically address the performance aspects of absolute crystal clarity for woodworking coatings.
MAX 1618 A/B is self-leveling, and it is our lowest viscosity resin formulation for wood coatings, clear casting, embedding, and void filling applications.
MAX 1618 A/B cures to a durable, high gloss finish.

MAX 1618 A/B is also an excellent resin system for fiberglass and carbon fiber fabrication.
Its low viscosity yields excellent wetting and resin saturation.
Please review the COMPOSITE FABRICATION BASICS posted on this page.


MAX 1618 A/B Use And Applications

Tabletop, Countertop, Bar Top Coating

 

River Tables -Up To 1 Inch Thick With Lower Exothermic Heat Release

High Gloss Durable Wood Coatings

Casting Applications



How To Use This Resin System

Review All Published Data Regarding This Product.

Proper Usage Data And Other Detailed Information Are Posted At This Page.

Mix The Proper Size Batch For The Application.
Apply The Mixed Resin And Allow To Cure

Surface Polishing For Higher Coating Durability (Optional)


This Kit Is Includes Yorker Tip Caps For Controlled Dispensing.

Attach the Yorker caps to dispense the material with ease and minimize over pouring and reduce spills.
When done, replace the tip caps and store.
We do not recommend using dispensing pumps since it leaves the container open to ambient conditions
The curing agent or PART B used in epoxy resin system are amine-based; it sensitive to moisture and carbon dioxide.
The amine curing agent reacts with carbon dioxide and ambient moisture and form carbamates (salt-like crystals) that reduces reactivity and cured performance.

Carbamate crystals are insoluble and becomes a contaminant in the resin mixture.


Commercial Restaurant Tabletop
Re-purposed Tabletop Wood From A Bowling Alley

HOW TO APPLY EPOXY RESIN ON TABLE TOPS COUNTER TOPS BARTOPS  DEMONSTRATION -With MAX 1618 A/B

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PHYSICAL PROPERTIES AND CURED PROPERTIES

Density

1.10 g/cc +/- 0.03 grams per cubic centimeter Part A

0.98 +/- .05 grams per cubic centimeter Part B

1.09.+/-.03 grams per cubic centimeter Mixed

Pounds per Gallon Mixed

9.07 +/- .02 Pounds Per Gallon

Form and Color

PART A = Clear Liquid Gardner Color Scale <1 (Similar to Glycerin or Pure water)
PART B = Clear Liquid
MIXED = Clear Gardner Color Scale 1
(Cured specimen 50 grams Mass)

Viscosity

PART A = 980 to 1040 cPs @ 25°C
PART B = 300 to 310 cPs @ 25°C
MIXED = 377 cPs @ 25°C

Mix Ratio

100 Parts “A” to 50 Parts “B”
Or 2:1 By Volume

Working Time

30 Minutes @ 25°C (300 gram mass)

Peak Exotherm Temperature

174°C (300 Gram Mass)
After 50 minutes

Handle Time6 – 8 Hours Set to Touch @ 25°C

Full Cure Time
Accelerated Cure Schedule

36 Hrs. Minimum @25°C
4 hours at 25ºC Plus 2 Hours @110ºC

 Shore Durometer Hardness

87 to 93 Shore D Scale

Glass Transition

105ºC


36 Hrs. Minimum @ 25ºC

4 hours at 25ºC or until dry to the touch plus 60 Minutes @ 110ºC


How To Use This Resin System

Review All Published Data Regarding This Product.

Proper Usage Data And Other Detailed Information Are Posted At This Page.

Mix the Resin And Curing Agent Only After The Surface Is Prepared For Application. 

Download Our Surface Preparation Bulletin;

·       https://theepoxyexperts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/MAXSURFACEPREPARATIONBULLETIN.pdf

 

·       Check the PART A or RESIN Bottle For Crystallization - During the winter months, the PART A or RESIN component may crystallize and cause poor cure performance. Our MAX Epoxy Resins are formulated with high purity grade resin polymers which makes it prone to crystallization when exposed to temperatures below 57°F. 
Crystallization can also occur after the resin has been stored over a period. It will appear as a waxy white mass at the bottom of the bottle. The PART A or RESIN component must be in its liquid form to thoroughly mix with the PART B or curing agent to achieve full cure.

§       Please visit the following link for more details https://youtu.be/NrPLTmhqsSY

 

·       Determine the amount of resin to be mixed, especially for large volume mixing. Blending amounts greater than 1000.0 grams or 1 quart in volume requires careful mixing and ensuring the mixed resin is applied and used within the established working time to prevent exothermic "run-away" reaction. Do not let the mixed resin to sit in mass greater than 10 minutes. The heat generated during polymerization will accelerate the chemical reaction, and cause a 'run-away' reaction to occur and can generate temperatures above 300°F.  Mixed the proper amount of resin and curing agent and apply within 10-15 minutes to avoid this from occurring. 

§       Please view this video demonstration for more information regarding exothermic run-away reactions; https://youtu.be/3uzRaSJFWo4

·       Calculate the amount to be mixed by measuring the length x width x thickness of the area to be coated to obtain the cubic volume of the resin needed.

§       Visit our Resin Coverage Calculator at https://instacalc.com/35245/embed

·       Mixing Procedure: For best cure results, measure the resin and curing agent using a weighing scale, especially for critical applications such as coatings that come in contact with food or high-performance applications. Application Procedure Apply the mixed resin unto the prepared surface and allow to cure for a minimum of 18 hours to achieve 'green-strength or handle time. Consult the technical data sheet for specific cure schedules.

§       Please view the following video demonstration on how to use a digital scale to proportion the resin and curing agent components; https://youtu.be/WqSE3MKm7Wg

 

·       The two components must be mixed thoroughly to eliminate problems such as tacky or uncured spots. Use the "two container method" as demonstrated in this video demonstration;  https://youtu.be/MrBjbLtupgw

·       The epoxy resin and curing agent must be mixed in a specific ratio and must be blended uniformly. Adding more or less curing agent will not change cure time. An excess of one component or the other will often cause undesirable performance and the cure results will vary from the reported engineering data posted in the technical data sheet. Accuracy is crucial.

