3
Scotch-Weld
TM
Epoxy Adhesive
EC-2615 • EC-2615 LW
Technical Data December, 2002
Product Description 3M™ Scotch-Weld™ Epoxy Adhesive EC-2615 and EC-2615 LW (Long Worklife)
are two component epoxy adhesives which cure at room temperature or with heat to
form a tough, impact-resistance bond. They have excellent adhesion to many metal
and plastic substrates.
Features • High shear strength
• High peel strength
• Outstanding environmental resistance
• Easy mixing (kit or pre-measured no-mix available)
• Non-Sag (thixotropic)
• 20 minute worklife (Scotch-Weld EC-2615)
• 60 minute worklife (Scotch-Weld EC-2615 LW)
Typical Physical Note: The following technical information and data should be considered representative
Properties or typical only and should not be used for specification purposes.
Scotch-Weld EC-2615 Scotch-Weld EC-2615 LW
Part B Part A Part B Part A
(Base) (Accelerator) (Base) (Accelerator)
Viscosity (Brookfield RVF):
Approx. 800,000 cps 8,000 - 800,000 cps 8,000 -
14,000 cps 16,000 cps
Color: Off White Amber Off White Amber
Weight/Gallon: 9.3-9.7 lbs. 9.1-9.5 lbs. 9.3-9.7 lbs. 8.9-9.2 lbs.
Solids: 100% 100% 100% 100%
Mix Ratio: By Weight 100 49 100 48
By Volume 100 50 100 50
Worklife at 72 ± 3°F (20 g mixed): Over 20 minutes Over 60 minutes
Note: There is a third product 3M™ Scotch-Weld™ Epoxy Adhesive EC-2615 XLW (Extra Long Worklife) that has an 8 hour worklife and is
similar in composition to Scotch-Weld adhesives EC-2615 and EC-2615 LW; however, a complete data sheet is not yet available.
Scotch-Weld TM
Epoxy Adhesive
EC-2615 • EC-2615 LW
Typical Product Note: The following technical information and data should be considered representative
Performance or typical only and should not be used for specification purposes.
Aluminum to Aluminum Bonds
A. Overlap Shear
The following data shows typical values obtained with 3M™ Scotch-Weld™ Epoxy Adhesive EC-2615 B/A
and EC-2615 B/A LW in aluminum overlap shear bonds. All specimens were 2024-T3 alclad aluminum
panels which had been FPL etched and primed with 3M™ Scotch-Weld™ Primer EC-3960. Bonds were
cured for 7 days at 70-80°F under 2 psi pressure. Tests were conducted according to MMM-A-132 methods.
Overlap Shear Strength
Test Temperature Scotch-Weld EC-2615 Scotch-Weld EC-2615 LW
75°F 5500 psi 5888 psi
160°F (30 minutes at 160°F) 2808 psi 3596 psi
75°F (after 14 days exposure to 160°F
and 100% relative humidity) 4440 psi 5406 psi
B. MMM-A-132D Type I, Class 3, Form P, (Selected Tests)
All tests conducted on unprimed, FPL etched 2024-T3 alclad aluminum.
Cure 1: cured for 7 days at room temperature under 2 psi pressure
Cure 2: cured for 1 day at room temperature under 2 psi pressure, plus 1 hour at 180°F
Scotch-Weld EC-2615 Scotch-Weld EC-2615 LW
Description Cure 1 Cure 2 Cure 1 Cure 2
1. 75°F Tensile Shear (psi) 4368 3872 5000 5288
2. 180°F Tensile Shear (psi) 460 953 727 1282
3. -67°F Tensile Shear (psi) 3678 6410 5282 3920
4. Fatigue Strength at 750 psi at 1800 cpm
for 106 cycles NF* NF* NF* NF*
5. Creep Rupture 192 hours at 75°F at
1600 psi (in.) 0 0 0 0
6. Blister Detection (psi) 3842 3850 4152 4093
7. 75°F Tensile Shear after 30 days at 120°F
95-100% RH (psi) 3915 4077 4533 4360
8. 75°F Tensile Shear after 7 days in JP-4 (psi) 4000 4488 5100 4283
9. 75°F Tensile Shear after 7 days Hydraulic
Oil (psi) 3338 4597 5253 4772
*No failures
-2-
Scotch-Weld TM
Epoxy Adhesive
EC-2615 • EC-2615 LW
Typical Product Note: The following technical information and data should be considered representative
Performance (continued) or typical only and should not be used for specification purposes.
