Looking for advice re: compound / epoxy resin or something to seal electronic device to withstand vibration

Forums › Home Workshop DIY › Looking for advice re: compound / epoxy resin or something to seal electronic device to withstand vibration

RUKI

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#208080 25-Jan-2017 22:51

Looking for your advice re: what is the name / brand for stuff I need to buy:

- compound / epoxy resin or something like that to seal electronic device to withstand vibration?

We've made regulator - rectifier for SUZUKI motorbike ourselves. Now need to seal all components as a mono-block so that vibration does not ruin it.

Obviously it needs to be non-conductive, water resistant and fast drying - something like Epoxy Resin (two component).

I never bought anything like that in NZ do not even know what would you call it here... Please advise

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Vocus

#1709681 25-Jan-2017 22:53

Two part epoxy resin is what we'd call it here. You should be able to find it fairly easily.

for example : http://www.gemco.net.nz/resins/4-163-GEMCOAT-PR-2-1

djtOtago

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#1709687 25-Jan-2017 23:03

20 years ago we called this Potting.

Use to do a bit of it when building electronic bits for factory machinery. But that was a long time ago now :)

Can't remember what we used or where the boss got it from. sorry

RUKI

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#1709689 25-Jan-2017 23:05

ubergeeknz:

Two part epoxy resin is what we'd call it here. You should be able to find it fairly easily.

for example : http://www.gemco.net.nz/resins/4-163-GEMCOAT-PR-2-1

Cool, looks like it: "Epoxy potting resin for electrical components". Have anyone seen that stuff in a smaller container? (76$ for 1.5L is excess of requirements and out of budget). Need just ~1/2 of the glass - e.g. ~100ml.

djtOtago

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#1709692 25-Jan-2017 23:08

Have a look at https://www.jaycar.co.nz/polyurethane-potting-compound/p/NM2016

or browse through http://nz.element14.com/potting-compounds

Edit: added another link

geocom

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#1709698 25-Jan-2017 23:25

RS also stock the stuff and have stock in NZ not sure how long it would take with element14 as all there stuff comes from aus and most of it is marked as Hazardous

http://nz.rs-online.com/web/c/adhesives-sealants-tapes/adhesives-glues/potting-compounds/?sra=p

Geoff E

gumboot19

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#1709701 25-Jan-2017 23:29

Have used a bit of epoxy in my time.

Epoxy Resin/ Hardener needs to be measured fairly accurately and sets very hard. (Epoxy is not that cheap either) Most epoxies do not have much structural strength above 60deg/c. (probably not needed)

Epoxy is quite fluid without some kind of filler powder and may exotherm (cook itself) with a quicker setting mix if put on too thickly. Sets quite hard and brittle

I'm sure some kind of potting mix is what you are after. Can you use just a basic silicone sealer? such as a tube of say Selleys all-clear? from Bunnings? cheap, handles heat and can be removed.

You could try calling "Adhesive Technologies" in Henderson. They manufacture a lot of resin products and are quite helpfull

New World

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ubergeeknz

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Vocus

#1709702 25-Jan-2017 23:33

It's a good point. For a small job like that you could probably get away with a one-part urethane compound in a tube, just squeeze in a layer 2cm or so, let it set, pour in some more, etc

might work out easier and cheaper

something like: http://www.wyatt.co.nz/shop/REPAIR/ADHESIVES+%26+SEALERS/Pro+Form+Urethane+Sealer+Adhesive.html

http://www.supercheapauto.co.nz/Product/Sikaflex-Adhesive-227-150mL/284175

djtOtago

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#1709706 26-Jan-2017 00:08

What ever you end up using, you will have to make sure it is non conductive, and can handle the heat given off by the electronics and / or the environment it is installed in.

If the compound you use can't conduct heat, you risk the electronic components over heating as they will no longer have any cooling air around them. Even components that don't normally get warm can get hot once they are insulated.

mdf

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#1709750 26-Jan-2017 08:36

@mcraenz has some posts about using epoxy/resin on his (very cool) blog.

RUKI

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#1710280 26-Jan-2017 20:32

Thanks guys for your feedback.

Here is big question: got from someone this epoxy today (they know nothing about it as it was left in the garage from previous owner).

Resin canister says mix 100 to 25 (4:1); But Hardener canister says 100 to 50 (2:1).

What do you think I should use 4:1 or 2:1?

larknz

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#1710293 26-Jan-2017 21:10

I would visit an electrical wholesaler. There are a number of products designed for sealing electrical components.

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neb

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#1710366 26-Jan-2017 23:46

RUKI:
Cool, looks like it: "Epoxy potting resin for electrical components". Have anyone seen that stuff in a smaller container? (76$ for 1.5L is excess of requirements and out of budget). Need just ~1/2 of the glass - e.g. ~100ml.

Epoxy potting compound only comes at one price point, which is "freaking expensive". If you want to cut corners, have you looked at urethane foam? Most marine and automotive places should have that, and it's relatively cheap.

neb

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#1710368 26-Jan-2017 23:48

RUKI:
Here is big question: got from someone this epoxy today (they know nothing about it as it was left in the garage from previous owner).

First thing to do is find out how old it is. This stuff degrades over time, so if you use very old resin + hardener you may get something that never hardens, or turns into a gooey mess, or whatever. I'd first try a small sample to see if it'll still harden, and if so what state it ends up in.

blakamin

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#1710384 27-Jan-2017 00:52

Go 2:1 but test it first... keep an eye on its temp as it hardens.

richms

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#1710413 27-Jan-2017 07:57

They are 2 different products, so no guarantee that they will even react enough to harden totally at all. Or not over react and get so hot that they crack like crazy when making a thick block of resin.

Richard rich.ms

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