Epoxy vs Methacrylate vs Urethane

Epoxy vs methacrylate vs urethane adhesives…what are they?

They are all 2-part structural adhesives, but they have different ingredients and uses. They are all great alternatives to mechanical fasteners, uniformly distributing stress over the entire bond line, resulting in cost-savings and an increase in production capabilities. They have high cohesive strength and can permanently bond high-strength materials. These adhesives are widely used across the trailer, RV, wind energy, and marine industries, but can be used across most industries.

Epoxy Adhesives

Epoxy adhesives are used for general purpose applications, bonding various substrates. They are brittle and fast-cure, have the highest temperature resistance, and provide the highest strength bonds. They are low VOC, and are highly resistant to corrosion, abrasion, chemicals and UV. Epoxies are one of the most versatile structural adhesives, and can be used across a variety of industries and applications.

Methacrylate Adhesives

Methacrylate adhesives bond the widest range of substrates, and are especially good for the structural bonding of metals. They are more rigid, and can be used in low-temperature applications, forming high-strength bonds with variable cure. They require the least amount of surface preparation, and are highly resistant to UV, weather and liquids.

Urethane Adhesives

Urethane adhesives are often used on fiberglass, but can be used on many substrates. They are highly elastic and more flexible than other 2-part adhesives, compensating for contraction and expansion between substrates. These adhesives have fast cure, even in low temperatures, and are highly durable, resisting high heat, UV, weather, abrasion, chemicals and thermal shock.

So which type of adhesives are best for your application? Contact us today, we’d love to guide you towards your solution.