Judging by the numerous reviews, very often home craftsmen have to glue things made of aluminum. This material is widely used because it is quite durable and resistant to external influences. However, this metal does not have adhesive properties. As a result, if aluminum objects are connected to each other, an oxide film will form on their surface and bonding will be difficult. This explains why many beginners are interested in the question of how to glue aluminum to aluminum.
According to experienced craftsmen, in order to ensure a quality connection, you need to purchase a 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. How to glue aluminum to aluminum, you will learn from this article.
About gluing methods
Despite the presence of undeniable advantages due to which aluminum has gained great popularity, this metal also has a drawback. It concludesthe fact that during fastening the master may have difficulties. Due to the fact that aluminum is quite soft, conventional bolted connections will not work. Professionals connect aluminum parts together by welding.
However, this method requires argon and complex equipment that a qualified specialist can work with. Therefore, cold welding is most often used. This technique provides two methods of connection. The first uses the principle of diffusion. At the moment of connection of two solid surfaces under the action of pressure, the interpenetration of their molecules occurs. 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 tools, which will be discussed later.
About polyurethane adhesive
For those who do not know how aluminum can be glued together, we can recommend a mixture based on polyurethane. This glue is one- and two-component. In the first case, the composition of the adhesive is represented by one polyurethane. Solvent not included. These adhesives are applied to the exposed parts of the products to be joined. Before gluing, the surfaces are pre-moistened with water. Since two-component products contain a hardener, it is not necessary to treat aluminum with water. According to experts, two-component products are characterized by increased plasticity and heat resistance. The connections are very strong. In addition, they are not affected by oil, fungi andmold.
About resin formulations
If you are interested in how to glue aluminum to aluminum, use two-component compositions based on epoxy. The peculiarity of these products is that they are resistant to high temperatures and have improved adhesive properties. With their help, materials with different thermal expansion are glued together, namely wood, porcelain and stone.
Types of resin adhesives
Depending on the curing conditions, epoxy resin adhesives are classified into two categories:
- Means that can harden at temperatures above 1 thousand degrees. Scope of application - industrial enterprises.
- Compounds of cold hardening. Adhesives can harden at temperatures not exceeding + 350 degrees.
When using two-component epoxy adhesives, it is recommended to add hardeners in different proportions. What glue to glue aluminum to aluminum? More on this later.
How to glue?
Tightly aluminum with aluminum is connected by means of the following mixtures:
Mastix. High-quality gluing is possible at temperatures ranging from -50 to +145 degrees. Connects ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Also used as a sealant. To become the owner of a 50-gram bottle, you will have to pay 30 rubles
- Cosmopur 819. Polyurethane based compound. By means of this tool, gaps are eliminated and corners are glued. The price of a tube from 300ml of glue - 500 rub.
- 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, carving. Glue costs more: 80 rubles.
- "Epoxy Metal Moment". It is a two-component adhesive used to bond aluminum, wood, marble and glass surfaces together. This tool is also used to eliminate various gaps and cracks. 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 liquid is stored. Judging by the reviews, the glue is very sensitive to the cleanliness of the surfaces to be joined. A 57-gram package costs 150 rubles.
- Permatex Cold Weld. This two-component epoxy-based heat-resistant adhesive has inherent fire-fighting properties. The tool is resistant to prolonged (not higher than 149 degrees) and short-term (up to 177) heat. The polymerization takes no more than 15 minutes. The price of a 56-gram package is 300 rubles.
- "Titan". Quite a 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. For those who are interested in how to glue aluminum to aluminum, experts recommend this tool. The peculiarity of this mixture is that it freezesshe is very fast. You can work with both metal products and 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 is completely frozen, it can be painted. Glue connects aluminum, gypsum boards, wood, sanded fiberglass plastic and laminate. Also restore assembly seams, the width of which does not exceed 8 mm. The price of a 900-gram bottle: 800 rubles
How to use blends?
For those who do not know how to glue aluminum at home, you need to follow the following sequence of actions:
Rust and dirt are removed from the surface of the areas to be joined using fine-grained sandpaper or a brush
- Further, the surfaces are treated with acetone.
- After that, you need to wait a while for the area to dry.
- In a separate container, mix glue and hardener. You should get a homogeneous viscous mass.
- 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 excess, you can remove it with a rag soaked in solvent.
In conclusion
Working with adhesives, you need toremember that these substances are highly toxic. Therefore, it is advisable to glue aluminum parts in a well-ventilated area. It will be useful to use gloves, a respirator and protective plastic glasses.
