Month: March 2023

How To Maintain Dielectric Strength

Dielectric strength measures the electrical insulation properties of a material or substance, which is important in electrical engineering, power generation, telecommunications, and other industries. Maintaining the dielectric strength of a material is vital to ensure the safety and reliability of equipment and systems. In dielectric breakdown, the material’s resistance decreases rapidly and becomes electrically conductive (short circuits). The measure of dielectric strength is expressed as Volts per unit thickness (V/mil). ASTM International (American Society for Testing and Materials) publishes several standard tests for determining dielectric strength in certain applications.

Epoxy resins are a key material in applications requiring outstanding electrical insulation properties. Epoxy resins are widely used as insulating materials in electrical specifications because of their excellent thermal stability and dielectric properties. Moreover, epoxy resins offer excellent adhesion to various materials (substrates), toughness, durability, and superb chemical and heat resistance. As a result, epoxy resins are used extensively in potting and encapsulation applications. Overall, epoxy is an excellent insulating material due to its high dielectric strength, which makes it a preferred choice for electrical and electronic applications where high voltage levels are involved.

These are the key steps in maintaining dielectric strength to prevent potential failures:

1. Keep the Material Clean

Maintaining dielectric strength begins with keeping the material or substance clean and free of impurities. Dust, dirt, grease, oil, salts, and other conductive substances can reduce a material’s dielectric strength, resulting in probable failures and equipment damage.

2. Avoid Extreme Temperatures

Another crucial aspect of preserving dielectric strength is to prevent the overheating of the material or substance. High temperatures can deteriorate a material, resulting in a loss in dielectric strength. Therefore, it is critical to continuously monitor the temperature of equipment and systems and take appropriate measures to keep them cool.

3. Regularly Test the Dielectric Strength

It is important to regularly test the dielectric strength of a material or substance to verify that it remains within acceptable parameters. It may be accomplished using various techniques, including high-potential and dielectric loss testing. Dielectric strength should be tested and validated by users in specific applications, as the dielectric properties will vary based on the operating conditions of the application.

• High-potential testing:

  This test determines a material’s dielectric strength and identifies any weaknesses or defects in the insulation. It involves applying a high voltage to a material for a short period and observing if an electrical breakdown occurs. The voltage used is usually higher than the maximum operating voltage the material will be exposed to in service.

• Dielectric loss testing:

  This test measures the energy absorbed by a material when an AC voltage is applied. It provides information about the quality of the insulation and its ability to resist electrical degradation over time. Thus, the results of dielectric loss testing can be used to predict a material’s long-term reliability and identify areas that may require improvement.

By appropriate testing, potential issues can be recognized early and corrected before they cause equipment failure.

4. Ensure Proper Storage

Another key element to consider in preserving dielectric strength is proper storage. The item or substance should be kept in a regulated environment to avoid damage or contamination. For example, it might involve keeping the material dry and within the appropriate temperature range. Proper storage can also help to increase the material’s lifespan and prevent any breakdowns or malfunctions.

5. Maintenance and Inspection

Keeping a material’s dielectric strength requires proper maintenance and inspection of the equipment and systems in which the material is used or contained. Regularly examining equipment can aid in the early detection of possible problems and prevent equipment failure. Check for wear and tear, monitor for signs of degradation, and replace parts as needed.

Dielectric Strength: Built To Last With United Resin

At United Resin, we specialize in providing high-quality epoxy resin systems and have a wide range of epoxy resin systems with superior electrical insulation qualities and superior dielectric strength! Our systems offer many benefits, including thermal conductivity, high-temperature resistance, optical qualities, high strength, vibration dampening, and flame retardance. They are used in various electronics, medical, and construction industries.

With over 50 years of experience and high-quality customer service, our team of experts is dedicated to providing the best solutions to meet your needs. Our top priority is helping you select the appropriate product with the dielectric properties required for your equipment’s safety, quality, functionality, and reliability.

Contact us now to learn more about our dielectric epoxy resin systems and other services we can provide to benefit your business!

