What Are 2-Part Methacrylate Adhesives?
Acri-Bond 2-Part Methyl Methacrylate Adhesives (commonly known as structural adhesives or MMA Adhesives) are high-performance, dual-component adhesives that are designed for demanding applications that require high tensile, shear, and peel strength as well as maximum shock and impact resistance. They are designed to bond a wide range of materials with minimal or no surface preparation. These adhesives consist of a resin and an activator (or hardener), which chemically cure at room temperature when mixed together to form a strong, durable bond.
A key advantage of Acri-Bond Two Part Methacrylate Adhesives is their built-in flexibility once cured, which allows the adhesive to absorb movement and stress without cracking. This is particularly valuable when bonding dissimilar materials such as plastic to metal, or composite to steel. These materials often expand and contract at different rates with temperature changes, and methacrylates can accommodate this movement without compromising the integrity of the bond.
Another advantage of methacrylate adhesives is their ability to reach handling or working strength within minutes of application. While full cure typically takes 24 to 48 hours, most formulations develop enough strength in the early stages to allow for clamping removal, light assembly movement, or downstream processing. This rapid strength build-up is especially valuable in production environments where reducing wait times can significantly increase output and efficiency. It also means parts can be moved, drilled, or machined sooner, without waiting for a full cure, helping to streamline workflows without sacrificing bond integrity.
Where Are Methacrylate Adhesives Commonly Used?
Methacrylates are widely used across industries where strong, permanent bonding is required. Common applications include:
Automotive and transport – plastic parts, composite parts, metal frames
Signage and display fabrication – acrylics, PC, PVC, aluminium, ACB
Marine and RV industries – fibreglass bonding
Rail, construction and infrastructure – metal-to-composite joints, structural bonding
Product assembly – plastics, metals, and dissimilar material bonding
Key Benefits of Methacrylate Adhesives
- Strong structural bonds on plastics, metals, composites, and dissimilar substrates
- Minimal surface preparation required, even on slightly oily or dirty surfaces
- Excellent impact, peel and fatigue resistance, including in vibration-heavy environments
- Fast fixture and full cure times, improving production efficiency
- Flexible gap filling capabilities, even up to 10 mm in some formulas
- Resistance to moisture, chemicals, and environmental conditions
Choosing the Right Methacrylate Adhesive
Not all methacrylates are created equal. Choosing the right one depends on your application requirements. Here’s what to consider:
- Viscosity – Thinner grades for tight-fitting parts, thicker grades for vertical bonding or larger gaps
- Working Time – Shorter working times for fast-paced assembly lines, longer for complex assemblies
- Fixture Time – Fast curing options speed up production, slower options allow for repositioning
- Gap Fill – Some products are designed for minimal gaps, others handle wide tolerances.
- Substrate Compatibility – Use material-specific formulas when bonding plastics like ABS, acrylic, polycarbonate, or metals like aluminium and steel
- Colour and Finish – Available in off-white, black, or clear versions depending on aesthetic needs
We offer a full range of MMA adhesives to suit these variables, including specialist options tailored for plastic bonding, metal assembly, and other material applications.
Which Acri-Bond 2-Part Adhesive is right for you?
We’ve put together a short selection guide below to help you choose the right product. For more detailed information, a comprehensive PDF guide is also available in the adjacent tab.
Need help finding the right match? Our team is ready to assist with product selection, process development, and technical support to ensure you get the best bond for your application.
Selection Guide
| Product Code | Description | Viscosity (CPS) | Fixture Time | Similar Product |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multi Purpose MMA Adhesives | ||||
| ACRI-BOND 200 | Universal, High Strength, Quick Cure Times | 50,000 | 4 - 16 | Plexus MA300 |
| ACRI-BOND 204 | Transparent Clear, Universal, High Strength | 50,000 | 48 - 52 | NA |
| ACRI-BOND 206 | Bonding Polyolefins, PP, PE, PVDF, PTFE - no primer | 10,000 | 90 - 240 | IPS PPX5 |
| ACRI-BOND 210 | Universal, Ideal for Hard Bonding Plastics, Standard Cure Times | 50,000 | 30 - 36 | Plexus MA310 |
| ACRI-BOND 212 | Universal, Versatile, High Strength, Medium Cure Times | 50,000 | 65 - 90 | Plexus MA530 |
| ACRI-BOND 213 | Universal, Versatile, Thixotropic, High Strength, Long Cure Times | 160,000 | 140 - 180 | Plexus MA560 |
| ACRI-BOND 214 | Universal, Highly Thixotropic, High Strength, Extra Long Cure Times | 195,000 | 220 - 280 | Plexus MA590 |
| ACRI-BOND 290 | Ultra Transparent Clear, Universal for Plastics, High Strength Standard Cure Times | 20,000 | 16-20 | NA |
| High-strength metal bonding | ||||
| ACRI-BOND 230 | Metal Bonding, High Strength, Fast Working Time | 115,000 | 17 - 19 | Plexus MA830 |
| ACRI-BOND 231 | Metal Bonding, High Strength, Fast Fixture Time | 115,000 | 11 - 12 | NA |
| ACRI-BOND 232 | Metal Bonding, High Strength, Standard Fixture Time | 115,000 | 28 - 32 | Plexus MA832 |
| ACRI-BOND 233 | Metal Bonding, High Strength, Medium Cure Time | 135,000 | 48 - 52 | NA |
| ACRI-BOND 234 | Metal Bonding, High Strength,, Long Cure Time, Thixotropic | 150,000 | 65 - 75 | NA |
| ACRI-BOND 235 | Metal Bonding, High Strength, Extra Long Cure Time, Highly Thixtropic | 190,000 | 100 - 120 | NA |