C. T-Peel
T-Peel specimens were made according to ASTM D1876-72 with 2024-T3 alclad aluminum sheets, 8 in. x
8 in. x .032 in. The surface preparation was the optimized FPL described below. The specimens were cured
at a pressure of 2 psi for 7 days at 75°F. Typical glue line thicknesses were 0.010 in. - 0.018 in. 1 in. wide
specimens were cut from the 8 in. wide specimens and were tested at a jaw separation rate of 20 in./minute
under the conditions shown below.
Test Conditions Scotch-Weld EC-2615 Scotch-Weld EC-2615 LW
75°F 73 piw 61 piw
D. Floating Roller Peel
Floating Roller Peel specimens consist of one .063 in. x 8 in. x 8 in. 2024-T3 alclad aluminum panel bonded
to one .020 in. x 8 in. x 10 in. 2024-T3 alclad aluminum panel. The panels were phosphoric acid anodized,*
and primed with about 0.2 mils of 3M™ Scotch-Weld™ Primer EC-3960. They cured for 5 days at room
temperature under 2 psi pressure. The panels were cut into 1 in. wide specimens, and tested using a jaw
separation rate of 6 in./minute according to ASTM D-3167.
Floating Roller Peel Scotch-Weld EC-2615 Scotch-Weld EC-2615 LW
98 piw 95 piw
*According to 3M Test Method C-2780
Product Application Note: While this information is provided as a general application guideline based upon
typical conditions, it is recognized that no two applications are identical due to
differing assemblies, methods of heat and pressure application production equipment
and other limitations. It is therefore suggested that experiments be run, within the
actual constraints imposed to determine optimum conditions for your specific
application and to determine suitability of product for particular intended use.
I. Surface Preparation
A thoroughly cleaned, dry, grease-free surface is essential for maximum performance. Cleaning methods which
will produce a break free water film on metal surfaces are generally satisfactory.
A. Aluminum: Optimized FPL Etch – 3M Company Test Method C-2803 or ASTM D2651
1. Alkaline degrease – Oakite 164 solution 9-11 oz./gallon of water at 190 ± 10° F for 10 to 20 minutes.
Rinse immediately in large quantities of cold running water (Test Method C-2802).
2. Acid Etch – Immerse panels in the following solution for 10 minutes at 150 ± 5°F:
Sodium dichromate (Na2Cr2O7•2H2O) 4.1 - 4.9 oz./gallon
Sulfuric Acid 66° Be 38.5 - 41.5 oz./gallon
2024-T3 aluminum (dissolved) 0.2 oz./gal. minimum
Tap Water as needed to balance
Note: Read and follow component supplier’s environmental, health and safety recommendations before
preparing this etch solution.
3. Rinse immediately in large quantities of clear running tap water.
4. Dry – Air dry approximately 15 minutes followed by a force dry at 150 ± 10°F for 10 minutes.
5. Current theory suggests that both surface structure and chemistry play a significant role in determining
the strength and performance of bonded structure. It is therefore advisable to bond or prime freshly
cleaned surfaces as early as possible after preparing to avoid contamination and/or mechanical damage.
-3-
Scotch-Weld TM
Epoxy Adhesive
EC-2615 • EC-2615 LW
Product Application (continued)
B. Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Laminate Surface and Plastic Surfaces
1. Abrade surfaces to be bonded with 180 grit sandpaper or a 3M™ Scotch-Brite™ Cleaning Pad (do not
cut through resin into reinforcing fibers).
2. Wipe with clean rag or paper towel soaked with Ketone type solvent* such as Methyl Ethyl Ketone.*
*Note: When using solvents extinguish all sources of ignition in the immediate work area and observe
proper precautionary measures for handling such materials.
3. Thoroughly dry before application of adhesive.
II. Primer Application
Although 3M™ Scotch-Weld™ Epoxy Adhesive EC-2615 and EC-2615 LW give excellent performance on
unprimed surfaces, the use of 3M™ Scotch-Weld™ Primers, EC-3960, EC-3924B, or EC-3963 corrosion
inhibiting primers are suggested for maximum long-term durability and environmental resistance. See their
data sheets for complete application instructions. These primers must be cured for one hour at 250°F prior to
bonding. Review and follow MSDS prior to use.
