Description
Plexus MA8105 GB is a two-part, 1:1 methacrylate (MMA) structural adhesive from ITW Performance Polymers, made in the USA. It bonds raw and coated metals, engineered thermoplastics including nylon, and composites with little to no surface preparation, and it bonds galvanized steel without a primer. Of the three MA8000 GB grades, MA8105 GB has the shortest working time, so it fits stations that join parts right after dispensing and move them along quickly.
The adhesive dispenses as a non-sagging gel through a static mix nozzle, and the glass beads in the formula hold a consistent bondline while parts are clamped. You lay a bead on one part, join the parts inside the working time, and hold them until the bond reaches handling strength.
Key Product Details
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemistry | Two-part methacrylate (MMA) structural adhesive, low halogen |
| Mix Ratio | 1:1 by volume (1.02 to 1.00 by weight, Part A to Part B) |
| Color | Gray (Part A off-white, Part B gray) |
| Consistency | Non-sagging gel |
| Glass Bead Spacers | 0.012 in (0.3 mm) inert glass beads |
| Viscosity | Part A 70,000 to 140,000 cP, Part B 50,000 to 120,000 cP |
| Density | Part A 0.98 g/ml, Part B 0.96 g/ml |
| VOCs During Cure | Less than 0.5% |
| Peak Exotherm Time (10 g) | 7 to 11 min |
| Peak Exotherm Temperature (10 g) | About 280°F (138°C) |
| Gap Tolerance | 0.01 to 0.5 in (0.25 to 12.7 mm) |
| Hardness | 72 Shore D |
| Tensile Strength | 3,285 to 4,015 psi (22.7 to 27.2 MPa) |
| Tensile Modulus | 187 to 253 kpsi (1,289 to 1,744 MPa) |
| Elongation at Break | 5 to 10% |
| Operating Temperature | -40°F to 180°F (-40°C to 82°C) |
| Recommended Application Temperature | 65°F to 85°F (18°C to 30°C) |
| Shelf Life | 12 months |
| Storage | 55°F to 77°F (13°C to 25°C) continuous storage |
| Country of Manufacture | USA |
| Available Sizes | 50ml cartridge, 400ml cartridge |
Typical values from the ITW Performance Polymers technical data sheet last updated 03/04/2025. Tensile tested to ASTM D638 / ISO 527. Operating temperature is from the ITW MA8000 GB series sheet.
Cure Time by Temperature
| Temperature | 60°F (15.6°C) | 75°F (23.9°C) | 90°F (32.2°C) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Work Time, min | 5 to 7 | 3 to 6 | 2 to 4 |
| Time to 50 psi (0.3 MPa), min | 15 to 17 | 12 to 14 | 9 to 11 |
| Time to 500 psi (3.4 MPa), min | 19 to 21 | 14 to 16 | 11 to 13 |
| Time to 1000 psi (6.9 MPa), min | 28 to 32 | 18 to 22 | 14 to 16 |
Lap Shear Strength by Substrate
| Substrate | Lap Shear, psi (MPa) | Failure Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | 2,694 (18.6) | Cohesive failure |
| Aluminum after 1,000 hr salt fog | 2,436 (16.8) | Cohesive failure |
| Stainless steel | 2,961 (20.4) | Cohesive failure |
| Hot dipped galvanized steel (G70) | 2,178 (15.0) | Cohesive failure |
| Cold rolled steel | 3,083 (21.3) | Cohesive failure |
| ABS | 628 (4.3) | Substrate failure |
| Fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) | 2,398 (16.5) | Substrate failure |
| Nylon 6,6, glass filled | 2,041 (14.1) | Substrate failure |
Tested to ASTM D1002. Cohesive failure means the adhesive failed within itself and the bond stayed on the metal. Substrate failure means the plastic or composite gave out before the bond did, so the number reflects the substrate, not the adhesive.
Performance in Production
- Short working time and fast strength build suit stations where parts are joined right after dispensing. At 75°F the bond reaches 500 psi in 14 to 16 minutes. Assemblies that take longer to position belong with a longer working time grade in the same series.
- Temperature moves the cure. Cold stretches the working time and heat shortens it, so hold material and shop temperature steady through the year to keep mixing and cure consistent.
- The 0.012 in glass beads keep a consistent bondline when parts are clamped under pressure.
- The non-sagging gel stays where it is laid on vertical and overhead joints, and the 0.01 to 0.5 in gap tolerance covers fit-up variation on formed and fabricated parts.
- The 1:1 ratio is easy to meter, and ITW notes the system handles off-ratio mixing. Dispense only what you can use inside the working time, because large masses of mixed material build heat fast.
- Cures tack-free with low odor, and squeeze-out can be sanded and painted after cure. That helps on visible seams such as door panels.
- Service range runs from -40°F to 180°F. Strength changes with temperature, so check the strength retention curve in the technical data sheet for your service range.