 

Application Video Demonstration And Tutorials

·       Tabletop Pouring: https://youtu.be/D09mhf1eXPQ

·       Air Bubble Removal Technique: https://youtu.be/2PKn-59pHNM

·       More Instructional Videos available on our YouTube Channel:

MAX 1618 A/B Coating On Western Red Wood Cedar

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DEGLOSSING AND SATIN FINISH

Upon full cure, MAX 1618 A/B yields a very high gloss finish. The gloss can be modified to a low gloss-satin finish by lightly abrading the surface by wet-sanding with fine-grit sandpaper or scouring pad.

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Note the absolute clarity of the MAX 1618 A/B specimen exhibiting excellent crystal clear transparency 

 AVAILABLE MAX 1618 A/B KIT SIZES

MAX 1618 A/B 3/4 Gallon Kit     https://www.ebay.com/itm/222625113128

MAX 1618 A/B 1.5 Gallon Kit     https://www.ebay.com/itm/311946441558

EPOXY RESIN MIXING TECHNIQUE

PLEASE VIEW THE FOLLOWING VIDEO FOR THE PROPER MIXING OF EPOXY RESINS. ALTHOUGH THE RESIN SYSTEM DEMONSTRATED IS MAX CLR A/B, IT DEMONSTRATES THE PROPER TECHNIQUE OF MIXING ANY TYPE OF EPOXY RESIN SYSTEM. THE PROPER CURE AND FINAL PERFORMANCE OF ANY EPOXY RESIN SYSTEM ARE HIGHLY DEPENDENT ON THE QUALITY AND THOROUGHNESS OF THE MIX. THE RESIN AND CURING AGENT MUST BE MIXED TO HOMOGENEOUS CONSISTENCY.

The use of a weighing scale to measure out the resin and curing agent is highly recommended to ensure proper cured performance This digital scale is available for purchase by clicking the link below.

Purchase this scale with any of our product offering and the shipping cost of the scale is free. 

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https://www.ebay.com/itm/222630300203

Note: Playing videos will open a new browser window

How To Mix Epoxy Resin For Food Contact Coating. Avoid Tacky Spots, Minimize Air Bubble When Mixing - YouTube

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AIR BUBBLE REMOVAL TECHNIQUE

HOW TO REMOVE AIR BUBBLES FROM EPOXY COATING

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  CUTTING AND POLISHING


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  POLISHING

HOW TO POLISH EPOXY COATED TABLE TOP COATING

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MAX 1618 A/B

ABSOLUTE CLARITY AND TRANSPARENCY

CAUSES OF TURBIDITY AND POOR RESIN CLARITY

Note the turbidity of the MAX CLR-TC A/B VERSUS MAX 1618 A/B 3 INCH THICK  CASTING.

4 FLUID OUNCES CAST VOLUME

MAX 1618 A/B is formulated without the use of any silicone based surfactants that cause turbidity even in very thick castings.
Silicone defoamers are formulation additives that cause mixed air bubbles to be unstable and causes self-degassing.
It is an integral additive in paints protective and conformal coatings as an antifoam additive.

However, silicone defoamers and surfactants create turbidity in clear epoxy resin.
It is purposely designed to be immiscible or incompatible with epoxy resin polymers.
So when air bubbles formed from mixing of the curing agent to initiate polymer cross-linking, it causes air bubble structure to be unstable.
When an air bubble encounters the silicone defoamer compound within the mixture,
the lamella or the skin boundary of the bubble loose structural equilibrium and burst due to the differential surface tension.
These physical dynamics cause a defoaming action within the resin matrix.

This incompatibility between the epoxy polymer and the silicone defoamer cause turbidity and loss of optical transparency that is increasingly evident in thick castings or coatings.

MAX CLR-TC is our top coat resin system designed for thin film applications that are formulated with silicone based defoamers and surfactants to reduce the occurrence of air bubbles and surface blemishes from becoming stable as the epoxy polymer converts from a liquid to a solid plastic.

MAX 1618 A/B COLOR STABILITY COMPARISON
Clear epoxy systems formulated using plasticizers and accelerators such as the specimen
The left specimen demonstrates poor color stability even if it is unexposed to direct sunlight or elevated temperature. Note the MAX 1618 A/B specimen that was formed at the same time and kept in a temperature controlled (25.0°C +/- 0.5 °C) chamber that filters out any UV radiation from an ambient light source.

MAX 1618 A/B DIRECT SUNLIGHT EXPOSURE STUDY

Note the low yellowing performance of MAX 1618 A/B compared to a common brand epoxy resin after equal direct sunlight exposure of 2 months.
 

Competitive brand clear resin system formulated with nonylphenol plasticizers after sunlight exposure

Heat Resistance Study By Shore Durometer Hardness Test

The heat resistance of MAX 1618 A/B was tested by heating a 2-inch cube in 5-degree increments and the Shore hardness was determined using both the Shore A and D scale. This test demonstrates the heat resistance of the MAX 1618 A/B by determining at what temperature the Shore Hardness reading dramatically change. At 140 °F, a considerable change in Shore D Hardness Scale occurred due to the sharp needle-like indenter of the equipment began puncturing the surface of the specimen which may make the Scale D Hardness an unreliable test data.

The Shore A scale demonstrated a dramatic change in hardness at 240°F which demonstrates it maximum heat tolerance.


Shore Hardness is a measure of the resistance of a material to penetration of a spring-loaded needle-like indenter.

The hardness of hard elastomers and most other polymer materials
 is measured by the scale. Shore Hardness is tested with an instrument called Durometers. A Durometer utilizes an indenter loaded by a calibrated spring. The measured hardness is determined by the penetration depth of the indenter under the load.

Two different indenter shapes and two different spring loads are used for two Shore scales (A and D).

