BOSTIK SAF 30-15 METHACRYLATE GLUE

What is Bostik SAF 30-15 Methacrylate Glue and why choose it

Bostik SAF 30-15 Methacrylate Glue is a two-component structural methacrylate adhesive system designed to bond a wide range of industrial substrates, including metals, plastics and composites. It combines fast curing, high mechanical performance and outstanding resistance to weathering and ageing. Its non-sag consistency allows reliable application on vertical surfaces with minimal surface preparation, making it suitable for demanding structural bonding operations.

Main features

• Two-component methacrylate system with 10:1 volume mixing ratio (FIT30 15 adhesive plus SAF 30-15 hardener).
• Fast curing:
  • Open time: 6 – 8 minutes at 23 °C.
  • Fixture time: 12 – 15 minutes at 23 °C.
  • Full cure in approximately 24 hours.
• Non-sag formulation for clean application on vertical and overhead joints.
• Excellent environmental resistance with proven performance after accelerated weathering and ageing cycles.
• High mechanical strength with flexibility to withstand fatigue and dynamic loads.
• Minimal surface preparation required on most substrates.
• Designed for aggressive environments, maintaining performance under harsh conditions.
• Multiple packaging formats including bi-component cartridges and bulk containers for manual or automated dispensing.

Compatible substrates and applications

Recommended substrates

The FIT30 15 / SAF 30-15 system is recommended for structural bonding of the following materials:

• Metals
  • Steel
  • Stainless steel
  • Aluminium
  • Galvanised steel
• Composites
  • Polyester
  • Vinyl ester
  • Epoxy composites
  • GFRP (glass fibre reinforced polymer)
• Plastics
  • PVC
  • PS
  • ABS
  • Acrylic (PMMA, cast sheet such as Elio)
  • PC

Typical industrial uses

• Structural bonding of metal and composite assemblies where fast handling strength is required.
• Adhesive joints in environments exposed to weathering, outdoor conditions and ageing.
• Vertical panel bonding and applications where a non-sag adhesive is essential.
• Multi-material assemblies combining metals, plastics and fibre-reinforced composites.

Technical characteristics

System and curing

• System: Two-component methacrylate adhesive (FIT30 15 base + SAF DX / SAF 30-15 hardener).
• Mixing ratio (volume): 10:1.
• Curing conditions: Ambient temperature; optimal between 18 °C and 28 °C without post-curing.

Physical properties (components)

• Appearance:
  • Resin: Whitish.
  • Hardener SAF DX: White.
• Density at 23 °C (± 0.02):
  • Resin: 1.08 g/cm³.
  • Hardener SAF DX: 1.16 g/cm³.
• Viscosity at 23 °C:
  • Resin: 350 000 – 600 000 mPa·s (Brookfield, spindle T-F, 10 rpm).
  • Hardener SAF DX: 80 000 – 250 000 mPa·s.
• Consistency: Non-sag thixotropic liquid.

Curing profile (FIT30 15 system)

• Open time: 6 – 8 minutes.
• Fixture time at 23 °C: 12 – 15 minutes.
• Full cure: 24 hours.

Mechanical properties (cured adhesive FIT30 15)

• Tensile strength at break: 15 – 17 MPa (ISO 527-1A).
• Tensile modulus: 1000 – 1200 MPa (ISO 527-1A).
• Hardness: 70 – 80 Shore D.
• Elongation at break: 25 – 30 % (ISO 527-1A).

Weathering and ageing resistance

Resistance to overlap shear (ISO 4587) after weathering cycle D3 (7 ageing cycles, 7 days):

• Aluminium:
  • Before ageing: 19.0 MPa (cohesive failure).
  • After ageing: 16.0 MPa (cohesive failure).
• Stainless steel:
  • Before ageing: 18.0 MPa (special cohesive failure).
  • After ageing: 18.0 MPa (special cohesive failure).
• Steel:
  • Before ageing: 20.0 MPa (cohesive failure).
  • After ageing: 20.0 MPa (cohesive failure).
• GFRP (glass fibre reinforced polymer, adhesive thickness 250 μm):
  • Before ageing: 9.0 MPa (delamination failure).
  • After ageing: 8.0 MPa (delamination failure).

