Araldite® 2023 : High performance methacrylate structural adhesive for multi-material assembly
Araldite® 2023 is a two-component, room-temperature curing methacrylate adhesive specifically designed for bonding a wide range of substrates: composites, metals, and engineering plastics. Available in three versions — with open times of 10, 30, or 60 minutes — it adapts to various industrial production rates while ensuring high mechanical, chemical, and environmental performance.
Why Use a Methacrylate Adhesive for Multi-Material Assemblies?
Modern industries increasingly design complex structures combining different materials such as aluminum, steel, thermoset composites, technical plastics, and fiberglass. These hybrid assemblies demand high compatibility, flexibility, and long-term durability.
Araldite® 2023 was developed to meet these challenges by providing strong, long-lasting bonds between dissimilar substrates while simplifying industrial application through adjustable open times.
Technical Features of Araldite® 2023
Technical Data Summary
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Product type | Two-component methacrylate adhesive |
| Mixing ratio | 10:1 |
| Color | Light grey (UV stable) |
| Viscosity | Thixotropic |
| Operating temperature | -40 °C to +120 °C |
| Young’s modulus | 700 MPa |
| Elongation at break | > 100% |
| Shear strength | Up to 16 MPa |
| Gap filling capacity | Up to 30 mm |
| Curing | At room temperature |
These properties make Araldite® 2023 a reliable solution for mechanically stressed or environmentally exposed structural bonds.
Three Open Times to Match Your Process
| Version | Open Time | Recommended Application |
|---|---|---|
| Araldite® 2023-10 | 10 minutes | Fast assembly, industrial production lines |
| Araldite® 2023-30 | 30 minutes | Adjusted positioning, mid-sized parts |
| Araldite® 2023-60 | 60 minutes | Large parts, complex geometries |
🔍 Open time refers to how long the adhesive remains workable before curing begins — essential for optimizing production speed and ensuring assembly precision.
Key Technical Advantages for Multi-Substrate Bonding
✔ Simplified Surface Preparation
Araldite® 2023 bonds well to many materials with minimal surface preparation — often just cleaning, without sanding or priming — reducing process steps while maintaining long-term performance.
✔ Multi-Material Compatibility
Suitable for bonding composites (SMC/BMC), metals (steel, aluminum), and plastics (ABS, PC, PMMA), even with minimal surface prep.
✔ Stress Resistance
Excellent mechanical performance under shock, vibration, and dynamic loads — even between materials with differing thermal expansion rates.
✔ Vertical Surface Application
Its thixotropic, non-sagging formulation allows clean and precise application on walls, ceilings, or complex geometries.
✔ Aesthetic & Durability
The light grey, UV-stable adhesive ensures a consistent visual appearance over time with no yellowing or degradation outdoors.
Typical Applications by Sector
Transportation & Rail
- Bonding of metal and composite components in vehicle bodies, floors, and partitions.
- Certified to EN 45545-2 for fire and smoke safety in railway applications.
- Ideal for hybrid steel/composite structures in heavy vehicles and trains.
Marine Industry
- Used to bond composite hulls, aluminum panels, and modular interiors.
- Approved by Lloyd’s Register, suitable for marine environments exposed to moisture, salt, and structural loads.
Renewable Energy
- Fixing components in wind turbines and photovoltaic panels.
- Ideal for UV-exposed composite-to-plastic assemblies enduring outdoor conditions.
Choosing Between 2023-10, 2023-30, or 2023-60
| Criteria | 2023-10 | 2023-30 | 2023-60 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Available assembly time | Very short | Moderate | Long |
| Part size | Small to medium | Medium | Large / complex |
| Geometry complexity | Low | Medium | High |
| Substrate types | Plastics / metals | Composites / metals | Multi-material |
| Production constraints | Automated line | Manual station | Unit assembly |
The right version depends on assembly complexity, material types, and required working time.
❓ FAQ – Araldite® 2023
🔹What’s the difference between Araldite® 2023-10, 2023-30, and 2023-60?
Mainly the open time (the period before curing starts):
- 2023-10: 10 minutes – fast production cycles.
- 2023-30: 30 minutes – standard bonding with adjustment time.
- 2023-60: 60 minutes – complex or large assemblies requiring extended positioning.
🔹Is it compatible with metals, plastics, and composites?
Yes. Araldite® 2023 is specially formulated for multi-material bonding. It bonds aluminum, stainless steel, SMC, BMC, PC, ABS, PMMA, etc., effectively.
🔹Can it be applied to vertical surfaces?
Yes. Its thixotropic (non-sagging) formula allows application on vertical walls, ceilings, or slanted surfaces.
🔹Is it certified for rail and marine applications?
Yes. It is:
- Certified EN 45545-2 for railway (fire/smoke)
- Approved by Lloyd’s Register for marine use
🔹Can it be used outdoors?
Yes. It resists UV, moisture, and freeze-thaw cycles while maintaining its mechanical and visual properties.
🔹What equipment is needed for application?
Araldite® 2023 is easily applied with the VBM400XMR Manual Gun (10:1 ratio) and a static mixer. No thermal curing system or perfectly prepped surface is required.
Conclusion
Araldite® 2023 is a structural methacrylate adhesive designed for durable bonding of dissimilar materials: composites, metals, and technical plastics.
Its non-sagging formulation, high flexibility (elongation > 100%), and ability to fill large gaps (up to 30 mm) make it an ideal solution for complex industrial applications.
Available in three versions — 2023-10, 2023-30, and 2023-60 — it fits all kinds of manufacturing processes, from fast-paced serial assembly to large-scale manual builds.
Certified EN 45545-2 for railway and Lloyd’s Register for marine sectors, it ensures reliable performance in even the most demanding environments.