The loading forces of Shore A: 1.812 lb (822 g), Shore D: 10 lb (4536 g). 

Shore hardness value may vary in the range from 0 to 100. Maximum penetration for each scale is 0.097-0.1 inch.

This value corresponds to minimum Shore hardness: 0. Maximum hardness value 100 corresponds to zero penetration.

Rubber Shore Hardness and typical applications

Hardness

Application

30 Shore A

Art gum erasers

35 Shore A

Rubber bands

40 Shore A

Can tester pads

50 Shore A

Rubber stamps

55 Shore A

Pencil erasers

60 Shore A

Screen wiper blades

65 Shore A

Automotive Tires

70 Shore A

Shoe heels

75 Shore A

Abrasive handling pads

80 Shore A

Shoe Soles

85 Shore A

Tap washers

90 Shore A

Typewriter rollers

95 Shore A

Forklift solid tires

60 Shore D

Golf ball

70 Shore D

Metal forming wiper dies

80 Shore D

Paper-making rolls

MAX 1618 A/B Coating On Cedar

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MAX 1618 A/B Bar Top &Tabletop Coating

Compliments of Dry Creek Grill 

Fine Dining Restaurant in San Jose, California

 

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MAX 1618 A/B 3 Feet By 8 Feet Restaurant Table Top

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Curly Western Redwood Cedar Bar Top 
Over 120 Long Select Lumber Coated with
MAX 1618 A/B Resin System
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MAX 1618 A/B Restaurant Table Top Coating 

1/8 Inch Coating Thickness 

View and Download Our Step-By-Step Instructional Bulletin

COVERAGE DATA

MAX 1618 A/B THICK COATINGS APPLICATION ON WOOD BAR TOPS AND COUNTER TOPS

The coverage will depend on 3 basic factors:

1. The thickness of the coating measuring from an impermeable substrate

The type of substrate or material

Will it absorb the liquid coating or not

The surface profile or roughness

The surface tension of the substrate

2. The method of application that will dictate the USAGE or LOSS FACTOR

Spraying the coating has the highest loss factor

Roll coating is less

Brush applied is even less

Flow coating yield the lowest material loss factor

3. Solids content; the MAX 1618 A/B is 100% solids meaning it does not contain any volatile solvents or nothing evaporates from the applied coating

COVERAGE CALCULATION GUIDE

USE THESE THEORETICAL FACTORS TO DETERMINE COVERAGE OF ANY UNFILLED EPOXY RESIN

TO DETERMINE COVERAGE ON A FLAT SMOOTH SURFACE, CALCULATE THE LENGTH X WIDTH X THICKNESS IN INCHES

TO OBTAIN THE CUBIC VOLUME INCH OF THE MIXED RESIN NEEDED.

USE THE FOLLOWING EQUATION:

1 GALLON OF RESIN CAN COVERS 1604 SQUARE FEET

PER 1 MIL OR 0.001 INCH CURED COATING THICKNESS

(LENGTH X WIDTH X COATING THICKNESS)/ 231 CUBIC INCHES PER GALLON = CUBIC-INCHES OF COATING NEED

FOR EXAMPLE

50 INCHES X 36 INCHES X 0.010 (10 MILS) = 18 CUBIC INCHES

18/231= .0779 GALLON OF MIXED RESIN

USE THE FOLLOWING FACTORS TO DETERMINE THE GALLON NEEDED AND THE CONVERT IT TO THE APPROPRIATE VOLUME OR WEIGHT:

FOR EXAMPLE:

231 X .0779 = 17.99 CUBIC INCHES

OR

4195 GRAMS X .0779 = 326.79 GRAMS

FLUID GALLON VOLUME CONVERSION

1 GALLON = 231 CUBIC INCHES

1 GALLON = 128 OUNCES

1 GALLON= 3.7854 LITERS

1 GALLON= 4 QUARTS

1 GALLON= 16 CUPS

FLUID GALLON TO MASS CONVERSIONS

1 GALLON OF MIXED UNFILLED EPOXY RESIN = 9.23 POUNDS

1 GALLON OF MIXED UNFILLED EPOXY RESIN = 4195 GRAMS

BASICS STEPS OF WOOD SEALING AND WATERPROOFING

    • Ensure that the wood is as dry as possible; any excessive moisture will be sealed within the wood once it is impregnated with the wood.
    • Use a fast evaporating solvent to dilute the epoxy such as acetone or MEK  (ketone based solvents). Add no more than 5% solvent by weigh or by volume to the mixed resin.
    • Insure that all wood surface is coated with the epoxy sealant. For best results coat the entire exposed surface area with the prepared epoxy resin mixture.
    • Apply multiple coats until all porosity of the wood is sealed; some grain raising can be expected upon coating.
    • Allow the applied coats to cure for at least 24 to 36 hours before proceeding
    • For a smoother finish, sand the cure surface just enough to remove surface gloss and removed and surface blemishes caused by the grain raising
    • Apply another coat of the epoxy, this time without the addition of the solvent to insure a hermetic seal and serve as an aesthetic top coat barrier.
    • Apply an aliphatic based polyurethane coating unto the epoxy coating if the wood structure is going to be exposed to direct UV
    • Allow to cure and then apply the reinforcing fiberglass if needed by applying the resin first and then apply the fiberglass unto the resin.

MAX 1618 A/B is supplied solvent free to save shipping, handling and packaging cost. A 3% to 5% addition of acetone as a  diluent or thinner will effectively lower the viscosity and surface tension of the resin and make an effective penetrating solution and create a hermetic barrier, making the wood impervious to water or ambient moistureAcetone is also considered as a None Hazardous Air Polluting Substance (None-HAPS) and is exempt under AQMD (Rule 102 Group 1, RULE 1107 and 1113) and EPA guidelines and mandates governing the release of petroleum-based solvents.

