Tech Specs
Flexer™ Epoxy Flexibilizer is a clear, low viscosity liquid additive that will lower the durometer (Shore hardness) of some Smooth-On casting and laminating epoxies. When added to the epoxy system in the proper proportion, the cured epoxy will be softer and, in some cases, can be made semirigid. Flexer™ will lower the viscosity of the epoxy system, improves wetting capability (for laminating) and filler load capacity.
Features
Make Epoxy Semi-rigid - make pieces that are less brittle with increased impact resistance.
Choose Desired Result - Physical and performance properties of cured epoxy system may lower in proportion to the amount of added. Once Flexer™ has been added your piece will remain flexible.
Lower Viscosity - will help with de-airing castable resins and will help laminating epoxies wet out through composite reinforcements (fiberglass cloth, Kevlar, etc.) better.
Instructions
PREPARATION
Read and follow directions given on the technical bulletin for the EpoxAcast™ or EpoxAmite™ product before adding Flexer™.
Store and use all materials at 73°F / 23°C. Avoid breathing fumes - use in a well ventilated area at minimum. NIOSH approved respirator is recommended. Wear safety glasses, long sleeves and rubber gloves to minimize skin contact.
MEASURING AND MIXING
Flexer™ Epoxy Flexibilizer is added by weight as a percentage of Part A. An accurate gram scale is required. Add Flexibilizer to Part A of the epoxy system and mix thoroughly. Add the appropriate amount of Part B and mix all components thoroughly.
Example:
Goal – Soften EpoxAcast 650 from a Shore 90D to a Shore 60D. Normal mix ratio: 100A:12B
| EpoxAcast™ 650 Part A |
+ | Flexer™ Flexibilizer |
Mix Thoroughly |
+ | EpoxAcast™ 650 Part B |
Mix Thoroughly |
Pour & Let Cure |
| 1,000 grams | 150 grams | 120 grams |
Important: Working time and cure time will be increased in proportion to the amount of Flexibilizer added. Physical and performance properties (including Shore hardness) of cured epoxy system may be lower in proportion to the amount of Flexer™ added. Do not exceed recommended loading maximum of 20% of epoxy Part A, as the epoxy system may not cure.
| Epoxy | % of Flexer™ Added To Part A |
Pot Life (Minutes) | Shore D Hardness After 48 Hours |
Shore D Hardness After 7 Days |
| EpoxAmite™ 100 101 Hardener |
0 % | 11 | 82 | 84 |
| 5 % | 18 | 80 | 80 | |
| 10 % | 25 | 77 | 77 | |
| 15 % | 30 | 75 | 75 | |
| 20 % | 40 | 70 | 70 | |
| EpoxAmite™ 100 102 Hardener |
0 % | 22 | 80 | 80 |
| 5 % | 60 | 78 | 78 | |
| 10 % | 120 | 76 | 76 | |
| 15% | 135 | 72 | 73 | |
| 20 % | 150 | 65 | 70 | |
| EpoxAcast™ 650 101 Hardener |
0 % | 20 | 90 | 95 |
| 5 % | 60 | 90 | 90 | |
| 10 % | 180 | 85 | 85 | |
| 15 % | 210 | 75 | 77 | |
| 20 % | 270 | 70 | 70 | |
| EpoxAcast™ 655 101 Hardener |
0 % | 30 | 90 | 90 |
| 5 % | 60 | 85 | 85 | |
| 10 % | 120 | 83 | 83 | |
| 15 % | 150 | 70 | 70 | |
| 20 % | 300 | 60 | 65 | |
| EpoxAcast™ 690 | 0 % | 300 | 75 | 80 |
| 5 % | 420 | 65 | 75 | |
| 10 % | 570 | 50 | 65 | |
| 15 % * | 720 | 40 | 55 | |
| 20 % * | 1260 | 25 | 35 | |
| *Cured EpoxAcast™ 690 will remain tacky (sticky to the touch) for 48 hours or more depending on casting mass and thickness. | ||||
Because no two applications are quite the same, a small test application to determine suitability is recommended if performance of this material is in question.