Surface preparation

• Remove grease, contamination and poorly adhering oxides on metallic surfaces. The use of AEC T700 cleaner is recommended.
• Most plastics only require simple cleaning prior to bonding; some may benefit from light sanding for optimal results.

Application and handling

• Apply at ambient temperature, ideally between 18 °C and 28 °C.
• Use according to the product’s operating guide or instructions provided by Bostik representatives for dosing equipment and substrate application.
• Mix the two components thoroughly following the prescribed 10:1 ratio, using suitable static mixers for cartridges.

Storage

• FIT30 15 adhesive:
  • Shelf life: 24 months in unopened original packaging.
  • Storage conditions: closed container, dry area, 15 °C – 25 °C.
• SAF DX / SAF 30-15 hardener:
  • Shelf life: 12 months in unopened original packaging.
  • Storage conditions: closed container, dry area, 15 °C – 25 °C.
• Exposure to higher or lower temperatures can reduce stated shelf life.

Packaging and compatible mixers

• Available packs for FIT30 15 adhesive:
  • Two-component cartridges: 50 ml, 490 ml, 825 ml.
  • 20-litre pails.
  • 200-litre drums.
• Recommended static mixers:
  • 50 ml cartridges: MH5416 mixers.
  • 490 ml cartridges: MHACF1018 mixers.
  • 825 ml cartridges: MGK1420 mixers.

Safety and handling information

Chemical nature and classification (SAF 30-15 component)

• Recommended use: Adhesives resin (hardener component of the methacrylate system).
• CLP classification:
  • Flammable liquids, category 2 (H225).
  • Skin irritation, category 2 (H315).
  • Serious eye damage, category 1 (H318).
  • Skin sensitisation, category 1 (H317).
  • Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure, category 3 (H335) – respiratory irritation.

Key hazard statements

• Highly flammable liquid and vapour.
• Causes skin irritation.
• May cause an allergic skin reaction.
• Causes serious eye damage.
• May cause respiratory irritation.

Basic precautionary advice (selection)

• Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. Do not smoke near the product.
• Avoid breathing vapours. Use only in well-ventilated areas.
• Wash face, hands and any exposed skin thoroughly after handling.
• In case of contact with eyes: rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if easy to do so, and continue rinsing. Seek immediate medical attention.
• In case of fire: use dry sand, dry chemical or alcohol-resistant foam for extinguishing.

Section 8 – Individual protection measures

The following personal protective equipment and exposure control measures are based on the SAF 30-15 Safety Data Sheet:

Engineering controls

• Ensure adequate general and local exhaust ventilation, especially in confined or enclosed areas.
• Extract vapours and aerosols directly at their point of origin.

Eye and face protection

• Wear safety glasses with side shields or chemical splash goggles.
• Eye protection must comply with EN 166.

Hand protection

• Recommended glove materials:
  • Nitrile rubber, thickness greater than 0.4 mm.
  • Polyethylene or polypropylene, thickness greater than or equal to 0.15 mm.
• Ensure that the chemical breakthrough time of the chosen glove is not exceeded; consult the glove supplier for specific data.
• Gloves must comply with EN 374.

Skin and body protection

• Wear suitable protective work clothing.
• Use fire/flame-resistant or flame-retardant garments.
• Wear antistatic footwear.

Respiratory protection

• In case of insufficient ventilation, wear suitable respiratory equipment.
• Use a respirator complying with EN 140 fitted with a Type A/P2 filter or better.
• Recommended filter: organic gases and vapours filter according to EN 14387.

