bonding aluminum to aluminum...what glue?

[Scooter]

I'm interested in gluing aluminum sheet together, say with a 1/2-inch overlap, without using screws or other mechanical fasteners. What glue will give a permanent bond and where can I find it?

[SteveH]

Scooter,

I've never done it, but would think epoxy would be good. However they've got a lot of exotic glues they use on automobiles these days for doing things like gluing the doors on. Believe I'd check into one of those types before I made a decision. I would think the auto paint store would know about them.

[Clancy Courtney]

Scooter
On the old "TeardropTimes" board Larry Sorenson had posted an idea of using a double stick tape to bond the aluminum to the sides. As I recall he said that some the NASCAR trailers used this method for a sleek look.
Try sending him an email if you are interested.
[email protected]
I think he said you could get it from McMaster-Carr.
Clancy

[goldcoop]

Scooter-

Gorilla Tape!

Looks like it's going to be a great product, will be out soon!

http://www.gorillatape.com/home.htm

Gorilla glue could be used but has a long open time and messy cleanup!

Cheers,

Coop

[madjack]

Some of the Sikaflex products(252/552) claim that ability...I don't know if 1/2" overlap would be sufficient but maybe so...availability from Austin Hdw, Also since many auto body parts are glued together, your local auto body/paint supply house would be a good place to look.
madjack
http://www.sikaindustry.com/ipd-transoem-body

p.s. this is just my personal take...I like the security of mechanical fasteners along with adhesive....sorta like a belt and suspenders approach

[WarPony]

Wow, Gorilla Tape sounds like the way to go!! I'm going to use that when I get around to skinning my roof. Good job on that hit, Coop!!

[Ken A Hood]

Is the gorilla tape double-sided though? It looks like a "super" duct tape.........
http://www.gorillatape.com/advantage.htm

[GeorgeTelford]

Hi

Sikaflex, I have seen the whole side panel of an exhibition trailer destroyed when trying to remove some Aluminium that was stuck down with sikaflex. What does this tell you?

1. be sure you want a permenant fixture, because it isnt going to come apart after its been stuck down (there are a few methods but theay are extremely long winded and not guaranteed to work without destroying the alloy or wood)
2. That the join is exceedingly strong, if you use 50 rivets to hold a sheet down it would be easier to remove it, than a few thin runs of sikaflex

[goldcoop]

Is the gorilla tape double-sided though? It looks like a "super" duct tape.........
http://www.gorillatape.com/advantage.htm

Ken-

I emailed Gorilla and advised them that they need to do a double-sided version of this stuff!

Here's the messages:

Dear Rich,

Thank you for your e-mail. I will definitely forward your suggestion to the appropriate people.
If you have any additional questions please feel free to contact us either by e-mail or at 1-800-966-3458 from 8am to 5pm EST Monday through Friday.

Sincerely,

Jennifer - Gorilla Support Team

From: Rich Cooper [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Monday, November 14, 2005 1:48 PM
To: GorillaGlue Message recipient
Subject: Gorilla Glue EnquiryNovember 14, 2005 11:48AM US Mountain Standard Time

MESSAGE:

--------------------
Comments: You guys seriously need to consider producing Gorilla Tape in a double sided version!!! Cheers, Rich

[goldcoop]

Here's a couple of 3M products that look like they have some promise!

A two-part expoxy:

http://multimedia.mmm.com/mws/mediawebs ... 8A0kVm7Vf-

A double-sided tape:

3M™ VHB™ Acrylic Foam Tape 4950
[click to enlarge]

1.1 mm white closed-cell acrylic foam carrier. Features an all-purpose acrylic adhesive. UL Listing 746C.
3Mstuff

Application ideas include attaching stiffeners in air conditioners, office furniture and telecommunications equipment. Also, to bond aluminum skin to steel support of truck, vans, anbulances. Bond architectural signs to frames.



Cheers,

Coop

[angib]

I emailed Gorilla and advised them that they need to do a double-sided version of this stuff!

I have used something similar, or maybe even better - a made-to-order double-sided tape for professional use. A truly scary product - with superglue you just stick a dot of skin together, with this tape you could stick your whole hands together if you got it wrong. We did a test and the tape was quite happy to pull epoxy fiberglass apart!

But one roll of the tape costs nearly the same as a trailer.....

Andrew

[goldcoop]

I emailed Gorilla and advised them that they need to do a double-sided version of this stuff!

I have used something similar, or maybe even better - a made-to-order double-sided tape for professional use. A truly scary product - with superglue you just stick a dot of skin together, with this tape you could stick your whole hands together if you got it wrong. We did a test and the tape was quite happy to pull epoxy fiberglass apart!

But one roll of the tape costs nearly the same as a trailer.....

Andrew

For those builders out there that wanna leave a little of themselves ON the trailer! LOL!

Cheers,

Coop

[JerryMae]

Try the web site www.thistothat.com. This may lead you in a direction.

[Scooter]

Some great tips here!

I'm thinking of the possibility of bending my own angle aluminum from sheet, then gluing it to the aluminum top to cover the edge. Don't wanna drill and screw because I already put down some 1/8 flat aluminum bar (because it's easier to bend than aluminum angle) and don't wanna drill a million holes through that stuff...kinda monotanous.

Also, if it turns out the hatch or anywhere else leaks, it might be handy to have the option to glue on some diverter pieces or something.