 

Using acetone as fast evaporating thinner provides higher cured properties since the bulk of the acetone evaporates prior to the MAX 1618 curing thus eliminating any plasticizing effect caused by the entrapped solvent within the resin matrix. Compared to other systems that utilize slow evaporating solvents MAX 1618 demonstrates higher wood penetrating and waterproofing performance.

 

Acetone is widely available at most paint or hardware store and can be added at the time of use. Other solvents can be used but acetone demonstrates the best results. A 10% to 15% addition to

the mixed MAX 1618 resin provides excellent viscosity reduction and lowering of the epoxy resin's dynamic surface tension allowing deeper penetration while evaporating efficiently from the system.

The fast evaporation and volatility of the acetone reduce any plasticizing effect upon cure of the resin matrix. 

Entrapment of any solvent within the cured epoxy matrix will eventually evaporate causing volume shrinkage, porosity, and loss of water-resistant properties. Any entrapped solvent will act as a fugitive solvent that will lower the water and chemical resistance of the cured resin. 

MAX 1618 A/B is mixed at a 2:1 mix ratio and exhibits a very low initial viscosity. It is resistant to ‘blushing’, exhibits excellent resistance to air bubble entrapment and retention, moderate working time reactivity and it cures to a very transparent clear resin system with a low refractive index.

MAX 1618 A/B exhibits low dimensional shrinkage during cure, heat performance of up to 220°F, adhesion to 'hard to bond to' plastics and low surface energy (LSE) substrates with exceptional impact and chemical resistance. It's cured mechanical properties also demonstrate high compressive strength, toughness, tensile strength and other mechanical performance crucial in structural strength applications.


MAX 1618 A/B  CASTING APPLICATIONS
Silicone Mold Cast
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LED BULB ENCAPSULATION AND CLEAR RESIN EMBEDDING

MAX MCR A/B BLACK WAS USED AS THE BLACK MASKING RESIN SYSTEM

MAX MCR A/B Opaque Black 48 Ounce Kit

MAX 1618 A/B CLEAR WAS USED AS THE CLEAR ENCAPSULATING LENS RESIN SYSTEM

MAX 1618 A/B DOME COATING APPLICATIONS

Bonds to glass soft metals such as gold, silver, copper

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POSSIBLE HEAT CURING TECHNIQUES

If an oven is not available to provide the needed thermal post cure, exposing the assemble part to direct solar heat
(sun exposure) for a period will provide enough heat cure for the part to be handled.
 Other heat curing such as infrared heat lamps can be used if a heat chamber or oven is not available.
 

MAX 1618 A/B

For Fiberglass And Carbon Fiber Composites

High Strength Laminate -12 Plies of 3K plain Weave Carbon Fiber with MAX 1618 A/B

Vacuum Bag Cured

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2 Plies Of 3K Twill Weave Cabron Fiber Impregnated With MAX 1618 A/B

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100% Carbon Fiber Hood With MAX 1618 A/B

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MAX 1618 A/B VACUUM ASSISTED RESIN TRANSFER MOLDING PROCESS
VACUUM INFUSION VIDEO

COMPOSITE FABRICATING BASIC GUIDELINES

By resolute definition, a fabricated COMPOSITE material is a manufactured collection of two or more ingredients or products intentionally combined to form a new homogeneous material that is defined by its performance that should uniquely greater than the sum of its individual parts. This method is also defined as a SYNERGISTIC COMPOSITION.

 

COMPOSITE MATERIAL COMPOSITION

REINFORCING FABRIC       &     IMPREGNATING RESIN

 PLUS EPOXY RESIN BOAT BUILDING MARINE GRADE 1 GALLON KIT 

 

'ENGINEERED PROCESS'


EQUALS


COMPOSITE LAMINATE WITH THE BEST WEIGHT TO STRENGTH PERFORMANCE

 

With respect to the raw materials selection -fabric and resin, the fabricating process and the and curing and test validation of composite part, these aspects must be carefully considered and in the engineering phase of the composite.


Step One: Fabric Selection

TYPES OF FABRIC WEAVE STYLE AND SURFACE FINISHING

FOR RESIN TYPE COMPATIBILITY 

Fabrics are generally considered ”balanced” if the breaking strength is within 15% warp to fill and are best in bias applications on lightweight structures. “Unbalanced” fabrics are excellent when a greater load is required one direction and a lesser load in the perpendicular direction. 

    • Tow: The bundle of individual carbon filaments used to weave carbon fabric. 50k tow means there are 48-50,000 carbon filaments in the tow. Smaller tow i.e. 12k, 6k, 3k and 1k are obtained by dividing the 50k tow into smaller bundles.
    • Thread Count: The number of threads (tow in carbon and yarn in Aramid) per inch. The first number will be the warp count and the second will be the fill count. 
    • Fill: The threads that run the width of the roll or bolt and perpendicular to the warp threads. 
    • Warp: The threads that run the length of the roll or bolt and perpendicular to the fill threads. 
    • Finish: The chemical treatment to fiberglass making it compatible with resin systems, therefore improving the bond between the fiber and the resin. Finishing fiberglass typically decreases the fiber strength by as much as 50%. Both Silane and Volan finishes are epoxy compatible. Historically, Volan has been considered a softer finish for a more pliable fabric, but recent advances have yielded some excellent soft Silane finishes.
    • Thickness: Measured in fractions of an inch. The thicker the fabric the more resin required to fill the weave to obtain a surface-smooth finished part.

Weaves:

    • Plain weave means the warp and fill threads cross alternately. This is the most common weave.
    • 4 Harness (4 HS Satin or crowfoot) weave means the fill thread floats over three warp threads, then under one warp thread. This weave is more pliable than the plain weave, therefore conforms to complex curves more easily.
    • 8 Harness (8 HS Satin) weave means the fill thread floats over seven warp threads, then under one warp thread. This weave is the most pliable of the standard fiberglass weaves.
    • 2 x 2 Twill weave means the fill thread floats over two warp threads, then fewer than two warp threads. This weave is found most commonly in carbon fabrics and is more pliable than plain weave.