- Aluminum held 2,436 psi after 1,000 hours of salt fog, against 2,694 psi unexposed. ITW rates the cured adhesive excellent against hydrocarbons, acids and bases (pH 3 to 10), and salt solutions. ITW lists strong polar solvents, strong acids, and bases as the ones it is susceptible to.
Common Applications
- Bonding hot dipped galvanized and other coated steel without a primer
- Steel door seams and internal stiffeners, where bonding replaces welding and avoids print-through on the door skin
- HVAC sheet-to-post and bracket bonding, and weld replacement
- Sign fabrication, including channel letters, structure and support, and lighting accessories
- Furniture assembly with mixed materials, including legs and hardware
- Transportation body assembly such as roof bows, logistics track, and shiplap panels
- Bonding nylon (polyamide) to metal, composites, or other plastics
- Metal-to-rubber and plastic-to-rubber joints
- Metal-to-plastic and other dissimilar-material joints
Available Sizes
| Size | Chemical Concepts SKU | ITW Stock No. |
|---|---|---|
| 50ml Cartridge, 1:1 | PLX81057 | 81057 |
| 400ml Cartridge, 1:1 | PLX81058 | 81058 |
Plexus MA8000 GB Series Comparison
MA8105 GB, MA8110 GB, and MA8120 GB are the same 1:1 methacrylate platform in three working times. All three use 0.012 in glass beads, a 0.01 to 0.5 in gap tolerance, and the same cartridge sizes and guns.
| Property | MA8105 GB (this page) | MA8110 GB | MA8120 GB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mix Ratio | 1:1 | 1:1 | 1:1 |
| Work Time at 75°F | 3 to 6 min | 8 to 12 min | 18 to 22 min |
| Handling Time at 75°F (time to 50 psi) | 12 to 14 min | 33 to 36 min | 50 to 60 min |
| Tensile Strength | 3,285 to 4,015 psi (22.7 to 27.2 MPa) | 3,285 to 4,015 psi (22.7 to 27.2 MPa) | 2,907 to 3,630 psi (20.5 to 25.0 MPa) |
| Tensile Elongation | 5 to 10% | 25 to 45% | 30 to 60% |
| Lap Shear on Aluminum | 2,694 psi (18.6 MPa) | 3,061 psi (21.1 MPa) | 2,906 psi (20.0 MPa) |
| Lap Shear on Galvanized Steel | 2,178 psi (15.0 MPa), G70 | 2,215 psi (15.3 MPa) | 2,656 psi (18.3 MPa), G90 |
| Viscosity, Part A / Part B | 70,000 to 140,000 / 50,000 to 120,000 cP | 40,000 to 80,000 / 40,000 to 80,000 cP | 40,000 to 80,000 / 80,000 to 120,000 cP |
| Operating Temperature | -40°F to 180°F (-40°C to 82°C) | -40°F to 180°F (-40°C to 82°C) | -40°F to 180°F (-40°C to 82°C) |
| ITW Stock No., 50ml / 400ml | 81057 / 81058 | 81111 / 81108 | 81211 / 81208 |
Values from the ITW technical data sheets (MA8105 GB dated 03/04/2025, MA8110 GB and MA8120 GB dated 12/20/2023) and the ITW MA8000 GB series sheet for operating temperature. Lap shear is tested to ASTM D1002. The MA8110 GB galvanized result ended in substrate failure, and the others ended in cohesive failure. Handling time is the time to 50 psi.
Related Products
- Plexus MA8110: same 1:1 platform with an 8 to 12 minute working time at 75°F
- Plexus MA8120: same 1:1 platform with an 18 to 22 minute working time at 75°F
- 50ml cartridge guns: Chem-Set PAK-50 manual dispense gun or Chem-Set PAK-50 electric battery dispense gun
- 50ml cartridge static mixer: MAQ 05-24L Quadro mixer
- 400ml cartridge guns: Albion B26T400 manual gun or medmix DP2X 400 pneumatic gun
- 400ml cartridge static mixer: MCQ 08-24T Quadro mixer
How to Bond with Plexus MA8105 GB
Bonding metal and plastic with MA8105 GB follows the same shop sequence on every joint. This is the process from the ITW technical data sheet.
- Check temperature. ITW recommends applying the adhesive between 65°F and 85°F. Outside that range the cure slows down or speeds up significantly.
- Prepare the surfaces. Keep them free of grease, dirt, and other contaminants. On plastics, coated metals, and raw metal, a wipe with a dry rag or light solvent may be enough. Heavily oxidized or contaminated metal may need abrasion and cleaning. Dust-free composites can be bonded as is, or abraded lightly to remove mold release.
- Load the cartridge into the gun and remove the end caps.
- Attach a static mix nozzle and expel a mixer length of adhesive before you apply to the part.
