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Re: Europa-List: Arladite / Redux / Epibond 420 Expiration Date Dilemma

Subject: Re: Europa-List: Arladite / Redux / Epibond 420 Expiration Date Dilemma
From: Carl Pattinson <carl@flyers.freeserve.co.uk>
Date: Tue, 12 Jul 2005 10:00:33
Date: Tue, 12 Jul 2005 18:21:48 +0100


I have a can of Redux dated Jan 1998. OK, I only use it for non-critical 
bonding but there is little evidence that it has lost its strength (but then 
I havent done scientific tests).

I think it would be safe to assume that it will be OK up to a year after the 
manufacturers date because there is a large safety margin built into these 
products.

Technically though it is past its use by date and you are risking a $50,000 
aircraft (not to mention your life) for the sake of $180 worth of product.

Best advice I can give is to make a test bond and see how easy it is to 
break apart with a hammer. You will need to allow 7 days to achieve maximum 
strength.

I bet the bond dosent break before the materials you have bonded. Araldite 
is usually that strong!

Carl Pattinson
G-LABS


----- Original Message ----- 
From: <EuropaXSA276@aol.com>
Subject: Europa-List: Arladite / Redux / Epibond 420 Expiration Date Dilemma


>
> Europa Riders and Builders:
>
> I'm in a bit of a pinch here.  I have a Arladite / Redux / Epibond 420
> Expiration Date Dilemma!  It's time to start bonding the landing gear ribs 
> in place.
> Problem is that my adhesive has past the expiration date.  This is Epibond
> 420 and it expired on January of 2005. The can has been open for about 3 
> to 4
> months. < The lids were always tightly resealed> This is almost a full can 
> of
> this stuff and I really hate to throw it out! I was just quoted from the 
> only US
> source near me GRACO at $180.00 for the quart can!!! I still  need to bond
> the fuselage top and wing tops on.
>
> To make matter worse they are out of stock and said I should expect a six
> week delivery date. < the wheels of progress and coming to a slow grinding 
> halt>
> What about this expiration date?  Is it important?  Why does this product
> expire and the other that we use do not?
>
> There was talk that Europa was going to approve a new adhesive from 
> Aeropoxy?
> Any word on where that project is at? While visiting the Aeropoxy tent at 
> SNF
> I noted that this new stuff had no expiration date on it's can.
> I know of one builder here in the states that has had good success with 
> the
> Aeropoxy adhesive.  However I'm not sure what applications it was used 
> under
> and what about longevity?
>
> You comments please!!!!!!!
>
> Thanks in advance!
>
>
> Brian Skelly
> Texas
> Europa # A276 TriGear
> See My build photos at:
> http://www.europaowners.org/BrianS
>
>
> 



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