Most fabrics are stronger in the warp than the fill because higher tension is placed on the warp fiber keeping it straighter during the weaving process. Rare exceptions occur when a larger, therefore stronger thread is used in the fill direction than the warp direction. 

 

PLAIN WEAVE

Is a very simple weave pattern and the most common style. The warp and fill yarns are interlaced over and under each other in alternating fashion. Plain weave provides good stability, porosity and the least yarn slippage for a given yarn count.

 

8 HARNESS SATIN WEAVE

The eight-harness satin is similar to the four-harness satin except that one filling yarn floats over seven warp yarns and under one.

This is a very pliable weave and is used for forming over curved surfaces.

 

4 HARNESS SATIN WEAVE

The four-harness satin weave is more pliable than the plain weave and is easier to conform to curved surfaces typical in reinforced plastics. In this weave pattern, there is a three by one interfacing where a filling yarn floats over three warp yarns and under one.

 

2x2 TWILL WEAVE

Twill weave is more pliable than the plain weave and has better drivability while maintaining more fabric stability than a four or eight harness satin weave. The weave pattern is characterized by a diagonal rib created by one warp yarn floating over at least two filling yarns.

 SATIN WEAVE TYPE CONFORMITY UNTO CURVED SHAPES


Plain Weaves, Bi-axial, Unidirectional Styles For Directional High Strength Parts 
Use this weave style cloth when high strength parts are desired.
It is ideal for reinforcement, mold making, aircraft and auto parts tooling, marine, and other composite lightweight applications.
 FIBERGLASS FINISHING FOR RESIN COMPATIBILITY

All of the fiberglass fabrics is woven By HEXCEL COMPOSITES, a leading manufacturer of composite materials engineered for high-performance applications in marine, aerospace for commercial and military, automotive, sporting goods and other application-critical performance. These fabrics are 100% epoxy-compatible and will yield the best mechanical properties when properly fabricated. 

Finishing Cross Reference And Resin Type Compatibility 

RESIN COMPATIBILITY

Burlington

Industries

Clark Schwebel

J.P Stevens

Uniglass Industries

Epoxy, Polyester

VOLAN A

VOLAN A

VOLAN A

VOLAN A

Epoxy, Polyester

I-550

CS-550

S-550

UM-550

Phenolic, Melamine

I-588

A1100

A1100

A1100

Epoxy, Polyimide

I-589

Z6040

S-920

UM-675

Epoxy

I-399

CS-272A

S-935

UM-702

Epoxy

 

CS-307

 

UM-718

Epoxy

 

CS-344

 

UM-724

Silicone

112

112

 

n-pH (neutral pH)


AVAILABLE FIBERGLASS, CARBON FIBER, AND KEVLAR FABRICS

HEXCEL 120 1.5-OUNCE FIBERGLASS PLAIN WEAVE 5 YARDS

https://www.ebay.com/itm/222623985867

HEXCEL 120 1.5-OUNCE FIBERGLASS PLAIN WEAVE 10 YARDS

https://www.ebay.com/itm/311946399588

HEXCEL 7532 7-OUNCE FIBERGLASS PLAIN WEAVE 5 YARDS

https://www.ebay.com/itm/222624899999

HEXCEL 7500 10 OUNCE FIBERGLASS PLAIN WEAVE 3 YARDS

https://www.ebay.com/itm/222624968104

HEXCEL 7500 10 OUNCE FIBERGLASS PLAIN WEAVE 5 YARDS

https://www.ebay.com/itm/311946460378

HEXCEL 3582 14 OUNCE FIBERGLASS SATIN WEAVE 5 YARDS

https://www.ebay.com/itm/312023587290

HEXCEL 3582 14 OUNCE FIBERGLASS SATIN WEAVE 10 YARDS

https://www.ebay.com/itm/222753506374

HEXCEL 1584 26 OUNCE FIBERGLASS SATIN WEAVE 3 YARDS

https://www.ebay.com/itm/311947365010

HEXCEL 1584 26 OUNCE FIBERGLASS SATIN WEAVE 5 YARDS

https://www.ebay.com/itm/222629157570

FIBERGLASS 45+/45- DOUBLE BIAS 3 YARDS

https://www.ebay.com/itm/311947299244

 

 

CARBON FIBER FABRIC 3K 2x2 TWILL WEAVE 6 OZ. 3 YARDS

https://www.ebay.com/itm/311947275431

CARBON FIBER FABRIC 3K PLAIN WEAVE 6 OZ 3 YARDS

https://www.ebay.com/itm /311947292012

 

 

KEVLAR 49 HEXCEL 351 PLAIN WEAVE FABRIC 2.2 OZ

https://www.ebay.com/itm/222623951106


Step Two: 
Choose The Best Epoxy Resin System For The Application
The epoxy resin used in fabricating a laminate will dictate how the FRP will perform when load or pressure is implied on the part.
To choose the proper resin system, consider the following factors that is crucial to a laminate's performance.
SIZE AND CONFIGURATION OF THE PART
(NUMBER OF PLIES  AND CONTOURED, FLAT OR PROFILED)
CONSOLIDATING FORCE
(FREE STANDING DRY OR HAND LAY-UP, VACUUM BAG OR PLATEN PRESS CURING)
CURING CAPABILITIES
(HEAT CURED OR ROOM TEMPERATURE CURED)
LOAD PARAMETERS
(SHEARING FORCE, TORSIONAL AND DIRECTIONAL LOAD, BEAM STRENGTH)
ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE
The principal role of the resin is to bind the fabric into a homogeneous rigid substrate
(OPERATING TEMPERATURE, AMBIENT CONDITIONS, CHEMICAL EXPOSURE, CYCLIC FORCE LOADING)
MATERIAL AND PRODUCTION COST
(BUYING IN BULK WILL ALWAYS PROVIDE THE BEST OVERALL COSTS)

These factors will dictate the design and the composition of the part and must be carefully considered during the design and engineering phase of the fabrication.

