PLEXUS AO420
Harmonization Code : 3904.61.00.00 | Polytetrafluoroethylene plates / sheets / film / tape / strip, self-adhesive, in rolls

Main features
- Controlled 4-6 Minute Assembly
- Broad 0.75-9.5 mm Gap Range
- Balanced Strength and Elongation
Product Description
Plexus AO420 / MA420 is a two-part, 10:1 methacrylate adhesive for structural bonding of thermoplastic, metal, and composite assemblies. At 75 deg F (23.9 deg C), the non-sagging system has a 4-6 minute work time and reaches 1,000 psi (6.9 MPa) in 20-22 minutes. Its 0.75-9.5 mm gap tolerance accommodates varied joint geometries, while typical cured properties include 16.8-20.5 MPa tensile strength, 20-40% elongation, and 73 Shore D hardness. Applications include composite bonding in transportation and other supported mixed-material assemblies.
Key features
- 4-6 Minute Work Window: Provides controlled assembly time at 75 deg F (23.9 deg C).
- 0.75-9.5 mm Gap Tolerance: Accommodates a broad range of structural joint thicknesses.
- Balanced Strength and Elongation: Typical cured values combine 16.8-20.5 MPa tensile strength with 20-40% elongation.
Applications
Applications include structural bonding of thermoplastics, metals, and composites, including transportation composite assemblies.
TDS, SDS & Technical Documents
Technical Specifications
General Properties
Electrical Properties
Additional Information
Plexus MA420 (AO420) Two-Part Methacrylate Structural Adhesive
Plexus MA420 is a two-part methacrylate structural adhesive system consisting of MA420 Part A adhesive and AO420 Part B activator. The components are mixed and used together as one adhesive system for bonding thermoplastics, metals, and composites. The system uses a 10:1 mix ratio by volume and provides a typical work time of 4-6 minutes at 75°F (23.9°C).
MA420 / AO420 system properties
Part A and Part B properties are identified separately where they describe the materials before mixing. Mix ratios, work time, joint characteristics, and cured mechanical properties apply to the combined MA420 / AO420 adhesive system.
As-supplied and before-processing properties
Values are typical for the separate components and processing at 75°F (23.9°C) where stated.
| Property | Part A: MA420 | Part B: AO420 | Unit | Method / condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Color | Off-white | Off-white, blue, or black | Typical as supplied | |
| Density | 0.97 | 1.05 | g/mL | Typical as supplied |
| Viscosity | 100-125 | 35-80 | x 1,000 cP | Typical as supplied |
| Mix ratio by volume | 10 | 1 | ratio | Part A to Part B |
| Mix ratio by weight | 9 | 1 | ratio | Part A to Part B |
| Work time | 4-6 | minutes | Mixed system at 75°F (23.9°C) | |
| Fixture time | 18-22 | minutes | Mixed system at 23°C | |
| Shelf life | 10; 7 for black variant | months | Continuous storage at recommended conditions | |
Mixed-system and final cured properties
These values apply to the combined MA420 / AO420 system. Mechanical results remain specific to the stated test methods and substrates.
| Property | Value | Unit | Method / condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gap tolerance | 0.75-9.5 | mm | Typical cured joint range |
| Hardness | 73 | Shore D | Typical cured property |
| Tensile strength | 16.8-20.5 | MPa | ASTM D638 / ISO 527 |
| Tensile modulus | 1,026-1,388 | MPa | ASTM D638 / ISO 527 |
| Elongation at break | 20-40 | % | ASTM D638 / ISO 527 |
| Lap shear - aluminum | 26.6 | MPa | ASTM D1002; adhesive failure |
| Lap shear - carbon fibre | 23.1 | MPa | ASTM D1002; cohesive failure |
Values are typical and are not specifications. Component-specific properties apply only before mixing, while joint and mechanical properties apply to the correctly mixed MA420 / AO420 system.
Preparing and applying the MA420 / AO420 adhesive system
MA420 Part A and AO420 Part B are prepared, mixed, dispensed, and assembled as one adhesive system. Maintain the specified mix ratio and complete assembly within the available work-time window.
Maintain both components under controlled storage conditions
Store MA420 Part A and AO420 Part B continuously at 13-25°C. Temperatures above 27°C reduce shelf life, and storage above 38°C should be avoided. Storage at 7-18°C can extend product life; allow the material to return to room temperature before use. Typical shelf life is 10 months, or 7 months for the black variant, when maintained under the recommended storage conditions.
Discuss Plexus MA420 with Krayden
Discuss the complete MA420 / AO420 two-part adhesive system, dispensing configuration, substrate preparation, joint geometry, work-time requirements, fixture planning, and package needs with Krayden. Share your substrates and assembly process so the technical team can help evaluate the complete adhesive system for your application.





















