Fusor metal bonding
Bench test
Name: Fusor 112B metal adhesive
Distributed by: Australian Warehouse Distributors
Tel: (03) 9553 1977 Fax: (03) 9553 1225
Key Feature: Time saving
Successful smash repair shops are always embracing new technology which used properly, can improve efficiencies. If you do not try such products, you may have cause to regret it in the future. I often receive phone calls from repairers asking me what training is available on plastic repairs and metal bonding. Repairing plastics is more involved than metal bonding and I suggest to them the only way to learn how to use these products is to try them.
One of the best metal bonding product ranges on the market is the Fusro brand, made by Lord Corporation. I tested Fusor metal bonding adhesives on 1.0mm and 0.8mm sheet steel. The steel was bonded together and after complete cure of the adhesive, I used a hammer and chisel to separate the two panels. As I expected, the panels were extremely difficult to separate.
Remember, when using these bonding materials, metal to metal is required.
Lord Corporation has developed a medium and a slow set formula in its adhesives. When using the 108 B metal adhesive, ample work time is 40-50 minutes. A trial fit of the panel is imperative before any bonding material is applied. The adhesive has a full cure strength in eight hours at 21 degrees C. This type of adhesive is mainly used for quarter panels, roof panels, door skins and smaller body panels. I also used metal bonding adhesive to blank off a handle opening on a tailgate. There was a step in the metal where the handle fitted which allowed me to cut a piece of metal to size and bond into the lap joint. This was a custom job and if metal bonding was not available, complete welding would have been required, causing major distortion.
Some of the key benefits of Fusor metal adhesives are:
* Lifetime guarantee
* Crash-proven to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards in the US
* Contains glass beads which help create a perfect bond line thickness, regardless of clamping techniques
* Provides corrosion protection
* Ideal for difficult to weld areas such as van side panels
* Built-in colour indicator signals when adhesive is properly mixed and fully cured
Basic repair procedures are to be observed when using metal adhesives; straighten any damaged areas or edges using a hammer and dolly. Disc sand both panels to ensure bare metal is achieved. Trial-fit the new panel to ensure proper alignment. Fusor products use element mixers which completely mix the two parts when the applicator gun is activated. Any panel beater can use these products and the more you use them, the more applications you will find for the technique.
The Fusor range includes metal bonding adhesives for use on galvanised steel and aluminium. The products are available in 225 ml and 50 ml cartridges.
Metal bonding is now on the TAFE curriculum which will allow the technique to gain a wider knowledge base and will hopefully mean increased use of this time and effort-saving method.