For Proper Armaflex Insulation Installation, Performance Relies Specially on Formulated Adhesives For Uniform and Safe Seam Bonding

By Mark Hayes - Armacell Insulation Application Manager

The correct use for Armaflex contact adhesives:

ARMAFLEX 520 & 520 Black 

All Armaflex 520 Adhesives were specially developed to bond Armaflex foam insulation. It joins the surfaces reliably and safely at medium temperatures of up to +220ºF. The bond is resistant to weathering and aging.

ARMAFLEX HT625

Armaflex HT625 Adhesive was specially developed to bond UT Solaflex insulation for medium temperatures of up to +350ºF. When using UT Solaflex only Armaflex HT625 Adhesive should be used, but can also be used for Armacell elastomeric insulation material.

Application instructions for 520, 520 Black and HT625 adhesive:

1. Be sure there is proper ventilation

2. Do not leave can open during use, fabricate a lid from scrap cardboard, or sheet insulation, and insert brush into lid, this will allow the adhesive to remain liquefied, and prevent fumes into the air or causing adhesive to become viscous.

3. Use a brush with short, stiff bristles and keep clean. For larger areas an adhesive roller may be used to speed up application, and prevent the adhesive from drying too quickly.

4. Always apply material under compression. Avoid tension on the seams.

5. Apply Armaflex adhesive thinly and evenly onto both surfaces to be glued.

6. When adhering Armaflex to other materials (e.g. metal), first apply the adhesive to the Armaflex and then to the other clean surface.

7. Allow the adhesive to tack dry. The time required will vary according to the ambient conditions. The correct initial drying time may be determined by the fingernail test: touch the surface with a fingernail, if the fingernail does not adhere to the surface and the surface itself does not feel tacky, the joint may be closed. The maximum adhesive force will be obtained  hen two tack-dry surfaces are brought together.

8. The glued surfaces should be pressed together, not stretched. Do not leave glued seams on the top of the insulation in external locations. When working outdoors, always turn the glued seams away from the sun.

9. When gluing joints under compression, with no gaps present, the wet adhesive method should be used. Pull the seam apart slightly and apply Armaflex adhesive thinly and evenly with the brush to both surfaces and press together. No open time is needed in this case.

10. Use Goof Off or denatured alcohol to clean your tools, contaminated metal surfaces and surfaces where talc has been applied.

11. Curing time for 520 / HT625 Adhesive: 36 hours.

12. Note: Do not add anything to thin the adhesives. To make the adhesive easier to apply in cold environments, warm it over a bowl of hot water. See MSDS for further information.

 

For more installation techniques see our downloadable North America Application Manual here.