Adhesive Application
A. Adhesive Mixing
Scotch-Weld adhesives EC-2615 and EC-2615 LW are supplied in dual plastic cartridges. To use, insert the
dual syringe cartridge into an applicator gun and advance the plungers into the cylinders using light pressure
on the trigger. Next remove the cap from the cartridge and expel a small amount of adhesive to be sure both
sides of the cartridge are flowing evenly and freely. If automatic mixing of Part A and Part B are desired,
attach a 6 inch or longer mixing nozzle to the cartridge and dispense the adhesive. If nozzle mixing is not
used, dispense both components into a container and thoroughly mix with a spatula until a uniform beige
color is achieved.
Scotch-Weld adhesives EC-2615 and EC-2615 LW are available in kit form consisting of Part B (Base) and
Part A (Accelerator). To use, measure out 2 parts of base to 1 part of accelerator by volume (100 to 49) or by
weight (100 to 48). Mix thoroughly with spatula until it is a uniform beige color. CAUTION: Be careful
mixing quantities larger than 50 grams (2 oz.) because an exothermic reaction will occur.
Apply adhesive to parts to bonded and assemble bonds before the work life expires parts must be clamped or
held together until cured.
B. Work Life
The work life of a 20 gram batch is over 20 minutes at 70-80°F for Scotch-Weld adhesive EC-2615 and over
60 minutes for Scotch-Weld adhesive EC-2615LW. Larger quantities and/or higher temperatures will result
in shorter work lives.
C. Curing Characteristics
It is suggested using a cure of 7 days at 70-80°F and 2 psi bonding pressure. At 70-80°F, bonds of Scotch-Weld
adhesive EC-2615 generally reach handling strength in 2 to 3 hours. Scotch-Weld adhesive EC-2615 LW
generally reaches handling strength in 5 to 6 hours. Full cure is reached in 1 to 7 days. If faster cures are
desired, bonds may be heated. At 120°F full cure is reached in approximately 2 hours. For higher
performance at elevated temperatures, a post cure of 1 hour at 180°F is suggested.
D. Cleanup
Excess adhesive and equipment may be cleaned prior to curing with toluene or Ketone solvents.*
*Note: These solvents are flammable. When using solvents for cleanup it is essential that proper
precautions are observed.
-4-
Scotch-Weld TM
Epoxy Adhesive
EC-2615 • EC-2615 LW
Storage Store these products indoors in a dry place at 60-80°F for the maximum shelf life.
Shelf Life 3M™ Scotch-Weld™ Epoxy Adhesive EC-2615 and EC-2615 LW is 12 months
from the date of shipment.
Precautionary Refer to Product Label and Material Safety Data Sheet for health and safety information before using this
product. For additional health and safety information, call 1-800-364-3577 or (651) 737-6501.
Information
For Additional For additional information call 1-800-235-2376. For Technical Service assistance, call 651-736-5954.
Address correspondence to 3M Aerospace Lab, Technical Service, 3M Center, Building 209-2S-32,
Information St. Paul, MN 55144-1000.
Important Notice 3M MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY
IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. User is
responsible for determining whether the 3M product is fit for a particular purpose and suitable for user’s
method of application. Please remember that many factors can affect the use and performance of a 3M
product in a particular application. The materials to be bonded with the product, the surface preparation
of those materials, the product selected for use, the conditions in which the product is used, and the time
and environmental conditions in which the product is expected to perform are among the many factors
that can affect the use and performance of a 3M product. Given the variety of factors that can affect the
use and performance of a 3M product, some of which are uniquely within the user’s knowledge and
control, it is essential that the user evaluate the 3M product to determine whether it is fit for a particular
purpose and suitable for the user’s method of application.
Limitation of Remedies If the 3M product is proved to be defective, THE EXCLUSIVE REMEDY, AT 3M’S OPTION, SHALL BE TO
REFUND THE PURCHASE PRICE OF OR TO REPAIR OR REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE 3M PRODUCT.
and Liability 3M shall not otherwise be liable for loss or damages, whether direct, indirect, special, incidental, or
consequential, regardless of the legal theory asserted, including, but not limited to, contract, negligence,
warranty, or strict liability.
ISO 9002
This Industrial Adhesives and Tapes Division product was manufactured under a 3M quality system registered to ISO 9002 standards.
3
Aerospace Department
Industrial Adhesives and Tapes Division
3M Center, Building 220-8E-05 Recycled Paper
St. Paul, MN 55144-1000 40% pre-consumer Printed in U.S.A.
www.3M.com/aerospace 10% post-consumer ©3M 2002 78-6900-9562-1 (12/02)
-5-