Hygiene measures

• Do not eat, drink or smoke when using the product.
• Wash hands before breaks and after handling.
• Contaminated work clothing should not leave the workplace and should be cleaned regularly.
• Avoid contact with skin, eyes and clothing.

Environmental exposure control

• Do not allow uncontrolled discharge of product into the environment.

Section 14 – Transport information

The following information refers to the transport classification of the SAF 30-15 / FIT30 15 adhesive system as an adhesive under UN1133. It is intended as a summary and does not replace official transport regulations.

ADR/RID – Road and rail transport

• UN number: UN1133.
• Proper shipping name: Adhesives.
• Class: 3 (flammable liquids).
• Packing group: II.
• Description: UN1133, Adhesives, 3, II, (D/E).
• Labels: 3.
• Environmental hazards: Not classified as environmentally hazardous for transport.
• Special provisions: 640D.
• Classification code: F1.
• Tunnel restriction code: (D/E).
• Limited quantity (LQ): 5 L.
• ADR hazard identification number (Kemmler): 33.

IMDG – Sea transport

• UN number: UN1133.
• Proper shipping name: Adhesives.
• Class: 3.
• Packing group: II.
• Description: UN1133, Adhesives, 3, II, (14 °C c.c.).
• Marine pollutant: NP (not a marine pollutant).
• Special provisions: None.
• Limited quantity (LQ): 5 L.
• EmS code: F-E, S-D.
• Bulk transport according to MARPOL Annex II and the IBC Code: Not applicable.

IATA / ICAO-TI – Air transport

• UN number: UN1133.
• Proper shipping name: Adhesives.
• Class: 3.
• Packing group: II.
• Description: UN1133, Adhesives, 3, II.
• Environmental hazards: Not classified as environmentally hazardous for air transport.
• Special provisions: A3.
• Limited quantity (LQ): 1 L.
• ERG code: 3L.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

1. What type of adhesive is Bostik SAF 30-15 Methacrylate Glue?

   It is the resin component of a two-component structural methacrylate adhesive system (FIT30 15 / SAF 30-15) designed for high-performance industrial bonding.

2. How fast does the adhesive cure?

   At 23 °C the system offers an open time of 6 – 8 minutes, a fixture time of 12 – 15 minutes and reaches full cure in about 24 hours.

3. On which materials can I use this adhesive?

   It is recommended for metals (steel, stainless steel, aluminium, galvanised steel), composites (polyester, vinyl ester, epoxy, GFRP) and plastics such as PVC, PS, ABS, acrylic (PMMA) and PC.

4. Is surface preparation necessary?

   Yes. Metallic substrates should be degreased and cleaned from loose oxides, preferably using AEC T700. Most plastics require simple cleaning, and some may benefit from light sanding.

5. What mechanical performance can I expect?

   The cured adhesive provides tensile strength of 15 – 17 MPa, a tensile modulus of 1000 – 1200 MPa, hardness of 70 – 80 Shore D and elongation at break of 25 – 30 %.

6. How resistant is it to weathering and ageing?

   Shear strength on aluminium, steel, stainless steel and GFRP remains high after D3 weathering cycles, with cohesive or delamination failures indicating durable structural performance.

7. How should the product be stored?

   Store both adhesive and hardener in tightly closed, correctly labelled containers in a dry place between 15 °C and 25 °C. Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources.

8. What personal protective equipment is required during use?

   Use safety glasses with side shields, appropriate chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, polyethylene or polypropylene), suitable protective clothing and antistatic footwear. If ventilation is insufficient, wear a respirator with an A/P2 filter or better.

9. Is the product classified as dangerous for transport?

   Yes. It is classified as a flammable liquid under UN1133 Adhesives, class 3, packing group II for road, sea and air transport.

10. What should I do in case of accidental contact with eyes or skin?

    For eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, remove contact lenses if present and seek immediate medical attention. For skin, wash thoroughly with soap and water and remove contaminated clothing; consult a doctor in case of irritation or allergic reaction.