CARF-Models Sukhoi SU-31
5
Adhesives and Solvents
Not all glues are suited to working with composite parts. Here is a selection of
what we normally use, and what we can truly recommend. Please don’t use
inferior quality glues - you will end up with an inferior quality plane that is not so
strong or safe. High performance models require good gluing techniques. We
highly recommend you use either a slow (minimum 30 minute cure) epoxy resin
and milled fiber mixture, or a slow filled thyrotrophic epoxy for gluing highly
stressed joints (eg: Hysol 9462, Aeropoxy). The self-mixing nozzles make it easy
to apply exactly the required amount, in exactly the right place, and it will not run
or flow onto places where you don’t want it! It takes about 1 - 2 hours to start to
harden so it also gives plenty of time for accurate assembly. Finally it gives a
superb bond on all fiberglass and wood surfaces. Of course there are many
similar glues available, and you can use your favorite type.
1. CA glue ‘Thin’ and ‘Thick’ types. We recommend ZAP, as this is very high quality.
2. ZAP-O or Plasti-ZAP, odorless, or ZAP canopy glue 560 (for clear canopy)
3. 30 minute epoxy (stressed joints must be glued with at least 30 min & NOT 5 min epoxy).
4. Loctite Hysol 9462, Aeropoxy or equivalent (optional, but highly recommended)
5. Epoxy laminating resin (12 - 24 hr cure) with hardener.
6. Milled glass fiber, for adding to slow epoxy for stronger joints.
7. Micro-balloons, for adding to slow epoxy for lightweight filling.
8. Thread-locking compound (Loctite 243, ZAP Z-42, or equivalent)
We take great care during production at the factory to ensure all joints are
properly glued, but of course it is wise to check yourself and re-glue any that have
been missed. When sanding areas on the inside of the composite sandwich parts
to prepare the surface for gluing, do NOT sand through the layer of lightweight
glass cloth on the inside foam sandwich. It is only necessary to rough up the
surface, with 80/120 grit, and wipe off any dust with acetone or de-natured alcohol
(or similar) before gluing to make a perfect joint. Of course, you should always
prepare both parts to be joined before gluing for the highest quality joints. Don’t
use Acetone for cleaning external, painted, surfaces as you will damage the paint.
Tip: For cleaning small (uncured) glue spots or marks
off the painted surfaces you can use old-fashioned liquid
cigarette lighter fuel, like ‘Ronsonol’ or equivalent. This
will not damage the paint, as Acetone and many other
solvents will.This is what we use at the factory.
At Composite-ARF we try our best to offer you a high
quality kit, with outstanding value-for money, and as
complete as possible. However, if you feel some
additional or different hardware should be included,
please feel free to let us know.
Email us:
.
We know that even good things can be made better !