What To Look For in an Epoxy Putty Stick

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Epoxy putty sticks are highly versatile and powerful adhesives utilized for various domestic, commercial, and military repairs. These epoxy doughs are made of two parts — resin and hardener — and can be quickly blended by hand-kneading. Furthermore, the putty is moldable to any form and can be applied to virtually any surface, even underwater.

This article will explain how a putty stick works and what factors to consider when choosing the right product for your application.

What Is an Epoxy Putty Stick and How Does It Work?

Also called epoxy repair sticks or adhesive metal, an epoxy putty stick is a two-part adhesive that involves kneading the resin and hardener together. This process activates a chemical reaction that starts the curing phase. Then, the mixture is applied to the surface to be repaired or joined, where it will harden into a strong, long-lasting bond over time.

Once cured, the hardened putty can be sanded, filed, painted, or stained to match the surrounding surface.

Key Considerations in Putty Stick Selection

When purchasing a putty stick, it is critical to consider key factors to ensure that you select the product that will meet your needs. The following are some of the most crucial factors to consider in product selection:

Curing Time

Curing time refers to the duration it takes for the putty to harden and reach its maximum strength. Most putty sticks require some time to cure, with the exact length depending on factors like temperature, humidity, and the specific product being used. On the other hand, some putties can cure in as little as a few minutes.

It is critical to adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions for curing time and other product-specific guidelines. Attempting to sand, file, or manipulate the putty before it has fully cured can lead to a weaker bond or other problems.

Strength

The specific product and the material’s composition determine the putty’s strength. When assessing this factor, it is critical to consider the type of repair being performed and the stress that will be placed on the repaired area. For example, some putty sticks are intended for heavy-duty applications, such as automotive or marine repairs. Meanwhile, others may be better suited for smaller, less demanding maintenance.

Ease of Use

Epoxy putty sticks are designed to be simple and require little preparation. One of its advantages is that it can be easily shaped or sized by hand, making it an excellent choice for quick repairs. The two-part putty is also simple to mix and apply, as no special tools or equipment are required.

Look for a product that is easy to prepare and use, and consider the pliability of the putty when kneading it together. A putty that crumbles or is difficult to work with can make a repair project more frustrating and time-consuming than it needs to be.

Shelf Life and Storage Requirements

Putty sticks typically have a long shelf life, often lasting several years if stored properly. However, looking for products with clear expiration dates and general guidelines is important. These include keeping the putty sticks in a cool, dry place and storing them away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Using expired or old products can result in a weaker bond or a failure to cure properly.

Epoxy Putty Sticks From United Resin

For over 30 years, United Resin has been manufacturing epoxy putty sticks and other related products. We currently offer Fastweld and Fastwood Epoxy Putty Sticks. United Resin’s sticks offer exceptional ease of use, in that the dough is pliable for mixing without crumbling. The results also are exceptional, in that the cured product is hard as steel.

Our Fastweld products cure in 5 and 20 minutes and harden like steel in 30 to 40 minutes. It forms a tenacious bond, even underwater. They also perform well at continuous temperatures up to 250 ℉ (121 ℃) and intermittent temperatures up to 450 ℉ (242 ℃). It adheres to aluminum, iron, steel, wood, glass, masonry, ceramics, and many plastics. It may be drilled, filed, tapped, or sanded after 1 hour of cure time. They come in three standard colors: black, gray and white.

The Fastwood sticks are cylindrical epoxy dough kits that can be activated by hand-mixing the material. They cure in five minutes and are specially designed for permanent wood repairs, including filling nail holes, replacing and reshaping wood parts, and general restoration. It forms a tenacious bond in minutes. It also performs well at continuous temperatures of up to 250 ℉ (121 ℃) and is available in standard natural and dark wood colors.

Choose United Resin for Your Adhesive Needs!

United Resin’s Fastweld and Fastwood Epoxy Putty Sticks are made with proprietary processes, ensuring top-notch quality for your repair needs! You can choose from our standard 3.5-inch and 7-inch lengths or request custom sizes and colors with minimum order requirements. Rest assured that all our materials are non-hazardous, REACH/RoHS compliant, and solvent-free.

Contact us today to experience the United Resin difference! You can also request a quote now.