TOP SELLING IMPREGNATING RESIN SYSTEM 

 MAX BOND LOW VISCOSITY A/B

Marine Grade Boat Building Resin System, Fiberglassing/Impregnating, Water Resistance, Cured Structural Strength

MAX BOND LOW VISCOSITY 32-Ounce kit

https://www.ebay.com/itm/311947109148

MAX BOND LOW VISCOSITY 64-Ounce Kit

https://www.ebay.com/itm/311947125422

MAX BOND LOW VISCOSITY 1-Gallon Kit

https://www.ebay.com/itm/311947117608

MAX BOND LOW VISCOSITY 2-Gallon kit

https://www.ebay.com/itm/311946370391

MAX BOND LOW VISCOSITY 10-Gallon Kit

https://www.ebay.com/itm/222624960548

 MAX 1618 A/B

Crystal Clear, High Strength, Lowest Viscosity (Thin), Durability & Toughness, Excellent Wood Working Resin

MAX 1618 A/B 48-Ounce Kit

https://www.ebay.com/itm/222627258390

MAX 1618 A/B 3/4-Gallon Kit

https://www.ebay.com/itm/222625113128

MAX 1618 A/B 3/4-Gallon Kit

https://www.ebay.com/itm/222627258390

MAX 1618 A/B 1.5-Gallon Kit

https://www.ebay.com/itm/311946441558

 MAX CLR A/B

Water Clear Transparency, Chemical Resistance, FDA Compliant For Food Contact, High Impact, Low Viscosity

MAX CLR A/B 24-Ounce Kit

https://www.ebay.com/itm/222623963194

MAX CLR A/B 48-Ounce Kit

https://www.ebay.com/itm/311947320101

MAX CLR A/B 96-Ounce Kit

https://www.ebay.com/itm/222625329068

MAX CLR A/B 96-Ounce Kit

https://www.ebay.com/itm/222625338230

MAX CLR A/B 1.5-Gallon Kit

https://www.ebay.com/itm/222626972426

MAX GRE A/B

GASOLINE RESISTANT EPOXY RESIN 

Resistant To Gasoline/E85 Blend, Acids & Bases, Sealing, Coating, Impregnating Resin

MAX GRE A/B 48-Ounce Kit

https://www.ebay.com/itm/311946473553

MAX GRE A/B 96-Ounce Kit

https://www.ebay.com/itm/311947247402

 MAX HTE A/B

HIGH-TEMPERATURE EPOXY

Heat Cured Resin System For Temperature Resistant Bonding, Electronic Potting, Coating, Bonding

MAX HTE A/B 80-Ounce Kit

https://www.ebay.com/itm/222624247814

MAX HTE A/B 40-Ounce Kit

https://www.ebay.com/itm/222624236832

Step Three:

Proper Lay-Up Technique -Putting It All Together

Pre-lay-up notes

  • Lay out the fabric and pre-cut to size and set aside
  • Avoid distorting the weave pattern as much as possible
  • For fiberglass molding, ensure the mold is clean and adequate mold release is used
  • View our video presentation above "MAX EPOXY RESIN MIXING TECHNIQUE"
  • Mix the resin only when all needed materials and implements needed are ready and within reach

Mix the proper amount of resin needed and be accurate proportioning the resin and curing agent. Adding more curing agent than the recommended mix ratio will not promote a faster cure. Over saturation or starving the fiberglass or any composite fabric will yield poor mechanical performance. When mechanical load or pressure is applied to the composite laminate, the physical strength of the fabric should bear the stress and not the resin. If the laminate is over saturated with the resin it will most likely to fracture or shatter instead of rebounding and resist damage.

Don’t how much resin to use to go with the fiberglass?

A good rule of thumb is to maintain a minimum of 30 to 35% resin content by weight, this is the optimum ratio used in high-performance prepreg (or pre-impregnated fabrics) typically used in aerospace and high-performance structural application.

For general hand lay-ups, calculate using 60% fabric weight to 40% resin weight as a safety factor. This will ensure that the fabricated laminate will be below 40% resin content depending on the waste factor accrued during fabrication.

Place the entire pre-cut fiberglass to be used on a digital scale to determine the fabric to resin weight ratio. Measuring by weight will ensure accurate composite fabrication and repeatability, rather than using OSY data.

THE USE OF A WEIGHING SCALE IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED 

 photo a20digital20scale_zpszer0pzzz.jpg

Purchase this scale with any of our product offering and the shipping cost of the scale is free. 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/222630300203

A good rule of thumb is to maintain a minimum of 30 to 35% resin content by weight, this is the optimum ratio used in high-performance prepreg (or pre-impregnated fabrics) typically used in aerospace and high-performance structural application. For general hand lay-ups, calculate using 60% fabric weight to 40% resin weight as a safety factor. This will ensure that the fabricated laminate will be below 40% resin content depending on the waste factor accrued during fabrication.

Place the entire pre-cut fiberglass to be used on a digital scale to determine the fabric to resin weight ratio. Measuring by weight will ensure accurate composite fabrication and repeatability, rather than using OSY data.

Typical fabric weight regardless of weave pattern

1 ounce per square yard is equal to 28.35 grams

1 square yard equals to 1296 square inches (36 inches x 36 inches)

FOR EXAMPLE

1 yard of 8-ounces per square yard (OSY) fabric weighs 226 grams

1 yard of 10-ounces per square yard (OSY) fabric weighs 283 grams

Ounces per square yard or OSY is also known as aerial weight, which is the most common unit of measurement for composite fabrics. To determine how much resin is needed to adequately impregnate the fiberglass, use the following equation:

(Total Weight of Fabric divided by 60%)X( 40%)= weight of mixed resin needed

OR

fw= fabric weight

rc= target resin content

rn=resin needed

MASTER EQUATION

(fw/60%)x(40%)=rn

FOR EXAMPLE

1 SQUARE YARD OF 8-OSY FIBERGLASS FABRIC WEIGHS 226 GRAMS

(226 grams of dry fiberglass / 60%) X 40% = 150.66 grams of resin needed

So for every square yard of 8-ounce fabric, it will need 150.66 grams of mixed resin.

