Judging by the numerous reviews, very often home craftsmen have to glue things made of aluminum. This material is widespread because it is quite durable and resistant to external influences. However, the adhesive properties are not inherent in this metal. As a result, if you connect aluminum objects with each other, an oxide film forms on their surface and bonding will be difficult. This explains why many beginners are interested in the question of how to glue aluminum with aluminum.
According to experienced craftsmen, to ensure a high-quality connection, you need to purchase special glue. Unlike other adhesive mixtures, its composition is supplemented with special additives, the task of which is to prevent the formation of an oxide film. About how to glue aluminum with aluminum, you will learn from this article.
About gluing methods
Despite the undeniable advantages, due to which aluminum has gained great popularity, this metal has a drawback. It consists in the fact that during the fastening the master may have difficulties. Due to the fact that aluminum is quite soft, ordinary bolted connections will not work. Professionals connect aluminum parts to each other by welding.
However, this method requires argon and sophisticated equipment that can be operated by a qualified person. Therefore, cold welding is most often used. This technique provides two connection methods. The first uses the principle of diffusion. At the moment of connecting two solid surfaces under the influence of pressure, their molecules interpenetrate. In other words, they mix with each other. This method is quite complex and is used in enterprises. The second connection method is gluing using special means, which will be discussed later.
About polyurethane adhesive
For those who do not know how to glue aluminum, a mixture based on polyurethane can be recommended. This glue is one- and two-component. In the first case, the composition of the adhesive is represented by one polyurethane. No solvent provided. These adhesives are applied to exposed parts of the products to be joined. Before gluing, the surfaces are pre-wetted with water. Since there is a hardener in the composition of two-component products, it is not necessary to treat aluminum with water. According to experts, two-component products are characterized by increased ductility and heat resistance. The compounds are very durable. In addition, they are not affected by oil, fungi and mold.
About resin-based formulations
If you are interested in how to glue aluminum with aluminum, use two-component compounds based on epoxy. A feature of these products is that they are resistant to high temperatures and have improved adhesive properties. With their help, materials with different indicators of thermal expansion are glued together, namely wood, porcelain and stone.
Types of resin adhesives
Depending on the conditions in which the hardening takes place, epoxy-based adhesives are classified into two categories:
- Means that can harden at temperatures above 1 thousand degrees. Scope - industrial enterprises.
- Cold hardening compositions. Glues can harden at a temperature of no more than + 350 degrees.
When using two-component epoxy adhesives, it is recommended to add hardeners in different proportions. How to glue aluminum with aluminum? More on this later.
How to glue?
Dead aluminum is combined with aluminum through the following mixtures:
- Mastix. High-quality gluing is possible at temperatures ranging from -50 - +145 degrees. Connects ferrous and non-ferrous metals. It is also used as a sealant. To become the owner of a 50-gram bottle, you have to pay 30 rubles.
- Cosmopur 819. A mixture based on polyurethane. Through this tool, eliminate gaps and glue corners. The price of a tube with 300 ml of glue is 500 rubles.
- Astrohim ACE-9305. Used in the same temperature range as Mastix. With the help of this substance, broken fragments are restored in detail. For example, a thread. Is glue more expensive: 80 rubles.
- Epoxy Metal Moment. It is a two-component adhesive with which both aluminum and wood, marble and glass surfaces are connected to each other. This tool is also used to eliminate various gaps and cracks. A 0.05 liter package costs 350 rubles.
- Abro Steel. This tool is used in cases where it is necessary to repair sanitary equipment or tanks in which the liquid is stored. Judging by the reviews, the glue is very sensitive to the cleanliness of the connected surfaces. A 57-gram package costs 150 rubles.
- Permatex Cold Weld. This two-component heat-resistant adhesive, based on epoxy resin, has fire-fighting properties. The tool is resistant to prolonged (not higher than 149 degrees) and short-term (up to 177) heating. Polymerization takes no more than 15 minutes. The price of a 56-gram package is 300 rubles.
- "Titanium". A fairly popular adhesive. Forms a seam resistant to mechanical stress. The mixture is sold in bottles of 310 ml for 250 rubles.
- Wurth Liquid Metal. It is a German-made cyanoacrylate adhesive. Those who are interested in how to glue aluminum with aluminum, experts recommend this tool. The peculiarity of this mixture is that it hardens very quickly. You can work both with metal products and with transparent materials. A 20 gram bottle costs 100 rubles.
- Cosmo PU-200. There is no solvent in this two-component polyurethane product. Judging by the reviews, the resulting seam is very heat resistant. After it has completely hardened, it can be painted. Glue connects aluminum, gypsum boards, wood, sanded fiberglass and laminate. Installation joints are also restored, the width of which does not exceed 8 mm. The price of a 900-gram bottle: 800 rubles.
How to use the mixture?
Those who do not know how to glue aluminum at home, need to adhere to the following sequence of actions:
- Using fine-grained emery paper or a brush, rust and dirt are removed from the surface of the connected areas.
- Next, the surface is treated with acetone.
- After this, you need some time to wait for the site to dry.
- In a separate container, mix glue and hardener. A homogeneous viscous mass should be obtained.
- The adhesive mixture must be applied to the surface in the form of dots or thin strips. Then the parts are pressed tightly against each other. In this position, they need to be fixed and left for 15-20 minutes.
If you have any excess, you can remove it with a rag previously moistened in a solvent.
Finally
When working with adhesives, you need to remember that these substances are very toxic. Therefore, gluing aluminum parts is desirable in a well-ventilated area. It will be useful to use gloves, a respirator and protective plastic glasses.