Aluminium trihydroxide can be added to casting resins at an approximate maximum percentage of 200% by weight (e.g. 200g of filler powder to 100g of resin). Doing so will reduce shrinkage, improve thermal stability considerably and result in a heavier more substantial feel to cast products however the resin will become harder to pour and reproduction of fine surface details will be impaired as the filler content is increased. Providing the base metal is compatible, a 4043 aluminum filler metal will be best for the following: Applications where aesthetics are particularly important, since these filler metals provide bright, clean welds. When trying to choose between the common 4043 and 5356 aluminum filler metals, there is a series of five questions to ask to narrow down the selection.

Grinding: Perform preliminary grinding with the sandpaper P80-P120, finishing work should be done with the sandpaper P180 – P240.Hi-Temp Lab-metal must be stirred thoroughly before use. No additive is needed; the repair compound hardens upon exposure to air. Hi-Temp Lab-metal is a viscous but easily spreadable paste. Upon opening the can, if the Hi-Temp Lab-metal appears stiff, stir in a capful or two of Lab-solvent to restore the product to its appropriate consistency. For any application, the surface must be clean and dry; free of paint, oil, dirt, and any extraneous materials. Roughening the surface provides superior adhesion. Hi-Temp Lab-metal’s shelf life is one year in factory-sealed cans. Store in a cool place. See MSDS for safe handling.

You may be astonished after reading all these considerations because it looks strange that a simple tube of glue can have so many instructions and research behind it. However, if you get more informed, your choice will be more thoughtful. You will not waste your time and money on something completely useless for your needs. That is why we have collected some factors that you have to take into consideration while choosing the right epoxy for your purposes. Here they are. Time for DryingWith an open time of ca. 15-20 mins and a curing time of ca. 2 hrs at 22°C, 3M™ FC Epoxy Metal Filler enables fast processes in the body shop. It is also possible to further speed up the curing by using IR drying. Material hardness and strength depend on alloy composition and heat treatment (solution heat treatment and quenching followed by either natural or artificial ageing produces a fine dispersion of the alloying constituents). Principal alloying elements are defined in the 2xxx, 6xxx and 7xxx series. Fusion welding redistributes the hardening constituents in the HAZ which locally reduces material strength. Processes In any welding application, the goal is to complete the job with high quality and efficient results. Speed and weld integrity are just as important when welding aluminum as any other material. Knowing the basic filler metal characteristics and selection criteria for applications employing this material is a good first step in getting the best welding performance. Additional practice with welding this material — especially for welding operators new to the material — is also a good idea. Consider welding scrap materials as a starting point to get a firsthand experience of the different operating characteristics of aluminum filler metals, including the 4043 and 5356 alloys discussed here. And when additional information about the aluminum welding process is necessary, look for resources with a local welding distributor or filler metal manufacturer to help. They often have technical support specialists to offer advice.

Our Aluminium Trihydroxide Filler Powder is compatible with all popular casting resins, including polyurethane, epoxy and polyester. As a rule, this factor does not influence the quality of repairs if the issue needs to be fixed. It does not matter how much time it will take to do it if you need a satisfactory result. You need to know the conditions in which your repaired surface is supposed to function. Consider the highest and lowest temperatures possible. Sometimes, that can become a critical indicator. Overall Look and Ability to Be Painted There are many aluminum filler metals available in the marketplace, including those for applications found in aerospace or architectural structures to filler metals for heat exchangers, trailer fabrication and more. The filler metals range from pure aluminum to varieties with added copper, silicon or magnesium. If a spool of aluminum wire isn’t going to be used cover the spool with the plastic bag the wire shipped in or with another protective cover. TIG cut-lengths are best stored in their original box to protect against dirt and debris.Hi-Temp Lab-metal is applied directly from the can with a putty knife or similar tool. No two-component mixing or measuring is necessary. Many applications may be made from a single can. After each use, to prevent Hi-Temp Lab-metal from hardening in the can, pour Lab-solvent over the remaining Hi-Temp Lab-metal contents, then cover tightly. (Stir the solvent into the Hi-Temp Lab-metal before using again). Lab-solvent is also used to thin Hi-Temp Lab-metal for brush-on applications. Yes, marine epoxy is designed to adhere to aluminum. It forms a strong bond that can withstand extreme weather conditions and harsh environments. However, it’s important to make sure the surface of the aluminum is properly prepared for the epoxy application. Before applying, you should clean the aluminum with a solvent or degreaser, then lightly sand or chemically etch it. This will ensure the best possible adhesion between the epoxy and aluminum. Additionally, make sure you select an appropriate type of marine epoxy for your project – some are better suited for specific applications than others. With proper preparation and selection of epoxy, you can trust your repair job will last for years to come. What can you put on aluminum to keep it from corroding? Hi-Temp Lab-metal is recommended where original Lab-metal may not withstand the extreme heat. Originally developed due to requests from the foundry industry, industries such as metalworking, powder coating, welding, fabricating, heating, construction, auto repair, die casting, mold refinishing, and sheet metal production and finishing have found uses for Hi-Temp Lab-metal. It successfully repairs: To apply Hi-Temp Lab-metal with a paint brush, it must be thinned to paint consistency with Lab-solvent, then applied with light brush strokes; not worked over as with paint. Dipping the brush into Lab-solvent periodically will keep the bristles free and prevent clogging.

A spool gun or push-pull gun for the MIG welding process. These guns provide consistent feeding of the aluminum filler metals, minimize wire feeding issues and allow for welding further distances from the wire feeder (often as far as 30 feet away). Remember that not all epoxies are good for painting. However, if you have applied one that allows for it, use a self-etching primer. This formula includes the chemicals that help micro-etch the surface you are going to paint. Is Gorilla epoxy good for aluminum? Aluminium trihydroxide is an inert, odourless filler powder than can be used to reduce shrinkage and add weight to cast polymer products. It can also improve the fire resistant properties of the casting and reduce exothermic reaction. For leveling or filling jobs that withstand up to 1000 degreesF, you need High-Temperature Lab Metal.dented metal, prior to powder-coating — when Lab-metal cannot be used due to the extreme temperatures. Thin with Lab Solvent to ease spreadability. Typically dries in 24 hours, heat cure at 425 degF for 1 hour before exposing to high temperatures. Great for filling surfaces before powder coating where 2 or more coats are required. It is recommended that the powder is mixed thoroughly with Part 'A' of polyurethane casting resins (like our Fast Cast) before adding part B. Never count the weight of the filler powder in the mix ratio. Material strength depends on the effect of work hardening and solid solution hardening of alloy elements such as magnesium, and manganese; the alloying elements are mainly found in the 1xxx, 3xxx and 5xxx series of alloys. When welded, these alloys may lose the effects of work hardening which results in softening of the HAZ adjacent to the weld. Heat-treatable alloys That depends on what the aluminum is being used for. The most common type of coating for aluminum is anodizing, which provides a durable finish and helps protect it from corrosion. Another option is powder coating, which can be customized with various colors and textures and also provides protection. There are other options such as chrome plating or galvanizing that are best suited to certain applications. Ultimately, your choice will depend on the intended use of the aluminum and any specific requirements you may have.