Computing For Resin And Curing Agent Amount

150.66 grams of resin needed

MIX RATIO OF RESIN SYSTEM IS 2:1 OR

50 PHR (per hundred resin)

2 = 66.67% (2/3)

+

1 = 33.33%(1/3)

=

(2+1)=3 or (66.67%+33.33%)=100% or (2/3+1/3)= 3/3

150.66 x 66.67%= 100.45 grams of Part A RESIN

150.66 x 33.33%= 50.21 grams of Part B CURING AGENT

100.45 + 50.21 = 150.66  A/B MIXTURE

GENERAL LAY-UP PROCEDURE

Apply the mixed resin onto the surface and then lay the fabric and allow the resin to saturate through the fabric.

NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND

This is one of the most common processing error that yields sub-standard laminates. By laying the fiberglass onto a layer of the prepared resin, fewer air bubbles are entrapped during the wetting-out stage. Air is pushed up and outwards instead of forcing the resin through the fabric which will entrap air bubbles. This technique will displace air pockets unhindered and uniformly disperse the impregnating resin throughout the fiberglass.

HAND LAY-UP TECHNIQUE
 photo ce376f32-86fc-47c6-a51a-876deb439eee_zpsi93ktfh0.jpg

Eliminating air entrapment or void porosity in an epoxy/fiberglass lay-up process

Fiberglass Hand Lay Up For Canoe and Kayak Building- Cedar Strip Kayak Fiberglassing - YouTube

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Basic Hand Lay-up Fiberglassing

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VACUUM BAGGING PROCESS

 For performance critical application used in aerospace vehicles, composite framing for automotive vehicles and marine vessels, a process called 'Vacuum Bagging' is employed to ensure the complete consolidation of every layer of fabric. 
 photo c9d07277-d374-4b1c-9210-26f76eafeb41_zpsxn7nhyps.jpg
The entire tooling and lay-up are encased in an airtight envelope or bagging and a high-efficiency vacuum pump is used to draw out the air within the vacuum bag to create a negative atmospheric pressure. Once a full vacuum (29.9 Inches of Mercury) is achieved, the negative pressure applies a compacting force of 14.4 pounds per square inch (maximum vacuum pressure at sea level) is applied to the vacuum bag transferring the force to the entire surface area of the laminate.

Vacuum pressure is maintained until the resin cures to a solid. For room temperature curing resin system, the vacuum pump is left in operation for a minimum of 18 hours. External heat can be applied to the entire lay-up, thus accelerating the cure of the resin system.

The vacuum force also removes any entrapped air bubble between the layers of fabric and eliminate what is called, porosity or air voids. Porosity within a laminate creates weak spots in the structure that can be the source of mechanical failure when force or load is applied to the laminate.  

The standard atmosphere (symbol: atm) is a unit of pressure defined as 1
01325 Pa (1.01325 bar), equivalent to 
760 mm Mercury or 29.92 inches Mercury or
14.696 pounds per square inch of pressure.

FiberglaSs And Carbon Fiber Vacuum Bagging and Flat Panel Laminate - YouTube

Video will open in a new window


AUTOCLAVE CURING PROCESS

 photo ff260368-27e8-4ff7-9822-67b4cd7e6c22_zpsrokgne9n.jpg


 Autoclave curing processing is the most common method used in large-scale production of composite products. The Aerospace Industry, which includes space exploration rockets and vehicles, deep space structures, and commercial and military airplane utilizes this composite fabrication process due to the critical nature of the application. The mechanical demands of the composite are often pushed to the upper limits and autoclaved process yields composites with the best weight to strength ratio.

BASIC OPERATION OF THE AUTOCLAVE PROCESS

In the autoclave process, high pressure and heat are applied to the part through the autoclave atmosphere, with a vacuum bag used to apply additional pressure and protect the laminate from the autoclave gases. 
The cure cycle for a specific application is usually determined empirically and, as a result, several cure cycles may be developed for a single material system, to account for differences in laminate thickness or to optimize particular properties in the cured part.
The typical autoclave cure cycle is a two-step process. First, vacuum and pressure are applied while the temperature is ramped up to an intermediate level and held there for a short period of time. The heat reduces the resin viscosity, allowing it to flow and making it easier for trapped air and volatiles to escape. The resin also begins wetting the fibers at this stage.
In the second ramp up, the temperature is raised to the final cure temperature and held for a sufficient length of time to complete the cure reaction. During this step, the viscosity continues to drop, but preset temperature ramp rates and hold times then stabilize viscosity at a level that permits adequate consolidation and fiber wetting, while avoiding excessive flow and subsequent resin starvation. 
These control factors also slow the reaction rate, which prevents excessive heat generation from the exothermic polymerization process. Upon completion, the cured mechanical performance of the composite is often much stronger and lighter compared to a hand lay-up, or vacuum bagged composite laminate.

VACUUM INFUSION PROCESS
Vacuum Infusion Process is also known in the composites industry as 
Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding or VARTM.

Similar to the Vacuum Bagging Process where the negative pressure is used to apply consolidation force to the laminate while the resin cures, the resin is infused into the fabric lay-up by sucking the impregnating resin and thus forming the composite laminate.

The VARTM Process produces parts that require less secondary steps, such as trimming, polishing or grinding with excellent mechanical properties. However, the vacuum infusion requires more additional or supplemental related equipment and expendable materials. So the pros and cons of each presented composite fabrication process should be carefully determined to suit the user's capabilities and needs.

Please view the following video demonstration which explains the process of Vacuum Infusion or VARTM process.

