Light weight, low density epoxy potting compound is RF transparent

In some applications the weight of potting electronics to protect mechanically or environmentally can be a very significant part of the overall weight of installed equipment – sometimes this can be a problem. We have come up with some very advanced light-weight epoxy potting technology which brings the density right down to 0.6. IRS 2012 Light Weight Low Density Epoxy Potting Compound is an exciting development for weight critical applications, e.g. in aerospace or autosport, and is potentially of great significance for mainstream automotive systems and even railway systems where it is increasingly recognized that weight saving leads to fuel savings and a reduced carbon footprint.

IRS 2012 is not only very light on account of its advanced fillers, but is also very RF transmissive and is effectively transparent to radio signals, with excellent electrical properties, low cure shrinkage, good chemical resistance and good mechanical properties – highly suitable in fact for potting of aerials and related equipment.

The black two-part IRS 2012 is available in twin pack sachets which may be mixed and transferred to a syringe for precision application if required.

Not just flying high, cooking too

Part of our range of silicone adhesive/sealants from ACC, the Silcoset range has a long-established reputation. They are approved for use by the MOD and Rolls Royce in aerospace and other critical applications.

With high temperature resistance and good adhesion, you would expect there to be other, perhaps more conventional, applications as well. You would be correct. Silcoset 158 is the product of choice for fixing glass panels onto doors and hinges in domestic ovens.

Heated discussion settled!

Our expertise through the adhere program is becoming well known. Sometimes, we get thrown some interesting (if not always profitable!) questions:

I was wondering if it would be possible for you to settle a heated discussion. In which area of the aerospace industry are adhesives used? Is it only composite materials? Or is it also used in the structural aerospace industry? Your knowledge will be greatly appreciated.

The answer is: yes, structurally as well.

When a Scottish helicopter manufacturer needed an adhesive to bond the pre-preg moulded seat chassis they knew that to guarantee safety they had to pick the best performing and most reliable adhesive available. Araldite was the natural choice.

The shaped surfaces of the aluminum to carbon fiber reinforced epoxy (CFRE) joint were strongly bonded with Araldite after a simple preparation of degreasing and abrading of the contact surfaces. The resultant bond was a robust and vibration-resistant. Araldite is one of only a small number of safety-approved products deemed suitable for this high performance situation, and is a first choice for aviation designers in this field.