- Apply adhesive to one substrate. Use enough material to fill the joint completely when the parts are mated.
- Mate the parts inside the working time, 3 to 6 minutes at 75°F.
- Hold the parts in position until the bond reaches the strength you need to handle them. Keep the gap at or under 0.5 in.
- Clean up before the adhesive cures. Common lab solvents, citrus terpene or NMP cleaners, or soap and water work. Cured material comes off by careful scraping followed by a wipe with a cleaning agent.
ITW recommends testing your own materials to confirm the surface preparation. ITW lists these substrates for MA8105 GB:
- Raw metals: aluminum, stainless steel, raw steel
- Coated metals: hot dipped galvanized, electrogalvanized, galvanneal, powder-coated, e-coated
- Thermoplastics: ABS and ABS blends, acrylics, polyamides (nylons), PBT, polycarbonate, rigid PVC, TPU
- Composites: DCPD, FRP, gelcoat, phenolics, epoxy-based composites, RIM
- Rubber
The lap shear table above covers the substrates ITW tested for this grade. For rubber compounds and any substrate not in that table, call us before you commit to production.
Plexus MA8100 Series Video
ITW Performance Polymers overview of the Plexus MA8100 series of structural methacrylates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Plexus MA8105 GB used for?
Plexus MA8105 GB is used for structural bonding of metals, plastics, and composites in industrial and transportation manufacturing, where an adhesive can take the place of welds or mechanical fasteners. ITW’s application sheets cover steel door seams and internal stiffeners, HVAC sheet-to-post and bracket bonds, sign structures, and furniture assemblies. Common Applications above has the full list.
Does Plexus MA8105 GB bond galvanized steel?
Yes, MA8105 GB bonds hot dipped galvanized steel without a primer. The ITW data sheet reports 2,178 psi lap shear on G70 galvanized steel with cohesive failure, meaning the adhesive failed within itself before the bond let go of the metal. ITW also lists electrogalvanized and galvanneal on its substrate list. MA8110 and MA8120 run on the same 1:1 platform with longer working times if you need more time to position parts.
Does Plexus MA8105 GB bond nylon, plastics, and rubber?
Yes, MA8105 GB bonds nylon (polyamide) and a range of engineered thermoplastics with little to no surface preparation. ITW lists ABS and ABS blends, acrylics, polyamides, PBT, polycarbonate, rigid PVC, and TPU. In the data sheet, glass-filled nylon 6,6 tested at 2,041 psi and ABS at 628 psi, both with substrate failure, so the plastic gave out before the bond did. ITW also lists rubber as a substrate for the MA8000 GB series, and no rubber lap shear is published for this grade. For rubber compounds and plastics not on that list, call us.
Is MA8105 the same as MA8105 GB, and where is it made?
Yes, MA8105, MA8105GB, and MA8105 GB are the same adhesive, and GB means it contains glass bead spacers. ITW supplies the 50ml and 400ml cartridges only with the glass beads. Bulk pails and drums come with or without them. MA8105 GB is made in the USA.
How long is the working time and how fast does MA8105 GB cure?
At 75°F the working time is 3 to 6 minutes and the bond reaches 500 psi in 14 to 16 minutes. Cold slows the cure and heat speeds it up. At 60°F working time runs 5 to 7 minutes, and at 90°F it drops to 2 to 4 minutes. The cure table above covers all three temperatures.
Do I need a primer or surface prep with MA8105 GB?
No primer is called for on the substrates ITW lists, and surface prep is usually light. Wipe plastics, coated metals, and raw metal with a dry rag or light solvent. Heavily oxidized or contaminated metal may need abrasion and cleaning, and composites may need light abrasion to remove mold release. ITW recommends testing your own materials to confirm the prep.
What gun and mixer do I need for MA8105 GB?
The 50ml cartridge runs in the Chem-Set PAK-50 manual gun or the PAK-50 electric battery gun with a MAQ 05-24L mixer. The 400ml cartridge runs in the Albion B26T400 manual gun or the medmix DP2X 400 pneumatic gun with an MCQ 08-24T mixer. These are the same guns and mixers we pair with MA8110 and MA8120.
How does MA8105 GB compare to MA8110 and MA8120?
MA8105 GB, MA8110, and MA8120 are the same 1:1 platform with the same glass bead spacers and gap tolerance, and they differ mainly in working time and elongation. At 75°F, MA8105 GB has a 3 to 6 minute working time, MA8110 has 8 to 12 minutes, and MA8120 has 18 to 22 minutes. MA8105 GB has the lowest elongation and MA8120 the highest. Pick by how long you need to position parts and how much the joint has to flex. The series comparison table above lines the key specs up side by side.
Questions on fit for your galvanized, nylon, or mixed-material bonding job? Call (800) 220-1966 or email [email protected].
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