MAX 1618 A/B VACUUM ASSISTED RESIN TRANSFER MOLDING PROCESS

CARBON FIBER VACUUM INFUSION WITH EPOXY RESIN - VACUUM BAGGING WITH MAX 1618 EPOXY RESIN - YouTube

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Step Four: Proper Curing
Although we have formulated all of ur MAX EPOXY RESIN SYSTEM product line to be resistant to amine-blush,
it is recommended not to mix any resin systems in high humidity conditions, greater than 60%.
Always make sure that the substrate or material the epoxy resin system is being applied to is well prepared
 as possible to ensure the best-cured performance. 

Always review the published data and information for proper usage, application, and general safety information.
Our expert staff of engineers is always available for 
consultation and assistance.

Allow the lay-up to cure for a minimum of 24 to 36  hours before handling.
Optimum cured properties can take up to 7 days depending on the ambient cure condition. 
The ideal temperature cure condition of most room temperature epoxy resin is 22 to 27 degrees Celsius at 20% relative humidity.
Higher ambient curing temperatures will promote faster polymerization and development of cured mechanical properties.
Improving mechanical performance via post heat cure
 A short heat post cure will further improve the mechanical performance of most epoxy resins. Allow the applied resin system to cure at room temperature until for 18 to 24 hours and if possible, expose heat cure it in an oven or other sources of radiant heat (220°F to 250°F) for45 minute to an hour. You can also expose it to direct sunlight but place a dark colored cover, such as a tarp or cardboard to protect it from ultraviolet exposure.
In general room temperature cured epoxy resin has a maximum operating temperature of 160°F or lower.
A short heat post cure will ensure that the mixed epoxy system is fully cured,
especially for room temperature cure system that can take up to 7 days to achieve 100% cure
Some darkening or yellowing of the epoxy resin may occur if overexposed to high temperature (>250 F).

AMINE BLUSH
The affinity of an amine compound (curing agent) to moisture and carbon dioxide creates a carbonate compound and forms what is called amine blush. 
Amine blush is a wax-like layer that forms as most epoxies cure. If the epoxy system is cured in extreme humidity (>70%).
It will be seen as a white and waxy layer that must be removed by physical sanding of the surface followed by an acetone wipe.


OTHER TYPES OF EPOXY RESIN CURE MECHANISM
LATENT CURING SYSTEMS
Latent epoxy resins are systems that are mixed together at room temperature and will begin polymerization but it will not achieve full cure unless it is exposed to a heat cure cycle. In general, these are high-performance systems that demonstrate exceptional performance under extreme conditions such as high mechanical performance under heat and cryogenic temperatures, chemical resistance or any environment that epoxy room temperature system perform marginally or poorly.
  Upon the mixing of the resin and curing agent polymerization will begin and will only achieve a partial cure. Some resins may appear cured or dry to the touch,  this state is called 'B-Stage Cure', but upon application of force will either be gummy or brittle almost glass-like and will dissolve in most solvents. The semi-cured resin must be exposed to an elevated temperature for it to continue polymerization and achieve full cure. 

HEAT ACTIVATED CURING SYSTEMS
This type of epoxy system will not polymerize unless it is exposed to the activation temperature of the curing agent which can be as low as 200F and as high as 400F. 
In most instances, our MAX EPOXY SYSTEMS epoxy system can be stored at room temperature and remain liquid for up to six months and longer.

TESTING THE COMPOSITE

DETERMINATION OF THE FABRIC-RESIN RATIO 

TESTING FABRIC TO RESIN RATIO VIA RESIN BURN OUT - YouTube

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ULTIMATE COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH

 ULTIMATE COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH TEST OF FIBERGLASS LAMINATE TOOLING BOARD. - YouTube

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6500 pounds to failure / 0.498 square inch = 13,052 psi max compressive strength

SPECIMEN EXAMINATION AFTER COMPRESSION TEST - YouTube

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**********************************************

PLEASE CHECK OUT OTHER AVAILABLE
RESIN SYSTEMS AT OUR eBay STORE
For our complete listing, please Visit our eBay store!

DON'T FORGET OUR EPOXY MIXING KIT

Click The Link To Add To Order  https://www.ebay.com/itm/222623932456

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO MEASURE, MIX, DISPENSE OR APPLY 

Proportioning the correct amount is equally as important to attain the intended cured properties of the resin system. The container in which the epoxy and curing agent is mixed is an important consideration when mixing an epoxy resin system. 
The container must withstand the tenacity of the chemical and must be free of contamination. Most epoxy curing agent has a degree of corrosivity, as a general practice, protective gloves should be worn when handling chemicals of the same nature.

MIXING KIT CONTENTS 

1 Each Digital Scale -Durable, Accurate Up To 2000.0 Grams   

4 Each 32-ounce (1 Quart) Clear HDPE Plastic Mix Cups

4 Each 16-ounce (1 Pint) Clear HDPE Plastic Mix Cups

One Size Fits All Powder-Free Latex Gloves 

2 Each Graduated Syringes

Wooden Stir Sticks

Assorted Size Foam Brush 

 

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Your purchase constitutes the acceptance of this disclaimer. Please review before purchasing this product.

The user should thoroughly test any proposed use of this product and independently conclude the satisfactory performance in the application. Likewise, if the manner in which this product is used requires government approval or clearance, the user must obtain said approval.

The information contained herein is based on data believed to be accurate at the time of publication. Data and parameters cited have been obtained through published information, PolymerProducts and  Polymer Composites Inc. laboratories using materials under controlled conditions. Data of this type should not be used for a specification for fabrication and design. It is the user's responsibility to determine this Composites fitness for use.

There is no warranty of merchantability for fitness of use, nor any other express implied warranty. The user's exclusive remedy and the manufacturer's liability are limited to refund of the purchase price or replacement of the product within the agreed warranty period. PolymerProducts and its direct representative will not be liable for incidental or consequential damages of any kind. Determination of the suitability of any kind of information or product for the use contemplated by the user, the manner of that use and whether there is any infringement of patents is the sole liability of the user.