3M™ Scotch-Weld™ Structural Adhesive EC-3448

We designed 3M™ Scotch Weld™ Epoxy Adhesive EC 3448 to be a low flow compound that is ideal for vertical or overhead surfaces with no run off. It’s a paste version of the 3M™ Scotch Weld™ Structural Adhesive Film AF 163 2 Film. With its soft paste viscosity it is easy to tool and form for a variety of applications. Workers will appreciate this one part adhesive for its easy to dispense formula.

3M™ Scotch Weld™ Epoxy Adhesive EC 3448 meets exacting bonding needs on metal to metal and pre cured fiber reinforced epoxy composite laminates. It delivers excellent performance from 67°F (55°C) to 225°F (107°C) along with unusually high 180°F hot/wet durability. This adhesive is qualified to multiple aerospace customer specs to meet requirements in aircraft manufacture and MRO applications. It has outstanding environmental resistance as well, for a dependable, lasting bond.

The thick paste form allows you to spread the epoxy over large areas and still provide ample time to position parts for exact fit. Our non sagging, formula holds its shape when dispensed and won't migrate, meaning little to no rework is necessary in overhead and other applications. Its thixotropic consistency provides greater bond line control for quality workmanship and to help minimize waste and excess weight. High impact resistance helps improve service life and reduce potential damage because this adhesive remains strong over time.

What Are Epoxy Adhesives?

3M™ epoxy adhesives are part of the class of adhesives called "structural adhesives," which also includes polyurethane and acrylic adhesives. Epoxy adhesives are typically formulated with reactive components (Base and Accelerator) that cure when mixed to form a solid plastic material. 3M provides epoxy adhesives in multiple formats to support your processing needs:

Two Part – In this format the Base and Accelerator are stored separately which enables the adhesive to have a long shelf life even when stored at room temperature. These materials are available in a duo pak cartridges for use with the 3M™ EPX™ Applicator System, enabling you to simultaneously meter, mix and apply two part adhesives. For larger scale operations, you can purchase these in bulk. Because these parts are mixed at point of use, you can reduce waste by saving non mixed unused material for a later job.

One Part – In this format, 3M does the mixing for you and ship it frozen. You store it in a freezer, then remove and thaw it when you’re ready to use it.

Adhesive Films – In this one part format, 3M not only do the mixing for you, but also turns it into a film that can be specifically cut to size and placed into your bond line. 3M offer a variety of films in different weights/thickness and supports. These films must be stored frozen.

In a two part epoxy adhesive, once the two parts are mixed in their specified ratio, they begin the curing process and offer a limited working time where the adhesive can be applied and the two surfaces positioned as needed. Similarly, in a one part adhesive there is a limited out time after which material is thawed during which it must be used. This work life or out time lasts anywhere from a few minutes to 48 hours or longer.

In general, epoxy adhesives provide high shear and peel strengths and have good environmental resistance. These adhesives are preferred for their ease of use, mechanical strength and chemical resistance. Depending on the formulation, epoxy adhesives can be flexible or rigid, transparent or opaque, quick setting or slow setting, high flow or low flow, room te